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Collectibles--Toys/question about international Hot Wheels

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Expert: - 3/14/2009


Question
QUESTION: Hi Mike,

I have four different Hot Wheels from 1995 or 1996.  They are the Oshkosh Cement Mixer in yellow and black but the card says Mighty Rig and it has 7sp wheels, the Street Roader in white with blue and pink tampo, the Splittin' Image II, dark met. purple with pink uh wheels, pink canopy, engine, and headlights and chrome exhaust pipes, and the Twin Mill II, dark navy blue enamel, with white and orange stripes, orange windshield, chrome engines, gray plastic base, and basic wheels.  None of these have collector numbers on the card, and have this in the upper left corner in four different languages, the first being english, For children over 3.  Two of the other three languages appear to be spanish and french, the other I'm not sure of.  Are these international release cars?  And, what are their value?  I bought these at the local Walmart back in about 1996.  If indeed they were meant for release in another country, they must have gotten mixed with the US release Hot Wheels.  Thanks for your time.  Sincerely, fellow collector,
Micah Guenther

ANSWER: Hi Micah,
What you have there are International Cards. Ones that got released in the US at either Wal*Mart or Toys R Us. Or, someone brought them back from Canada.
There was a time when both those stores had those cards here in the US. Both those stores at the time were the largest purchaser of Hot Wheels and had stores in other countries. For some reason, the International cards kept getting into the US stores....
Hope that helps.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Yes, that does help.  So, as far as value, are they valued at about the same as the US release cars?

Answer
No, they do not have the same value as US carded cars. What actually makes the value with the US cards are the "Collector Number" and not the car that is inside it. That is why it is so important to always keep packaging....
If you have any of my Ultimate Variation Guide books, there is a part in there explaining this. There have been a few International cars that were found in the US Collector Number package and they are very rare and sought after.

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Michael Zarnock

Expertise

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

Experience

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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