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Collectibles--Toys/Questions Answered by Expert Michael Zarnock
| Subject | Date Asked |
| t-hunt-super t hunt | 2/5/2012 |
| Q: Could you please explain the difference in the 2012 muscle mania, treasure hunt,and the super ... A: There are no more "Labeled" Super Treasure Hunts. To find a "Super", you need to be a true Variation ... | |
| Trying to id '93 Hot Wheel | 12/8/2011 |
| Q: I recently purchased a collection of Hot Wheels. I've looked through your Variations books, but I ... A: What you have is a McDonalds Happy Meal toy.... worth about .50 cents. As for my Variations Guide, ... | |
| old metal toy jeep | 11/19/2011 |
| Q: i recently acquired this old toy anti-aircraft jeep. it is battery operated and its marked trademark ... A: I'm not much up on this type of toy car, but here are a couple that I found. Hope it helps. Mike ... | |
| hot wheels australian pace car pic | 11/7/2011 |
| Q: "Hi I am Justin, I have the same question as shane did with regard to value in this thread " ... A: Justin, My friend from Australia sent me the one from 2001.... I will send him the photo and see ... | |
| 2001 Monster Jam | 9/17/2011 |
| Q: I would like to know the value of Hot Wheels Special Collector's Book and Wild Thang and Avenger in ... A: The items that you are asking about are not in great demand and are not hard to find on the ... | |
| Need Info On Collectibles Hotwheels | 7/2/2011 |
| Q: We are planning to go to New York on the 6th of July. With this, we would like to request for your ... A: .... I do not live in New York City and never go there.... I live in the center of the state and ... | |
| Vintage die-cast toy car | 6/11/2011 |
| Q: The blue die-cast car shown in my pictures has incomplete lettering on the underside. From what I ... A: Mattel did start their diecast car line with Hot Wheels.... This is not a Mattel product.... It is ... | |
| Russian toy cars | 6/8/2011 |
| Q: My name is Heather and I have just recently came across come toy cars. One of them says Russo-Balt ... A: Heather, Your best bet is to list them on ebay. Give as much description as you possibly can. I ... | |
| tin lizzie restoration | 5/15/2011 |
| Q: Where can I find 16 inch wheels with 12 spokes? I want to join a club, too, if possible...Thanks! A: As I have stated a few other times, I have no information on these cars at all. Try here for parts ... | |
| Aurora HO scale race set | 3/29/2011 |
| Q: I have a old Aurora race set, featuring a Jag and, corvett on the box, as well as a "father and son" ... A: I have looked at many places but have not been able to get an accurate price on your set. I even ... | |
| Best way too clean up cars | 3/8/2011 |
| Q: With out hurting the finish or what's left of such. Not trying to restore but, just to get the ... A: Eddie, Take a soft toothbrush and warm soapy water and you can clean them. If they have paper ... | |
| Quality Control | 3/3/2011 |
| Q: Just found the new white BMW 2011. At first glance I thought the driver was lucky enough to have a ... A: By not being trimmed, do you mean that it is not cut out? Some steering wheels are just a round ... | |
| Mystery Cars | 2/14/2011 |
| Q: Opened a couple of Mystery Cars, found this one "Bon Voyage" blue and has a clesr red sail. Can you ... A: The "Bon Voyage" has indeed been a Mainline car in 2006. As for my books, you can get them ... | |
| Just need a little help.... | 1/31/2011 |
| Q: Just to start-1)The cars I'm attempting to sell belong to a former collector that said I could keep ... A: The numbers you are looking at are the sku numbers and have nothing to do with the way they are ... | |
| hot wheels collection | 1/19/2011 |
| Q: I have a large assortment of hotwheels back from the mid to late 70's and into early 80's. Is there ... A: I'm sorry, I didn't see this earlier.... My books don't cover the earlier cars in as much detail as ... | |
| hot wheels collection | 1/19/2011 |
| Q: I have a large assortment of hotwheels back from the mid to late 70's and into early 80's. Is there ... A: Yes, there are a few Hot Wheels Guides out there. Stop into your local bookstore or search ... | |
| Hotbirds | 1/3/2011 |
| Q: I have a collection of Hot Wheels' Hotbirds metal airplanes (at least one of each plane released) ... A: Hot Birds are very collectible. Get yourself a copy of "The Ultimate Redline Guide" by Clark & ... | |
| die cast ford thunderbolt | 12/30/2010 |
