First Look: Hot Wheels HWC Series 13 Real Riders '83 Chevy Silverado 4x4...

Remember when we previewed the RLC 2014 Corvette Stingray?  We mentioned that the RLC was on an absolute roll.  It was a loaded comment, because as great as that Vette was, what was coming was even better.

And here we are.  Tomorrow starts the sale of what will undoubtedly be an instant sell-out, and even more so, an instant collector favorite, the '83 Chevy Silverado 4x4.

And it comes at a symbolic time.  Last week, RLC collectors FINALLY received their membership model(s), the Drag Dairy, marking an end of the mess that was the RLC in 2013 through early 2015.  Models went on sale, and were then delayed over and over and over again, while collectors wondered at what random time their credit cards would get hit.  The final delayed model was the Drag Dairy, and it is now in collectors' hands.  (Not mine, however.  Changes in my address during the delays made things a little difficult on Mattel's end, but they fixed it and my models will arrive eventually.  I hope.)

But as that chapter comes to an end, the Silverado marks the beginning of a new era with the RLC.  And that is not trying to be dramatic.  It really does.

Starting today, the HWC forum will go down for a massive upgrade, the first in a series of changes to the website.  More importantly for RLC members, the oft-delayed models and ensuing collector frustration meant that Mattel changed its policy.  Now, models don't go on sale until the entire quantity is in the warehouse ready to ship.  That means collectors order their models, their card gets charged, and the model is shipped.  Those that order the Silverado should all have them by early next week.

And of course, that is how it should be.  With all that resolved, we can move forward to the most important part of this new era.  We can focus on just how damn nice these upcoming models are.  Today is the Silverado, which is as nice as any RLC model in my collection.  Soon after we see an amazing array of models coming, from the Candy Striper Gasser to the Shelby Toyota 2000GT to the Gulf '67 Camaro and Porsche 993.  Collectors from all walks have never been better represented than they are now.

So that disaster that was the RLC moves into the past, and what it is becoming comes front and center.

And it starts with this Silverado, which epitomizes the direction.  It has the showmanship of the RLC, popping in spectraflame brown.  But even with the signature Hot Wheels paint, the deco is stock.  (That means it is best opened, but that is a post for another time.)

This is the second time the Silverado has been an RLC exclusive, but first as a 4x4.  The lowered version, which debuted as a Modern Classic and has been in almost every lineup since, appeared a few years ago in green.  This is only the third 4x4 version, next to the Off-Road racing version from 3-4 years ago, and the just-released Retro Entertainment version.  The Retro Entertainment model is also straight stock, making it a perfect companion to this one.

You don't have to be a truck guy to love this one.  I certainly would not consider myself a truck guy, but who doesn't love a vintage pickup that looks this good?

There isn't much more to say.  Buy two, and do yourself a favor and open one.  It is completely worth it.  It's a doozy...

Hot Wheels '83 Chevy Silverado 4x4 (HWC Series Thirteen Real Riders):

The Best of the RLC: Custom '66 GTO Wagon...

There is a lot to come on the Lamley Blog this summer.  Among the First Looks and other features, we will continue our series on Matchbox models of that last great era, as well as start a new series on many of the best models to come from the RLC.

That means more previews of upcoming RLC models, as well as a look at some from the past, that may or may not still be available in the HWC store.  It should be fun.

So let's do a little preview, and showcase one of my favorite RLC models, the Custom '66 GTO Wagon.

There is a lot to like here.  Obviously it starts with the casting.  The stance, width, and length are spot on, and it even sports a very Matchbox-esque dog in the back.  But what really makes this model great is what Mattel did and didn't do to it.  No crazy deco, one very unique spectraflame color, and an awesome set of steelies to ride around on.  It is beautiful.

Most importantly, it is a wagon.  Wagons bring joy.

We will save our opinions on the RLC line for a later post, but for now, enjoy some total eye candy.  Wagons rule.

(Find the GTO Wagon on eBay...)

Hot Wheels Custom '66 GTO Wagon:

The two separate numbered runs of the RLC Convoy Custom: Which would you rather have?

Late last week another package arrived from Mattel.  The word was out that those who did had ordered the Neo Convoy Custom who knows how many months and did not receive theirs in the first batch were now getting them.  That included me.

Well, the package arrived, and yes, it was the Convoy Custom.  I had acquired another earlier, and of course I was going to look for any differences.  From a paint and deco standpoint, there were none.

But there was one significant difference.  The model I just received was numbered 16/400 and the one I already had was numbered 289/4500.

The explanation is probably pretty simple.  As has been well documented, one of the reasons the RLC models were delayed so long was because of the issues that arose with production.  The models didn't meet Mattel's standards so in many cases they were redone.  That also meant that partial batches were approved, and in what might be the case here, the models that were done were sent out.

That meant that others had to wait.  And that also meant that Mattel must have renumbered the new batch.  Why, I have no idea, but that seems to be what happened.

So, knowing that there is a batch of 4500 and a batch of 400, and the model appears to look exactly the same, which would you rather have?

For me, it doesn't matter.  Getting #16 was kind of cool so I kept that carded, and opened the other, but that was only because I had two.  If #16 was all I had, I would have opened that one without a second thought.

Others love the numbers, so we would be interested to know if one is more desirable than the other.  Let us know.

Maybe eBay will tell us, if in fact sellers specify the batch they have (A #2/400 is currently listed).

One way or the other, it is the model that really matters, so here it is, in all its DLM'd glory.  Enjoy...


Hot Wheels Convoy Custom (RLC Neo-Classics):

First Look: Hot Wheels RLC '68 COPO Camaro...

An RLC Camaro is not a surprise.  It is not uncommon either.  But it is always welcome.

We have touted the RLC a lot this year, especially with these previews we have been able to do the last few weeks.  And the main reason we wanted to do these previews was because of how the RLC has rebounded in a big way after the debacle that was the Redline Club the last year.  Models are no longer offered until they can all be shipped immediately, quality control is a lot better, and the variety of models has never been better.

If I am honest, the RLC did not really grab my attention until a couple of years ago, and I have been collecting for awhile now.  There were always a few models that interested me, but I figured I could go to eBay if I really wanted them.  But at some point a couple of years ago I thought it prudent to join, and I am so glad I did.  Soon afterwards the models being offered were tremendously appealing. It wasn't all about Hot Rods and American Muscle anymore.  JDM joined the mix, the Gulf Racing livery took on a big role, and the designs were off the charts.  And with the BRE 240Z that was sold, the Shelby Toyota 2000GT, Gulf Porsche 993 and '67 Camaro, Candy Striper Gasser, and 4x4 Silverado on their way, we are in the middle of spectacular run.

And here is the interesting thing about these new RLC models.  They are making me appreciate the older models I ignored when they were available.  That is why I am working on acquiring some older models to showcase here on Lamley.

With that newfound appreciation, I am really excited about tomorrow's RLC offering, the '68 COPO Camaro.  It is a Camaro, it sits on Real Riders with redlines, and it has a Hot Wheels Racing livery.  It is as traditional an RLC model as there is.  And it is a must have.

This is another model with great card art, but even with that must be opened to be totally appreciated.  The paint, especially the blue, silky smooth and beautiful.  I had to be careful when I was taking pics to not show up reflected in the paint.  And another reason to open the model?  The hood opens, like the membership models from a couple of years ago.

As I looked at the slate of RLC models earlier this year, the Camaro was a bit overlooked.  Not anymore...

The RLC '68 COPO Camaro will be to all RLC members tomorrow at 9AM Pacific Time, and is limited to 4000.

Good luck...


Hot Wheels '68 COPO Camaro (2015 RLC Exclusive):