Hot Wheels 2021 - 53rd Anniversary '64 Chevy Chevelle SS

In 2021, Hot Wheels celebrated its 53rd anniversary with a series of iconic castings, and the '64 Chevy Chevelle SS stands out as a tribute to American muscle car heritage. This Orange & Blue die-cast gem captures the raw power and timeless style of the Chevrolet Chevelle SS, a legend from the golden age of Detroit’s performance cars. For collectors and enthusiasts, this Hot Wheels release is a nostalgic nod to the past, packed with detail and charm.

Hot Wheels 2021 - 53rd Anniversary '64 Chevy Chevelle SS

The real '64 Chevy Chevelle SS was a game-changer when it debuted. With its sleek lines, bold grille, and potent V8 engines, it became an instant icon in the muscle car era. Hot Wheels’ 2021 rendition, part of the 53rd Anniversary series, faithfully recreates the Chevelle’s aggressive stance. Available in striking colors like Spectraflame blue and red, the casting features intricate tampos, chrome accents, and Real Rider wheels that elevate its premium appeal. The anniversary edition often includes special badging, making it a standout in any collection.

Hot Wheels 2021 - 53rd Anniversary '64 Chevy Chevelle SS

What makes this release special is its blend of nostalgia and craftsmanship. The '64 Chevelle SS was a symbol of freedom and power, cruising American highways with a roar. Hot Wheels captures this spirit in miniature, with details like the sculpted hood, detailed headlights, and authentic SS badging. The 53rd Anniversary series also offered chase variants, such as Super Treasure Hunts with rubber tires and exclusive paint, which are highly coveted by collectors for their rarity and value.

Hot Wheels 2021 - 53rd Anniversary '64 Chevy Chevelle SS

For fans, this model is more than a toy—it’s a time machine. It evokes memories of drag strips, drive-ins, and the muscle car wars of the 1960s, where Chevy battled rivals like Ford and Mopar. The Hot Wheels '64 Chevelle SS appeals to both seasoned collectors and younger fans discovering the allure of classic cars. Its compact size belies the meticulous attention to detail, from the chrome trim to the period-correct wheels, making it a display-worthy piece.

The 2021 release also taps into Hot Wheels’ own legacy. Celebrating 53 years of creating iconic die-cast cars, the brand used this series to honor its history while showcasing fan-favorite models. The '64 Chevelle SS fits perfectly, embodying the bold, adventurous spirit of Hot Wheels’ early days, when founders like Elliot Handler revolutionized toy cars with speed and style.

Hot Wheels 2021 - 53rd Anniversary '64 Chevy Chevelle SS (Amazon Photo)

Whether it’s racing down an orange track, sitting proudly on a collector’s shelf, or sparking conversations about automotive history, the Hot Wheels 2021 - 53rd Anniversary '64 Chevy Chevelle SS is a triumph. It bridges generations, connecting those who lived through the muscle car era with those who admire it from afar. For collectors, it’s a piece of art; for fans, it’s a slice of Americana, immortalized in 1:64 scale.

[If you'd like to get a Hot Wheels 2021 - 53rd Anniversary '64 Chevy Chevelle SS, check out this Hot Wheels SS on Amazon!]

The Hot Wheels Triassic Five Gasser

Hot Wheels Gasser: A Nostalgic Hot Rod Icon

The "Triassic Five Gasser" refers to a Hot Wheels diecast car based on designer Brendon Vetuskey's custom 1955 Chevy Bel Air Gasser, named "Triassic-Five."

The Hot Wheels Triassic Five Gasser

The Hot Wheels Gasser is a die-cast tribute to the rebellious spirit of hot rodding, capturing the raw energy of a classic American subculture. In hot rodding terms, a “Gasser” refers to a modified car, typically from the 1940s to 1960s, built for drag racing’s Gas classes. These vehicles, often vintage sedans or coupes like Willys, Chevys, or Fords, were souped-up with powerful V8 engines, raised front ends for weight transfer, and bold paint jobs. Gassers ran on gasoline, not exotic fuels, earning their name and a cult following for their gritty, grassroots appeal.Hot Wheels’ Gasser models, like the iconic ’55 Chevy Gasser or ’41 Willys, debuted in series like the 2011 Nostalgia line, boasting vibrant liveries, chrome engines, and signature “moon” hubcaps. 