| Q: 18 scale 1964 ford thunderbolt in white by a good manufacture with excellent detail. I see lots on ... A: RC2 made one as part of the "Precision 100" Series. Still available on the secondary market for ... | |
| slot cars | 12/27/2010 |
| Q: I would like to buy a slot car set for my grandkids (and me!) and I would like 4 lanes. What about ... A: There are a lot of new way cool slot car sets out there and you can spend a lot of money! Depending ... | |
| miniture cars | 12/4/2010 |
| Q: i have two cars,i do not know much about them, the first one is a coupe i think it has 1931 on the ... A: Things like this don't fall within my realm of expertise. Your best bet is to find someone who ... | |
| diecast cars | 11/8/2010 |
| Q: My goodness! I am trying to find out about a diecast car in my possession that I seem to NOT be ... A: Yes, I got the photo and was doing a little research on it. There is really nothing special about ... | |
| Super Charger not working | 9/9/2010 |
| Q: Just wondering if you might know how to take apart the super charger from 1968 the single one with ... A: I have never done one before.... But I'm sure if it is riveted, just drill them out and then use a ... | |
| 56" Dodge Panel Delivery Van | 8/29/2010 |
| Q: My dad has owned a 1956 Dodge Delivery panel van for the last 13 years, it use to belong to my ex's ... A: Bobbie, There were no 1956 Dodge Panels done, but there is a 1957 which is pretty close. The man you ... | |
| 2010 ? Garage Series | 8/28/2010 |
| Q: Hey Mike, Found a couple of initialed, signed cars. One a Black 70 Chevelle SS(Phils-int POR) ... A: Eddie, Send me a photo to -> MikeZarnock@aol.com Where do you live, US or Canada? The initialed ... | |
| Hot Wheels | 8/25/2010 |
| Q: With all the T.H's & Super T.H's, in your opinion what will be the next hot main line car? For ... A: I wish I knew Eddie.... If I did, I would be buying them all up. Ya never know what the next casting ... | |
| tin lizzie parts | 7/22/2010 |
| Q: I have a tin lizzie made approx. 1962 and I am restoring it. Do you know where to find parts for ... A: I get this question a lot and it seems like there are a lot of people putting these cars back ... | |
| Reader's Digest toy cars? | 7/12/2010 |
| Q: I stumbled upon this website, and I saw another post on here about these cars, but didnt see any ... A: The Readers Digest cars which would be the two early plastic models at the left in your photo have ... | |
| Odd Error Car | 7/11/2010 |
| Q: Hey. I have the 2010 HW Hot Rods Straight Pipes car. It's an odd error car, for, though its name is ... A: Ferret, There are a few cars that get by the quality control people here and there. It's just an ... | |
| hot wheels 271 and 277 | 7/8/2010 |
| Q: hot wheels 271 and 277 are very close in looks. the only difference is the price the 271 funny car ... A: No.... there is no difference. The same car was released in many different packaging. The car that ... | |
| 2010 COLLECTOR NUMBERS | 7/5/2010 |
| Q: here is a question that i hope you can answer.I have reg t-hunts Camaro and super t-hunts camaro, ... A: Good question. The short cards are International Cards and are not numbered the same as the US Long ... | |
| hot wheels buttons | 5/17/2010 |
| Q: I'm trying to put together a full set of buttons,how many different ones were produced,and were ... A: Rick, Are you collecting both metal and plastic buttons? As far as I know there was one button for ... | |
| 65 mercury comet | 5/12/2010 |
| Q: Would you know if there was a model made of a 1965 mercury comet ? Have not been able to locate one ... A: There was never a plastic model kit done of the 1965 Mercury Comet. There has been a resin kit done ... | |
| Hot Wheels cars with pencil sharpeners by RoseArt | 5/7/2010 |
| Q: I have several 'Hot Wheels pencil sharpeners with removable diecast cars' made by RoseArt #?# in ... A: All the numbers were the same and they had a few different cars. They were not listed on the cards ... | |
| zowees | 4/30/2010 |
| Q: I have got a question that has been asked before, but I can't seem to find a correct answer. I know ... A: Great question James. The ones in the back are lets say "Rip Offs" in design. I remember them being ... | |
| Brightvision Beach Bomb | 4/28/2010 |
| Q: I have been seeing a lot of examples of the Volkswagon Brightvision (BV) Hot Wheels on the internet, ... A: The Bright Vision Beach Bomb is not an original Redline. It was a reproduction casting that was sold ... | |
