Just Unveiled: Hot Wheels Collectors Convention Datsun 510 Wagon Exclusive...

This isn't exactly a secret anymore.  Images of the Datsun started leaking a few weeks ago, but we didn't report it due to a special request made.  But now that the Datsun has officially been unveiled, we are excited to show it here.

If anyone needed anymore incentive to attend the convention, there it is.  The Datsun Wagon has become the most unlikely of signature Hot Wheels models, but there is not arguing that anymore.  Five years ago, you would have been laughed out of the room if you predicted that a Japanese grocery getter with no horsepower from the 70's would be as popular as the Drag Bus and '67 Camaro, but it has happened.

And with that popularity, the ceiling has been broken.  There is a Japanese Convention exclusive.  Happy day.

And it is appropriate that it will be debut in JDM-rich Los Angeles.  Tickets always sell out, but this black beauty probably will make it happen that much faster.

More models will probably be unveiled soon.  I would suggest following the Convention Facebook page if you haven't already.

So who is going?  Let us know, and I will see you there...

(Photos by Collectors Events Unlimited)

Last Look: 2015 Hot Wheels Nationals Convention Cars...

Our journey through the Hot Wheels Nationals Convention models comes to close today...

It was quite a batch of Convention models this year, from the surprisingly cool Turbine Time, to the wonderfully done Greenwood Vette and Charger Funny Car.

Those were the surprises.  But there were three we already knew about, and they looked even better in person than they did in the preview photos.  The Drag Dairy, '67 Ford Bronco, and especially the Mustang Boss 302 were all stunners.

And yeah, we realize that these models were only available at the event, and now only available via ebay and other secondary markets.  But we are showing them because they may entice you to try and attend the next convention (this fall, in LA).  Or maybe because we like to show models in the Lamley collection, and these three are sure additions.

Ultimately, these are models that need to be photographed and shown, just because they are so good looking.  They represent Hot Wheels at its best.  So here they are...


Hot Wheels Nationals Convention Models:

'69 Ford Mustang Boss 302

Drag Dairy

1967 Ford Bronco

First Look: Hot Wheels 2015 Nationals '76 Greenwood Corvette Finale Exclusive...

You have to love Instagram and Facebook.

On the final night of the Hot Wheels Collectors Nationals Convention in Lexington, Kentucky, collectors lined up to attend the Mattel presentation, and to grab their Finale Exclusive Model.  The doors opened, and as the collectors streamed in, one each of the Finale Model was handed to each attendee.

Within seconds, phones were out, photos were shot, and posts were made all over social media.  The Finale Exclusive was the Greenwood Corvette.  I wasn't there.  I was back working on some things, and I showed up later right before the presentation.  But how did I know the word was out on the Greenwood?

Because many friends, and many Lamley readers, saw the posts, and messaged me to ask how stoked I was.  Obviously we have made it very clear that the Greenwood Vette is one of my favorite Hot Wheels castings ever, because we heard from a lot of you.  If anything, it is nice to know that many of you actually read my long-winded diatribes here at Lamley.

So was I stoked about the Greenwood Finale Car?  Hell yes I was!  I will never tire of the outlandish 70's racing Vette, and hope to see it somewhere every year.  Whether it is in the basic range, or as a Convention Car, I will make sure to get one.  (By the way, look for the Greenwood to show up somewhere else this year, so that will make two.)

So yes, the Greenwood could be vomit-orange with a My Little Pony motif, and I would still add it to the collection.  But thankfully I don't have to do that.  This one is a beaut.  The use of Hot Wheels racing track in the design is brilliant, and its swirling lines complement the curves of the Greenwood.  It is such a great choice .

And fits in nicely with what turned out to be a great crop of Convention models, most notably the Turbine Time, which more and more collectors are learning to appreciate, and subsequently pursue on eBay.  We still have three to showcase, and that will happen later this week.

Incidentally, do you know what happens to the Finale models are aren't handed out?  They are not saved for a future HWC sale, nor are they stored for a future giveaway.  They are taken back and completely stripped, making sure that only the attendees at the event get the model.  Cool deal.

Of course that doesn't mean you can't get them on the secondary market.  You most certainly can.  And if you do, you won't be disappointed...


Hot Wheels '76 Greenwood Corvette (2015 Nationals Finale Exclusive):