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Take a look at this hilariously intricate Hot Wheels creation. It embodies all the colorful stereotypes of a car that’s been cared for on a budget reminiscent of “grandma sends me $20 each birthday.” The design resembles the initial vehicles seen in street racing video games, or the first cars that my friends and I owned when we thought street racing was the ultimate thrill.
In a twist of irony, my grandma’s yearly birthday card wouldn’t come close to covering the cost of this model. This collectible will retail for $30 when it launches on August 30. That’s quite an investment for a Hot Wheels item, but it’s evident that significant effort went into crafting this wonderfully abysmal design.
Another aspect of the pricing stems from the collaboration between Hot Wheels and MSCHF, titled “Not Wheels.” MSCHF is characterized as “an art and media company recognized for producing viral and provocative products that capture media attention and spark public discussion.” Upon visiting their website, you’re greeted with an overload of chaotic visuals that echo the spirit of this model car. They deliberately cultivate an impression of being messy and uncool, which somehow circles back to being cool again—a true representation of hyper-meta, ultra-modern vibes.
In 2024, it’s difficult to discern whether MSCHF is a bona fide company, a humorous duo, or simply an advertising agency aiming to connect with the Gen Z culture. The line between their marketable products and their jokes often blurs. I might be a tad too old-fashioned to grasp much of their humor, yet I find the Not Wheels toy amusing.
The details are exquisite: uneven body panels and wheels, shoddy Bondo repairs, cracked glass, and incomplete stripes. However, the piece truly shines in the minutiae: parking tickets, lace securing the bumper with zip ties… and can we talk about the un-retracted seat belt dangling out of the door? Incredible! It’s like a masterpiece—actually, it’s positively *derelicte*. I bet the overlap between those who buy MSCHF products and those familiar with a Zoolander reference is quite thin.
You’ll have the chance to purchase this amusing piece of cultural commentary starting at 11 a.m. Pacific time on Friday, August 30. While it’s uncertain how many units will be available, I predict we’ll see some hitting eBay for around $100 shortly after launch. So, if you’re interested, it’s wise to visit the site this week. One item in the listing stood out to me: “Includes only three wheels so CAR DOES NOT ROLL.”
Additionally, the “I am HOT WHEEL” bumper sticker resonates with me. I’m tempted to create a larger version for my Civic.
I’m considering purchasing one of these quirky toys for myself. However, I also committed to buying one of my friend Pawinn’s titanium oil caps, which might stretch my budget for extravagant items this month. Thankfully, the end of the month is approaching! Collecting these trinkets is essential; after all, the wheels of capitalism need to keep turning.
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