| Hot Wheels Identification | 4/12/2010 |
| Q: I need information about this Hot Wheels item. Is it a transporter, or maybe carrying case (with the ... A: The hauler that you have is from 1987. It's called "CarGo Carrier". The product number is #1673 and ... | |
| Hot Wheels Carry Case | 1/20/2010 |
| Q: I am having trouble finding a good carry case to store my Red Lines. The currently-available new ... A: Karel, I don't store my Redlines in any cases. If I transport them, I use a case with foam in it. If ... | |
| Selling Hotwheel cars | 1/17/2010 |
| Q: when my son as a baby i started buying him hotwheel cars to play with, he is now 16 years old and I ... A: I get this question all the time.... I myself do not buy complete collections only because I don't ... | |
| Hot Wheels Classic Cord | 1/13/2010 |
| Q: I am confused because I have an original redline Hot Wheels car that is red in color, and on the ... A: Karel, The dates on the bottom of the cars are not the date that the car was released. The date ... | |
| Vintage Collection | 12/26/2009 |
| Q: I just bought your variations book for my son - great book! I do have a collection of blister ... A: Kim, The Vintage and the 25th Anniversary cars are listed in my book "Hot Wheels Accessories, The ... | |
| Last Forever | 12/24/2009 |
| Q: How do I keep somethings to last forever? Is there something that apply to all? A: Your best bet is to keep things in their natural state. Don't let any chemicals get on the paint and ... | |
| Hiway Hauler | 12/19/2009 |
| Q: i have been trying to get an answer from Lee's Toy Review on the color variation of the 2009 Hiway ... A: What you have there is a Wal*Mart Exclusive from the middle of 2009. Wal*Mart had a few different ... | |
| hotwheels mystery | 12/18/2009 |
| Q: how do you know whats inside a hotwheels mystery car without opening it someone told me thers a way A: There is no way of telling what was in the Mystery Car Packages. There were rumors that Mattel was ... | |
| odd or not | 12/11/2009 |
| Q: I brought a 69 cougar eliminator hot wheel 2009. I notice after I brought it the plastic was a ... A: I am guessing that you found this Redline Cougar at Wal*Mart.... What you have there are the very ... | |
| 2009 Hot Wheels Error | 12/9/2009 |
| Q: I was wondering what you could tell me about a variation I found thats not in any of your guides. ... A: My guides do not include the 2009 cars yet. Actually the newest one that will be released in April ... | |
| alpine mountain sto&go | 12/3/2009 |
| Q: are there more than one variation of the alpine mountain sto&go set? I have one that isnt quite ... A: Duane, There are a couple different variations to that set and yes, that is one of the hardest sets ... | |
| K-Mart 20 Car Heavy Chevy form | 12/2/2009 |
| Q: I have tried to find a form to send in for the 20 car Chevy deal and have had no luck. Any ... A: Eddie, The Kmart form is from Kmart.... If they don't have any more, try asking on the ... | |
| 2010 Series on card missing parts | 11/12/2009 |
| Q: Hey Mike, I have a hot wheels that is missing the rear wheels and axel. Is this defect common and ... A: Missing parts is a common thing these days with the amount of cars that are being produced and the ... | |
| '65 Mustang Convertibe 5908 (1984) | 11/2/2009 |
| Q: I have a Red 65 Mustang Convertible in the package. It came in the set (CUSTOM CAR CENTER), the box ... A: Brad, Very different box! Even the cars in the box photo are different. I'm going to have to start ... | |
| '65 Mustang Convertibe 5908 (1984) | 11/2/2009 |
| Q: I have a Red 65 Mustang Convertible in the package. It came in the set (CUSTOM CAR CENTER), the box ... A: Brad, I am understanding this a little better now. Your set is a Canadian release and not US. I'm ... | |
| '65 Mustang Convertibe 5908 (1984) | 11/1/2009 |
| Q: I have a Red 65 Mustang Convertible in the package. It came in the set (CUSTOM CAR CENTER), the box ... A: All the boxes that I have ever seen of the Custom Car Center Item # 7554 do not have a car included ... | |
| hot wheels other numbered cards | 11/1/2009 |
| Q: What percentage of value is the classics series cards of the '80s & '90s compared to the blue cards ... A: The Classics, Work Horses and others that were released before 1989 do not have the same value as ... | |
| hotwheels with rubber stamp | 10/30/2009 |
