The latest iteration of Hot Wheels‘ ever-popular Datsun 510 Bluebird is going to be metallic gray. It has the same graphics as the red one that came out late last year, but racier wheels. It’s still part of the “Faster than Ever” line with nickel-plated axles and should be on the shelves in mid-February.
We recently got some details on what’s coming down the pike from Mattel in terms of Japanese nostalgic cars, and although we can’t share anything with you yet… let’s just say you guys are going to lose your collective poo. There’s some surprising non-Japanese, non-muscle vintage goodness as well, like the BMW 2002. The Bimmer is new for 2012, which means that once again, the Datsun has beaten its old rival to the punch.
i’m waiting for the CRX i saw listed… 😀
Just scored a few more KenMeri’s on Friday.
(Still searching for the Hako and Rx7).
The 2002 looks great.
still looking for an RX7 that isn’t on eBay for $5 + shipping.
seems there are some “collectors” in my area stripping the shelves at the local stores of all the JNC, and i won’t be surprised if some of the ones showing up at inflated prices online are from my neighborhood.
Just be patient…the RX7 just came out in one of the current cases. If you wait, you’ll find them more readily available when newer cases come out and the hoarders have already moved on to newer cars. I will now usually wait for the markets or discount stores to get the “old” cases, or wait for a sale (got some Kenmeris and 510s for 59 cents at Walgreens right before Christmas).
I sort of got lucky this week, when I stopped by a Walmart. I found a Holiday Rod 240Z marked down to 90 cents, and wasn’t able to find any during the holidays. Unfortunately, the card was beatened to death and worthless to my “collector” side in me. However, I didn’t care because I like the car and the fact that you’ll have to pay $4 and up on Fleabay for one.
I scored an RX-7 on Saturday. Sweet! Now I have to get one of these 510s to add to my 510 collection.
I am so grateful to hotwheels for doing this, but I have one little nit to pick. The graphics. Why do they all have to look like race cars? I love the flares and what-not, but my most favorite car in my collection is the kenmeri skyline because it so clean! Even the RX7 (and I drive a real one) will be somewhat diminished in my eyes because of all the hoopla on the outside.
But still… Thank you Hot wheels!
Admit it- when you were a kid the solid colored cars were boring! 😛
I agree though. I’m not crazy about this paint scheme and will not buy a 2002 until it’s painted in something a little more, well, German. I’ll buy one of these though just to complete the NIB collection.
Also, Jun, is there any chance of re-releasing the second gen MR2? I’ve still got the “Midnite Racers” rally car from my childhood.
Tyler, you hit the nail on the head regarding the graphics. They appeal to kids, and plain cars look just that- plain. Collectors and car fans make up a large part of our customer base though, so we try to keep everyone happy. I love our Kenmeri Skyline, but compared to the other offerings we have, I wish we did a subtle race treatment to make it stand out at the pegs. These days, I work closer with our graphics team so we can forecast more authentic graphics and wheel choices for our beloved nostalgics, but sometimes they need to do what they have to do in order to make it fit the particular segment the car is running in.
I love me some MR2’s. I’m a sucker for a clean 1st Gen!
All of you nostalgic car fans have been instrumental in the success of these cars in our product lines. Keep those ideas coming, we are all watching 😉
Well, Jun, I’m sure the bosozoku can supply you with some graphcis inspiration that kids would love 😉
http://japanesenostalgiccar.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/jccs2009_nissan_skyline_kgc110_kenmeri_rb_01.jpg
Can’t wait to see what you guys come up with next!
Jun, any chance you can send me an email address to put some ideas across to you guys. You seem like the only guys who will ever listen to what collectors are after. Most other companies are looking at profit over want.
If you don’t like graphics … try some brake fluid and a Q-tip, and rub gently. Of course it’s not MIP anymore, but it’s a compromise. Also, acetone releases a blistercard glue bond without destroying the cardboard.
I recently scored the RX-7 and a KenMary at my local Wal-Mart which usually has jack squat for cool Hot-Wheels.
Found the Treasure Hunt 240z at the Wal-Greens near my old house a few weeks ago.
Can’t wait for the new Japanese nostalgic cars to come out!!!
I picked up a 260z 2+2 Matchbox that looks like my car a while back with no intention of collecting anything else. However, I saw the Hakosuka and Kenmeri and the next thing I knew I had 70 cars on my desk. I have mostly Zs and Skylines, but with the RX-7 and other cool JNC cars coming out, I think I’m going to need a bigger desk.
I managed to pick up the black RX7 in a Tesco supermarket. Must keep my eyes peeled for these new jnc’s!
Thanks for the tip on the new version … anyone who visits my diecast table at JCCS will see a virtual rainbow of 510s this year.
jk
When will the BRAT be out? Need more Subies! 🙂