Throughout my lifelong passion for collecting Hot Wheels, I’ve discovered that this hobby runs far deeper than it may seem at first glance. Forget about the premium Car Culture models you might find at your local Target—if the scalpers haven’t snatched them up first. Mattel offers rare, online-only Hot Wheels that boast superior quality and are released in limited quantities. While many of these exclusive models haven’t really captured my attention, the upcoming release—a GMC Typhoon—is precisely what I’ve been waiting for.
Perhaps it’s the alluring photography, the subtle shine of the paint, the stylish wheels, or the fact that all printed graphics appear accurately placed and aligned. When Hot Wheels has often set a low standard for quality, this Typhoon manages to stand out remarkably. The hood even opens, revealing a surprisingly detailed engine compartment.
However, there’s a catch: to purchase this model or any others exclusive to the RLC Members Only series, you must be a member of Hot Wheels’ Red Line Club. Fortunately, the annual membership fee is only $10, making the price of this $25 (plus shipping) 1:64-scale replica of GMC’s iconic performance SUV higher than it might seem at first glance.
Luckily, the Mattel Creations site features various small cars that are available for anyone to buy, including this Elite 64 Porsche 928 Safari, which is not only impressive but also currently in stock and comes $5 cheaper. Someone should snag it before I do because I really don’t need any more Hot Wheels in my life. My apartment is cramped, and my shelves are already overflowing. For those experiencing true FOMO, there’s also a Midnight Purple Nissan Skyline GT-R R34 mounted on little TE37 wheels that is no longer available for order.
Despite that, I find myself continually drawn to the Typhoon. It’s likely because it’s an addition I currently lack in my collection, which predominantly features exotics, JDM, rally, and race cars from the 1980s and 1990s. Interestingly, I spotted a Typhoon on my way home from a hill climb event on Sunday—no kidding. Perhaps the universe is sending me a signal. The little GMC is set to be available for purchase at 12 p.m. Eastern today, so anyone wanting one will need to act swiftly.
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