| Q: I purhases 4 hot wheels, with rubber stamps attached to the bottom. I have searched the internet ... A: What you have there are Hot Wheels Stampers made by the Rose Art Co in 2001 They came as two-packs ... | |
| Treasure Hunts | 10/10/2009 |
| Q: Why did Matel create the regular T-HUNTS and how many are produced of the super-hunts and reg-hunts? A: The regular hunts were the first to be released in 1995, since then they have created nothing but ... | |
| tin lizzie | 10/4/2009 |
| Q: I need to know where to find parts to restore my mini model T. Can you help? A: The best I can do is put you in touch with the "Tin Lizzie Club". They have cars like yours. Here is ... | |
| Hotwheels | 9/25/2009 |
| Q: I have a couple 1998 Hotwheels first editions errors I'm wondering if you can give me the ... A: What you have there are just packaging errors and the reason you don't find anything about then is ... | |
| Any tips? | 9/18/2009 |
| Q: Hey! I'm hoping to collect the most hotwheels cars someday. So far, I'm about about 750 different ... A: Well.... the best thing I can tell you is to keep collecting. Keep getting the cool stuff that you ... | |
| hot wheels mystery cars | 9/3/2009 |
| Q: so i opened one of the mystery cars up to see what it is i am a collector that hates to open ... A: They are in plastic so they don't break through the plastic. People shake them thinking they can ... | |
| ho scale slot cars | 8/25/2009 |
| Q: What is the difference between the tomy afx ho scale slot cars and sets and the old aurora afx slot ... A: There's actually no difference. They are all HO scale and will work on any HO track. I don't know if ... | |
| have many redline hot wheels,not sur what are worth | 7/18/2009 |
| Q: i have alot of redline hot wheels from the 70's and not sure what they are worth.can you help me? i ... A: Cliff, Stop into your local bookstore or check on-line. There are a few books out there that will ... | |
| collectable cards | 7/4/2009 |
| Q: Have a Harley Davidson Collector cardfrom 1992 That is 1 of 1000. Have all origanal documentation ... A: Robert, There is nobody that I know that could help with this one. That card is, as you said from ... | |
| Hot Wheels Identification | 6/21/2009 |
| Q: is there an easy system for identifying LOOSE Hot Wheels? I have many that I can't identify the make ... A: Hong Kong would be early stuff up to 1982 or 83. The wheels would help too. Ultra Hots would be from ... | |
| hot wheels track | 6/18/2009 |
| Q: Greetings from Montana!! I was wondering if it's possible, and how, to date different orange track ... A: Orange track is orange track. You can tell the early pieces from todays from the hight of the side ... | |
| Value of Truck | 5/25/2009 |
| Q: I have a Sears and Roebuck Truck and Trailer. It is metal with plastic wheels and windows. Trailer ... A: That's a pretty cool truck! If yours has better chrome on the grill, I would say $25 to $35. There ... | |
| hot wheels and nascar | 5/21/2009 |
| Q: we have a lot of both some treasure hunts gift sets thats just to name a few totes full of hotwheels ... A: I get this question all the time.... I myself do not buy complete collections only because I don't ... | |
| Model T Replica | 5/16/2009 |
| Q: I have a half-scale 1910 Model T-10 Replica.....motorized kids car. It was given to me in 1963 I ... A: The best I can do is put you in touch with the "Tin Lizzie Club". They have cars like yours. Here is ... | |
| Readers Digest Cars | 4/12/2009 |
| Q: I have a 1955 Chevy BelAire M/PVS DDTP (and I have no idea what that means!!) and a Horse Drawn ... A: I really need to see some photos to be able to tell what they are, how old they are, condition, ... | |
| toy cars | 3/16/2009 |
| Q: how do i found out what they would be price at.on the boxes which the came in stat they are made in ... A: Sally, Volga is a car company in Russia just like Ford here in the USA. I don't know of anyone that ... | |
| question about international Hot Wheels | 3/14/2009 |
| Q: I have four different Hot Wheels from 1995 or 1996. They are the Oshkosh Cement Mixer in yellow and ... A: No, they do not have the same value as US carded cars. What actually makes the value with the US ... | |
| question about international Hot Wheels | 3/13/2009 |
| Q: I have four different Hot Wheels from 1995 or 1996. They are the Oshkosh Cement Mixer in yellow and ... A: What you have there are International Cards. Ones that got released in the US at either Wal*Mart or ... | |
| Hotwheels to Nascar to Trains to Hess Trucks | 3/10/2009 |
