EICMA 2026•Yamaha Previews the Future of the Tenere Adventure Bikes With Mysterious 4 Concept
20 New Hot Wheels and Matchbox Collectibles for 2026 and 2027
I’ve successfully managed to convince my family and friends to stop buying clothes for me on special days. They’ve turned to diecast collectibles instead, and I just got a Hot Wheels 3-pack and two Silver Series models today.
I guess deciding on these can still be stressful for them though, as they’re aware how hard it can be to get the ones I don’t already own. But hey, I appreciate the gesture, and I’ll use some of them for one of my future unboxing stories (the ones that are new to me as well). Right now, I’m trying to figure out if I’m ready to buy a few more Red Line Club models, or if I should postpone it all for 2027.
Mattel’s line-up for next year certainly looks impressive, but you know how it goes: the nicer the car, the lower the chances to get it for the regular retail price. Seeing as Mr. Lambert shot this video during the 40th Annual Hot Wheels Collectors Convention in Los Angeles last month, the Datsun 240Z is already sold out on Mattel Creations. And I imagine the upcoming Dodge Challenger SRT won’t last long either.
With those two out of the day, let’s focus on the next few releases instead! The Volkswagen T1 Rockster is this year’s special, Holiday collectible. It’s almost certain it won’t be as rare as the 2023, Spectraflame Purple variation I have at home. Back then, the production limit was set at 30,000 units, while the company only made 4,000 units of the Rockster for is debut.
The 1969 Ferrari 312 P is also coming up this year, and it has lost both the Redline wheels and the special paint job in the process. I guess the team in El Segundo would have upgraded it to a Chase if the licensing agreement would have allowed for a Chrome model. The second variation of the 1995 BMW M3 LTW is no longer just a simple RLC collectible, as it will be next year’s official membership car.
The 2027 Membership Car is a BMW
It’s no wonder some people seem to think it’s worth $400. Am I the only one who instantly thinks of Japan Historics when seeing those rims? Is that theme dead in the water at this point, or do you still think it can still move forward? Anyway, it would be amazing if someone pulled some strings to use all-Spectraflame paintjobs for the five (or six) cars inside, especially seeing how exciting the next 1998 Subaru Impreza WRX STI is.
Gold really isn’t my thing, and it often annoys me when the manufacturer uses this approach to “highlight” a certain model. I realize some of you may have enjoyed the Spectraflame Slate/Red color combo we had this year, but next year’s iteration is so much more of a showpiece: I wouldn’t be surprised to bump into something like it at the SEMA Show.
I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again: the 1994 Porsche 911 Turbo 3.6 S ‘Package’ has what it takes to become of the most desirable Hot Wheels items in 2027 across the board. These days I’m happier to go after one of Zuffenhausen’ classics than drool over something that came out from Italy. It’s especially valid after having driven and experienced five different 911 Turbo generations in the past three years alone.
A Viper is coming to the Red Line Club
I’d say there’s still a good chance the First Edition will use a blue finish with white stripes, which doesn’t mean I’d take yellow or red out of the equation just yet. And of course you can get a look at the V10 engine inside, as it would have been downright ridiculous if the team in El Segundo opted for opening doors instead of an opening engine cowl. With Dwayne Vance’s Ford GT40 MKII, the plan seems to be recreating the iconic 1-2-3 finish from the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans race.
Bruce McLaren and Chris Amon’s #2 car showed up last year, while Ken Miles and Denny Hulme will get their turn in 2027. I hope we won’t have to wait until 2029 for the #5 version! As much as I like the Honda Civic Type R, the new RLC casting feels underwhelming to me for some reason: could it have something to do with it having a Chase version? It’s just so much safer going out of “hype’s” way if you know what I mean.
I often find so much more joy in the obscure models that sometimes even end up as peg-warmers just because they don’t have Liberty Walk/Pandem/RWB in the name. I have nothing against those brands, but the fatigue is real at this point. The BMW 2002 Jun Imai designed in 2012 is starting to show its age, and the Collector Edition release wasn’t that effective in bringing it back into the spotlight.
Basic and Premium models are a bonus
Drifty Seven is a new concept that’s coming for the Mainline HW Future Past series: I don’t recall ever seeing a 1957 Chevy all geared up for drifting, although the United States has had a few old school muscle cars going down that path. While Mr. Vetuskey mentioned the 1969 AMC SC/Rambler is one of his bucket list castings, something that he always wanted to do, I can’t share that same level of enthusiasm unfortunately.
All we know for now is that it’s headed for the 2027 Car Culture series, which once again makes me think Mattel might just revive the Dragstrip Demons theme at last. Brendon’s 1989 Ford Mustang LX won’t roll on Real Riders wheels, but it will be part of the Drag Racers mini-collection alongside Larry Wood’s Draguar (the new casting with an opening body).
Seeing this Mustang reminds me of our trip to Kiskunlachaza for the European Drag Racing event a few years ago: who doesn’t love a 10-second (or faster) car? As for the ZZ Top CadZZilla, don’t worry about the wheels: that’s just an intermediate stage in creating a new casting! Now, let’s see what’s up with the Matchbox Off-Road set! Right off the bat, it looks like deja-vu to me.
Matchbox is reviving one of Ryu Asada’s old castings
I’ve developed a bit of a soft spot for the Volkswagen Beetle 4×4, as I’ve unboxed two or three variations in the past few years already. It’s the oldest casting on the list, and one of the two that Ryu Asada himself designed.
I’m referring to the Baja Bullet here, which has been around since 2010, but hasn’t had a new release since 2022. It might sadly be the set’s unofficial peg-warmer, and the MBX Field Car could suffer the same fate.
At least that’s what I think will happen in my community, as I know what other fellow collectors are typically into. The 1948 Willys Jeepster and the ’70 Datsun 510 should be quite effective, though, and I might even pick one of them up for a photo shoot if the opportunity arises.
Liked the article?Follow us to see more articles from autoevolution in your Google feeds.
Hot WheelsRed Line ClubHot Wheels PorscheHot Wheels FerrarimatchboxDodge ViperVolkswagen Beetlecar culture
About the author: Dragos Chitulescu
The things Dragos enjoys the most in life are, in no particular order: cars, motorcycles, diecast cars, and drifting. He’s seen (and driven) many vehicles since he started his writing career back in 2009, but his garage currently houses a 1991 Mazda RX-7 FC3S Turbo II and a 1999 Suzuki SV650-S.
Full profile
UP NEXTThis V12-Powered Mercedes S-Class Makes the RR Ghost Look Cheap and the Phantom Affordable
