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Collectibles--Toys/Late 1960's Hot Wheels Cars & Accessories

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Expert: - 10/28/2008


Question
I posted a question in this forum a few weeks ago (my first experience here0 and wanted to say thank you for a prompt & imformative answer.
Now on to my questions. I've been researching some of the Hot Wheels cars I had as a kid in the 60's (and still have) and have found that the "promotional cars" you had to send away for are almost always identified as the chrome "Boss Hoss Mustang", the "King Kuda" and the "Heavy Chevy". However, as I was going through my old collection last night, I found I also have the "TNTiBird" and the "Light My Firebird" Were these not as common? Same factory decals and such as the other 3 models. Also, I found I have the Red Plymouth Duster Tom McKewen "Mongoose" funny car that was offered also complete with origingal stickers. I seem to recall there were two of these offered. A red one and a yellow one. They were copies of two funny cars racing at that time. Anyway, could you provide a little input on these and a possible value?
thanks
Randy


Answer
Randy,
The 3 chrome cars were the only club cars. The other 2 that you mention "TNT-Bird" and the "Light My Firebird" were regular releases that were found in the stores. Those were the "Spoilers Series" from 1970 -71.
The Funny Cars were the red "Mongoose" and the yellow "Snake". They came packaged by themselves and in were also gound in the "Snake & Mongoose Drag Set".
As far as prices, it all depends on condition. Every little chip and wear mark take value away.
If they were all in mint condition (perfect) you would have about $400 to $500 in value there to the right collector.
Hope that answers your question.
Mike

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Michael Zarnock

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I am able to answer questions about Hot Wheels toy cars and accessories.

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Michael Zarnock is an American author and columnist, who writes collector guides and articles about Hot Wheels toy cars and accessories. Michael's knowledge and his massive Hot Wheels collection has earned him notoriety around the world. Whether it be because of the 11 books and countless magazine articles that he has written about Hot Wheels toys or the sheer size and diversity of his collection, this extensive knowledge has earned him the label,
"One of the worlds leading Hot Wheels authorities."
For more information visit: www.MikeZarnock.com

Publications
Bibliography:
2011-Present - "Die Cast X Magazine" (Hot Wheels Highway Section)
2009-2010 - "The Car Room Magazine" (Hot Wheels Column)
2008-2009 - "Die Cast X Magazine" (Hot Wheels Column)
2002 to 2008 - "Toy Cars & Models Magazine" (Hot Wheels Column & Variation Price Guide)
2002 - "The Ultimate Guide to Hot Wheels Variations"
2002 - *"The Standard Catalog of Die-Cast Vehicles II"
2003 - "Warman's Hot Wheels Field Guide"
2004 - "Hot Wheels Variations, The Ultimate Guide, 2nd Edition"
2004 - *"Toys & Prices - 11th Edition"
2005 - "Hot Wheels Accessories, The Ultimate Guide"
2005 - *"Toys & Prices - 12th Edition"
2005 - *"The Standard Catalog of Die-Cast Vehicles III"
2006 - "Hot Wheels: A Warman's Companion Guide"
2006 - *"Toys & Prices - 13th Edition"
2007 - "Hot Wheels Variations, The Ultimate Guide 3rd Edition"
2007 - *"Toys & Prices - 14th Edition"
2007 - "Warman's Hot Wheels Field Guide 2nd Edition"
2008 - *"Toys & Prices - 15th Edition"
2009 - *"Toys & Prices - 16th Edition"
2009 - "Hot Wheels: A Warman's Companion Guide 2nd Edition"
2009 - "Once Upon A Street Race" (Based on the true story of the time Mike got kidnapped at a street race!)
2010 - "Hot Wheels Variations, The Ultimate Guide 4th Edition"
2010 - "Warman's Hot Wheels Field Guide 3rd Edition"
2011 - "Hot Wheels Prototypes" (Bruce Pascal & Michael Zarnock)
* - Denotes Hot Wheels Collector Number chapters on that publication.

Education/Credentials
There are no Educational Credentials needed for this area, just the need to be obsessed!

Awards and Honors
Michael is a 2 Time Guinness World Record holder! First in 2003 and then again in 2007! He is in the record books for owning the "Largest collection of different model cars". He is featured in the 2008 "Ripley's Believe It Or Not!" book #5 “Prepare To Be Shocked!” And the 2011 "Ripley's Believe It Or Not!" book "Utterly Crazy!" February 2009 Michael was inducted into the "Diecast Hall Of Fame" and later that year Mattel Hot Wheels® honored Michael by reproducing his old Altered Roadster Race Car as part of their Nostalgic "Drag Strip Demons®" Series!

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