| Q: My grandfather passed away in January of this year. My parents and I are helping my grandmother go ... A: That's why I stated that you or someone should put them up for auction. That way you will get the ... | |
| Hotwheels to Nascar to Trains to Hess Trucks | 3/6/2009 |
| Q: My grandfather passed away in January of this year. My parents and I are helping my grandmother go ... A: First off.... my condolences on the loss of your Grandfather. To sell a collection like this you ... | |
| First Edition-Gallery Edition | 2/17/2009 |
| Q: What year did the First Edition and Gallery Edition first come out.Is there a price guide for these ... A: First Editions first came out in 1996. I don't know what you mean by Gallery Edition, I have never ... | |
| Dating hot wheels cars | 1/21/2009 |
| Q: As I am just starting to enjoy hot wheels again and wish I had all the ones I had at age 14, I am ... A: Ed, The date on the bottom of the car is the date that the casting (car design) was copyrighted. ... | |
| Hotwheels copywrite dates | 1/11/2009 |
| Q: Mr. Zarnock, I have noticed over the last few years that Mattel has stopped putting copywrite dates ... A: Mike, I don't know why they stopped.... but you need to remember that the date on the base only ... | |
| refurbishing | 1/9/2009 |
| Q: mike, i have this 1977 model that needs major refurbishing as it is missing all the rubbers, new ... A: Ok, that's better.... please remember that any Hot Wheels car that is refurbished will have no ... | |
| Trading Cards/Collector Items | 12/29/2008 |
| Q: I have a comic book collection worth around $1600.00, many old,(mostly cancelled stamps of unknown ... A: "I was just interested in which type(s) of collecting to concentrate more of my efforts on as far as ... | |
| Hot Wheels...which book to buy | 12/11/2008 |
| Q: Zarnock, I have inherited approximately two thousand Hot Wheels. They are mostly in the original ... A: You have packaged pieces from the begining... 1968? Your best bet is to purchase a book called "The ... | |
| hotwheels | 11/21/2008 |
| Q: I have about 100 to 150 hotwheel cars. About 100 are in packaged and never used, and about another ... A: Thanx for writing.... Just stop into any bookstore and look for any of the 7 Hot Wheels Price Guides ... | |
| readers digest cars | 11/15/2008 |
| Q: a few of these cars were given to my son- he's three- they are circa 2001 reader's digest ... A: Thanx for writing. As far as I know the lead paint deal was in the past year or so 2007/2008, were ... | |
| TOY CARS | 11/11/2008 |
| Q: MY MOTHER HAS SIX HOTWHEELS AND MATCHBOX CARS THAT ARE COPYRIGHTED BETWEEN 1965-1975. THEY ARE ... A: I would have to see them in hand to give you a value. Your best bet is to go to Barnes & Noble with ... | |
| die cast cars | 11/6/2008 |
| Q: I was impressed by your expertise and your commitment to collecting. I have a pretty good size ... A: David, There are so many of the larger scale pieces out there it's really hard to say. There are ... | |
| shipping container | 11/6/2008 |
| Q: any suggestions on what kind of box/container i should use to send carded hotwheels to someone. ... A: I always use the priority video boxes from the USPS. They can be reused also. I don't like wasting ... | |
| 1.18 model cars | 11/1/2008 |
| Q: could you tell me of any realy good websites or online shops that sell 1:18 model tuning wheels and ... A: Stuff like that is hit or miss. I know there are some real good pieces out there and they are very ... | |
| Late 1960's Hot Wheels Cars & Accessories | 10/28/2008 |
| Q: I posted a question in this forum a few weeks ago (my first experience here0 and wanted to say thank ... A: Randy, The 3 chrome cars were the only club cars. The other 2 that you mention "TNT-Bird" and the ... | |
| K-Mart Days 41' Willy's Gold | 10/13/2008 |
| Q: I had bought 2 of the Gold 41' Willy's I was told they were K-Day Cars, I don't know anything that, ... A: As far as I know, you have found the only one like that. So that makes it an error. If there were a ... | |
| Hot Wheels Mustang Boss Hoss | 10/2/2008 |
| Q: I read an answer you provided to someone else about the chrome Mustang Boss Hoss being a promo car ... A: The Spoiler's cars came with a sticker sheet with a few different numbers on them, that's why you ... | |
| virtual collection go-kart variation | 8/27/2008 |
