HOT WHEELS, SEJARAH SINGKAT DIE-CAST TERBAIK DI DUNIA!

Summary

The history of Hot Wheels, the world’s leading diecast toy car brand, is rich with innovation and unexpected twists. Beginning in the 1960s, co-founder Elliot Handler aimed to revolutionize toy cars by making them more exciting and dynamic. With input from professionals like Harry Bentley Bradley and aerospace engineer Jack Ryan, Hot Wheels quickly became popular for its unique designs and speed. Over the years, it expanded through creative collaborations, including with McDonald's and various video games. Despite challenges, Hot Wheels thrived with game-changing releases and clever marketing, cementing its place in toy history and car culture.

Takeaways

• 😀 Hot Wheels is the number one die-cast toy car brand in the world, with its name often mistakenly used to refer to all die-cast cars.
• 😀 The idea for Hot Wheels came from Elliot Handler, the co-founder of Barbie, who wanted to create more exciting toy cars for children.
• 😀 Hot Wheels cars were designed with unique 'hot rod' styling, making them stand out from other toy cars at the time.
• 😀 The name 'Hot Wheels' originated from a comment about the friction-generated heat from the toy car's wheels during testing.
• 😀 The first Hot Wheels models, released in 1968, included 16 cars known as 'The Sweet 16', featuring lightweight plastic tires for faster movement.
• 😀 Hot Wheels faced early challenges, including resistance from General Motors, but went on to thrive thanks to the popularity of its innovative designs.
• 😀 In 1969, designer Harry Bentley Bradley left Hot Wheels, and Ira Gilford helped develop more new designs, including the iconic 'Twin Mill.'
• 😀 In the 1980s, Hot Wheels partnered with McDonald's to include toy cars in their Happy Meals, boosting their popularity among children.
• 😀 By the 1980s, Hot Wheels started collaborating with brands like Kellogg's, releasing special edition cars in cereal boxes.
• 😀 Hot Wheels became a collector’s item in the 2000s, with dedicated conventions and special series like 'Treasure Hunt' and 'Color Changers.'
• 😀 In 1997, Hot Wheels acquired Matchbox, their main competitor, and both brands continued to innovate in the toy car market.
• 😀 Hot Wheels continues to thrive today with collaborations with popular franchises, like Fast & Furious, and focuses on high-quality, detailed models for collectors.

Q & A

What is the origin of Hot Wheels and how did it begin?

Hot Wheels was created in the 1960s by Elliot Handler, co-founder of Mattel, after observing his son playing with Matchbox cars. He thought they were too boring and wanted to create a more exciting toy car. He hired two professionals, a car designer and an aerospace engineer, to develop a new brand that would have stylish designs and could move faster.

Why did Elliot Handler choose hot rod designs for Hot Wheels?

Elliot Handler chose hot rod designs because they were stylish, eye-catching, and more exciting for kids. The flashy and modified appearance of hot rods was in line with his idea of creating a more engaging toy car for children.

How did Hot Wheels get its name?

The name 'Hot Wheels' came from a remark made by Elliot Handler when he saw the plastic tires on the prototype cars. When the tires created friction and generated heat, he commented, 'those are some hot wheels you got there,' which led to the brand name.

What role did General Motors play in Hot Wheels' early history?

General Motors was initially upset about the Hot Wheels custom Corvette car designed by Harry Bentley Bradley, fearing it might leak details of their new Corvette. However, the release of the Hot Wheels car actually increased interest in the real Corvette, benefiting General Motors.

Who took over as lead designer for Hot Wheels after Harry Bentley Bradley left?

After Harry Bentley Bradley left Hot Wheels, Ira Gilford, a former Chrysler designer, took over as the lead designer. Under his guidance, several iconic models, including the Twin Mill, were created.

What was the significance of the 'Flying Colors' series in Hot Wheels' history?

The 'Flying Colors' series, introduced in 1974, was significant because it featured Hot Wheels cars with colorful decals, a departure from the previous single-color designs. This innovation helped the brand regain popularity and laid the foundation for future success.

How did Hot Wheels collaborate with McDonald's in the 1980s?

In 1983, Hot Wheels began a collaboration with McDonald's to produce toys for Happy Meals. This partnership lasted until 1990 and helped to boost Hot Wheels' visibility among children.

What was the 'Treasure Hunt' series, and why is it important?

The 'Treasure Hunt' series, introduced in the 1990s, was a special line of limited-edition Hot Wheels cars that became highly sought after by collectors. This series played a key role in establishing Hot Wheels as a serious collectible brand.

What were some of the collaborations Hot Wheels had in the 2000s?

In the 2000s, Hot Wheels collaborated with various iconic franchises, including 'The Simpsons,' 'Fast & Furious,' 'Back to the Future,' and 'Moon I Ass.' These partnerships helped to broaden the appeal of Hot Wheels and attract both children and adult collectors.

How did Hot Wheels' fan base evolve over time?

Initially popular among children, Hot Wheels began to attract a significant adult fan base in the 1980s and 1990s. The brand supported this growing collector community by hosting events like the Hot Wheels Collector Convention and developing a dedicated website for collectors in 2001.