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Question
QUESTION: is there an easy system for identifying LOOSE Hot Wheels?
I have many that I can't identify the make of the car and I have discovered that the year on the base dosen't tell me when it was released either. I don't get it. There must be some system right? Besides looking at thousands of pictures
ANSWER: Sorry, but no. There is no system. You either know about when they were released, ask someone who knows, or look through thousands of photos. If you don't know the name of the car, that's what you have to do.
Mike
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: OK how about this, I found a wheel chart that helps some. Do you know of any chart or system that might apply to the base? For instance: shiny one era, painted began or finished on a certain year, Malaysia this, Hong Kong that, or any other ear marks on the base that would narrow it down for me?
Hong Kong would be early stuff up to 1982 or 83.
The wheels would help too. Ultra Hots would be from 1985 to 1994 or so.... Yeah, I'm sure you could figure it out by base and wheels. Just think, by the time you do, you will have become a pretty good expert yourself.
Mike
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| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 7 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 8 |
| Comment | This is a great service. I've used it many times for various things, and I always come away with something. Thanks for the help Mike. | ||
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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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