| Q: Would like to know if the virtual collection go-kart #151 variation of black seat is true or myth. ... A: Well.... Australia, now that may make a difference. There are many things that you collectors from ... | |
| TH Viper Variation or error? | 8/22/2008 |
| Q: I found a '08 Viper TH with white & silver racing stripes instead of the normal silver & gray. Have ... A: First off.... I'm sorry to answer this a bit late, but I was at the Hot Wheels Summer Smash in Rhode ... | |
| mattel 1950 flywheel push car IDENTIFICATION | 7/22/2008 |
| Q: I have an old unusual mattel push car. so far its identity has baffled everyone - want to try? if ... A: David, I got your photos and it is the car that I thought it was. I have not seen it in the color ... | |
| First Editions 2006 | 6/19/2008 |
| Q: My son has almost collected his first set of Hotwheels First Edition 2006. He has approx 8 in ... A: Do you live in the US or Canada? In the US, it's the long US cards that are desirable. In Canada, ... | |
| collection hot wheels | 6/6/2008 |
| Q: My uncle left me a huge collection of hotwheels, around 1500 cars in their original packaging. I ... A: It all depends on the age of the collection. I, along with a couple of other Hot Wheels experts do ... | |
| 2 different cards | 5/22/2008 |
| Q: i have a question about a couple of cars that i have. i have Roll Cage from the 2000 first editions, ... A: The "Old Number 5" that you have in the box is from the "Hot Wheels 30 Years" series that was ... | |
| rubber wheels for toy cars | 4/7/2008 |
| Q: I'm impressed with your collection of cars. I have only a few myself, but some are missing wheels ... A: there are places that have replacement parts. The only ones that I know of are for Hot Wheels. Here ... | |
| Mustang Cobra #974 card # | 3/25/2008 |
| Q: This car has a black India base. Is this a good or rare variation? Thank you! A: That car is from the 1999 Mega Graphics Series. The later cars came with India bases and are worth ... | |
| decades variation | 3/13/2008 |
| Q: I was wondering if you have come across a Decades collector tin variation with the Baracuda ? I have ... A: Frank, Any of the cars from sets like this don't really have any extra value to them only because ... | |
| 1969 BossHoss Mustang | 2/28/2008 |
| Q: I have a chrome 1969 BossHoss MUstang. I think I sent away for it as it was a special promotion. Is ... A: Yes, it was one of 3 chrome cars that were given as a part of the Hot Wheels Club Kit in 1970. There ... | |
| Readers digest cars | 2/25/2008 |
| Q: I am trying to collect the cars given away by Readers digest around 1990 or so. At first I thought ... A: I am at a loss here. I don't know of any Hot Wheels promotion that went with Readers Digest. Can you ... | |
| Matco Diecast cars | 2/22/2008 |
| Q: Hi! My husband wants to sell his Matco Diecast car collection. He has a funnycar from the ... A: It's always best not to open things if they are still factory sealed. If anyone is looking for the ... | |
| prices | 2/16/2008 |
| Q: i think your price guides and what you wrote in TCM were all wonderful and an invaluable asset. Are ... A: As of right now, I am not doing a Variation Guide in any magazines. I am doing a new Variation Guide ... | |
| Hot Wheels | 2/12/2008 |
| Q: I have 2 unopened hot wheel cars and a Hot Wheel City STo & Go set up. The cars (1) Auburn 852 No. ... A: I need to know the name and production number that is on the Sto & Go. You also cut the price in ... | |
| Opened or Sealed? | 2/8/2008 |
| Q: What is best, opened or seald Hot Wheels? ANSWER: Thanx for writing. That is a very easy question ... A: If you look at my website www.MikeZarnock.com and go to my Photo's page you will see parts of my ... | |
| 2004 sealed case of hot wheels | 1/25/2008 |
| Q: I came in possesion of a 2004 sealed collector case of hot wheels it has never been opened he said ... A: Kelly, That piece was not sold in stores. It was a Limited Edition piece. It's actually the VW ... | |
| 2004 sealed case of hot wheels | 1/23/2008 |
| Q: I came in possesion of a 2004 sealed collector case of hot wheels it has never been opened he said ... A: Kelly, To find out what Variations are in that case you would have to open it. You would also have a ... | |
| treasure hunts | 1/18/2008 |
| Q: Mike, I have and have read many of your books. I have never noticed you mention a difference between ... A: I have never mentioned the difference because in my Variation Guides they are listed as a Collector ... | |
| mattel hot wheels wagon | 1/18/2008 |
| Q: When I was a kid I got a wagon for Christmas. It was in the early 70's. It was a yellow hot wheels ... A: I have never seen nor heard of a Hot Wheels wagon at all.... Do you have any pictures of you in it? ... | |
| HW 2003 | 1/11/2008 |
| Q: I have a box of Hot Wheels that indicates it is the entire 2003 collect with T-Hunts. I picked it ... A: No Bother Richard, that's why I'm here, Yes, "if" you have the variations that I mentioned, they ... | |
| HW 2003 | 1/10/2008 |
| Q: I have a box of Hot Wheels that indicates it is the entire 2003 collect with T-Hunts. I picked it ... A: There are a bunch of cars that were released in 2003 that had some good value. These were Variations ... | |
| Vintage Hot wheels | 1/10/2008 |
| Q: I have several cars that I think are vintage cars, and wonder if you could direct me to a site ... A: I wish it were that easy. Hot Wheels along with all other diecast cars need to be graded as to ... | |
| serial #'s | 1/9/2008 |
| Q: what does the 1L before the serial # ? example: 1L 5649 thank you A: Those are the Mattel Product numbers. The 1L is just a code used by them, that's all. The 1L has ... | |
| Misc Mattel Die Cast Cars | 1/8/2008 |
| Q: I just readyour response about Zowee cars. But I seem to remember getting mine at Arby's back in ... A: The date of 1967 is the year that the Ford J Car casting was copyrighted. If you read the begining ... | |
| Paddy Wagon marking | 1/6/2008 |
| Q: I have a '69 redline paddy wagon. It has the Hotwheel logo on the top, right above the windshield. ... A: Tracy, Look on the base....does it say "Vintage" or "25th Anniversary"? What I believe you have ... | |
| (GM) Saturn hotwheels | 1/1/2008 |
| Q: I was wondering if you would know what hot wheels have been produced after the Saturn brand of ... A: OK.... now I know what you mean. To start with, I don't know what database's you are talking about. ... | |
| (GM) Saturn hotwheels | 1/1/2008 |
| Q: I was wondering if you would know what hot wheels have been produced after the Saturn brand of ... A: As far as I know, there are no Saturn Hot Wheels cars produced. That doesn't mean that there are ... | |
| hot wheel identification | 12/24/2007 |
| Q: How do you identify each car if it is not by the date on the bottom. We have inherited thousands ... A: Yes, the number on the front of the package along with the date starting with the year 2000 cards. ... | |
| how did you get so many cars | 12/14/2007 |
| Q: I have my own collection and I only have 232 cars. how in the world did you get so many? A: Thanx for writing. Well, this is an easy question.... I’ve collected Hot Wheels cars since they came ... | |
| 2007 mystery cars | 12/6/2007 |
| Q: i am a new collecter and i see alot of rumers and such about hot wheels releasing a list latter that ... A: Hey Rob.... I was told the same thing, but so far nobody has said anything that will shed any light ... | |
| toy die cast cars | 11/25/2007 |
| Q: I used to collect a particular brand of die cast cars called FAST ONES (I'm not sure if the name is ... A: What you are talking about are "Kenner Fast 111's", and there are Collectors out there. I had a ... | |
| 70's promo cars | 11/14/2007 |
| Q: Sometime in the 70's I got 3 miniature cars at a fast food restaurant. (I believe it was McD or BK). ... A: I know what you are talking about. But, you did not get them from McD's or BK. They came from your ... | |
| 1999 1:43 ferrari 360 hotwheels launch model | 11/5/2007 |
| Q: hope you can help i have bbeen on every wesite i can think trying to find the correct story of the ... A: Dr. Michaels, I will send a note to a friend at Mattel. Please look on the box and tell me the date ... | |
| 1999 1:43 ferrari 360 hotwheels launch model | 11/1/2007 |
| Q: hope you can help i have bbeen on every wesite i can think trying to find the correct story of the ... A: You pretty much have the correct story as to where the car is from. It is a promo given to VIP's at ... | |
| red line hot wheels | 10/30/2007 |
| Q: Michael, I collect hot wheels and my uncle gave me a bunch of old ones from the 70's and 80's. There ... A: thanx for writing. Giving a value to something that I can not see is very hard. When doing so, there ... | |
| 2003 collectible car price help | 10/23/2007 |
| Q: I'm Shane and have a question that i can't find the answer to in any other site. I have a Limited ... A: The piece that you are speaking of I have never heard of. Was it produced by Mattel, or was it ... | |
| #271 | 10/16/2007 |
| Q: MY #271 IS A CAR IN A DOUBLE CAR PACK RACE TEAM SERIES. IT MATCHES WHAT YOUR PHOTO LOOKS LIKE AND ... A: Yes, what you have is the same car. That car was found in many different packages. The car that is ... | |
| Topper Johnny Lightning | 10/13/2007 |
| Q: I recently inherited a few Topper Johnny Lightning cars and wanted to know the value of it. It is a ... A: Johnny Lightning cars at the time had that type of paint work. Your friend my be getting the paint ... | |
| hot wheels | 10/7/2007 |
| Q: hey i just wanted to ask, well i like hot wheels and i want to collect them but im a girl and i ... A: Anna...... Oh, I can't believe you said that....... There are so many girls/woman that collect Hot ... | |
| book vs ebay | 9/14/2007 |
| Q: Mike, I bought your book "Field Guide" and the price in there for a #271 "Hot Wheels" Funny car w/ ... A: You would be amazed at how may times I have been asked this question.... The car on the carded ... | |
| vintage hot wheels | 9/7/2007 |
| Q: Mike, I was at a antique mall and there was a mustang that i was interested in purchasing, i looked ... A: No Redline on the tires.... then it's not a redline. The dates on the bottom of Hot Wheels cars are ... | |
| car collection | 9/6/2007 |
| Q: I don't know if you can help but I'm really out of my element so I'll try anything at this point for ... A: Thanx for writing! Any collection of any size needs to be listed by name, year, and condition. ... | |
| hot wheels cars | 8/18/2007 |
| Q: I have just begun collecting and I have about 600 cars my only trouble so far is determining what ... A: Well.... there are copyright dates on the backs of the packages and those are usually a year behind. ... | |
| hot wheels cars | 8/17/2007 |
| Q: I have just begun collecting and I have about 600 cars my only trouble so far is determining what ... A: Telling what year a car is from is hard when you don't have the package. The date on the bottom of ... | |
| '98 First Editions Slideout Premiere collectors? | 8/14/2007 |
| Q: I had a question regarding a hot wheel car that I have in my possession. I have a 98 First editions ... A: If you look in any of the 3 editions of my books "Hot Wheels Variations, The Ultimate Guide" found ... | |
| toy cars | 7/30/2007 |
| Q: Michael, There is an older lady who lives across the street from me and she wanted me to try and ... A: Thanx for writing.... but you have to give me a lot more info than you have. I need photos of each ... | |
| Hot Wheels NASCAR | 7/23/2007 |
| Q: I have over a dozen 1/24 scale NASCAR diecast cars that were mass produced for general retail (none ... A: This is a question that I get a lot and the answer I give is very frank and straight forward.... As ... | |
| Replica Model-T motorized childrens car | 6/30/2007 |
| Q: I'm hoping you can help or point me to somebody who can help. We have a children's gas motorized ... A: Thanx for writing! Those were really cool cars to have back then. I was a kid in the 60's also and I ... | |
| records about hotwheels | 11/16/2006 |
| Q: If I push a Hotwheel race car what is the longist distance recorded for its movement in the ... A: Well, that is a very good question. It's all a matter of physics. All factors being equal. The ... | |
| Rocket Racer | 11/6/2006 |
| Q: I have been trying to track down a toy Hot Wheels [or maybe Matchbox] car I enjoyed when I was a lad ... A: Your description is a little vague to say the least, but I know our childhood memories are more ... | |
| Hotwheels splittin' image | 9/20/2006 |
| Q: I have been collecting hotwheels for a while now and I came across a car that I cannot find any ... A: You seem very knowledgeable on the subject also, but I too don't know of any Splittin' Image cars ... | |
| OLD TOY CARS, FIRE ENGINES, FARM EQUIP | 9/16/2006 |
| Q: I HAVE 2 OLD CARS EACH APPROX. 2" IN LENGTH, 2 FIRE ENGINES, AND 3 TRACTORS ALL OF WHICH ARE APPROX. ... A: I happened to see your question here and I may be able to help. The first thing that we need to do ... | |
| super chargers | 5/14/2006 |
| Q: are the hot wheel super chargers worth anything? I am talking about the little orange box with the ... A: The Hot Wheels Super Charger buildings are indeed worth something. Must collectors do still play ... | |
Michael Zarnock
Top Expert on this page
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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