Special editions, such as the 2013 Super Treasure Hunt ’55 Chevy with Real Riders tires, are prized by collectors for their detailed craftsmanship. These miniatures replicate the high-riding stance and exposed wheels of real Gassers, perfect for racing on Hot Wheels tracks or displaying as nostalgic art.Real Gassers were drag strip kings, with modified engines delivering 400-600 horsepower, launching from 0-60 mph in under 5 seconds in their prime. Their jacked-up front ends optimized traction, while lightweight bodies and straight-axle suspensions maximized speed. This tiny hot rod is a big nod to rebellion and horsepower.

[This great Hot Wheels is still available on Amazon in Purple. If you are building your collection, check it out the Purple Gasser here.]

Hot Wheels Photo - '69 Copo Corvette #4

Here's a recent addition to my growing Hot Wheels collection.  It's a 2021 Hot Wheels Corvette Series -  '69 Copo Corvette.  What's a Copo Corvette?  If you thought it had to do with Copo Cabanas, you'd be wrong.

Hot Wheels '69 Chevy Copo Corvette (3/4 view)

According to Hagerty.com, COPO stands for Central Office Production Order.  It was a way for Chevy dealers to order cars with options that weren't regular production options.

Hot Wheels '69 Copo Corvette (profile)

This Hot Wheels version sports a cool paint job and excellent wheels.

Collect this Hot Wheels Car

If you'd like to add a version of this car to your collection, there are several to choose from Hot Wheels Copo Corvette on Amazon.

 

 

Hot Wheels Photo: Buns of Steel

Feeling hungry?  Hot Wheels has a car for that:  Buns of Steel.  It features a hamburger and fries.  It's a goofy car that begs to be taken on a fast food run.

The Hot Wheels Buns of Steel is car 3 out of a 10 car HW Metro series for 2019.  It's car 147 out of 250 cars for the year.

It's certainly an unusual car and just shows how Hot Wheels designs can go in all kinds of directions.  While adult collectors may scratch their heads, this car looks like it might really appeal to the kids.  It would make a great Happy Meal toy at McDonalds (hint, hint large fast food corporation!)

Collect this Hot Wheels Car

If you'd like to add a version of this car to your collection, there are several to choose from Hot Wheels Buns of Steel on Amazon.

Drugstore Diecast: Kinsmart Porsche 356B Carrera 2

One of the few places that we visit during the Covid crisis is our local drugstore.  In the dead of night, there are just a few customers coming in for necessities.  I also like to sneak over and check out the die-cast cars.  They are generally inexpensive diecast pullback cars, but some of them are nice little models that do a good job of evoking the legendary cars that they represent.  For example, here is a 1/32 scale diecast Porsche 356B Carrera 2 from Kinsmart.

Kinsmart Porsche 356B Carrera 2 (front)

Beige is kind of an odd car color, but I believe it was common in the original cars.  Against the drugstore fixtures, it looks perfectly at home.

Kinsmart Porsche 356B Carrera 2 (side)

It might be easy to denigrate a toy car that costs less than $10.  But, it's the Porsche design that is timeless.  No toy car will ever be a real Porsche, but a simple toy like this can make you remember one.

Reflecting my Hot Wheels Plymouth Barracuda

If you've ever watched car commercials, you've seen cars parked on mirror smooth floors that reflect every detail of the vehicle.  Amazingly, it's very easy to recreate that look when taking photographs of die-cast cars.  Here are a couple of photographs of my Hot Wheels Plymouth Barracuda hot rod.  The mirrored surface is reflects every detail of the Barracuda in this photo.

Hot Wheels Plymouth  Barracuda (front view)

Hot Wheels Photography Secret 

What's the secret?  It's water.  These photos were taken in a car wash bay.  The roof of my car provides a smooth surface with a sheen of  fresh water from the car wash.  While the car wash provides the shade, the  photography lighting is provided by the sun. 

Hot Wheels Plymouth Barracuda (profile view)

Collect this Hot Wheels Car

If you'd like to add a version of this car to your collection, there are several to choose from Hot Wheels Plymouth Barracuda on Amazon.

Drugstore Diecast: Kinsmart Dodge Viper

Sometimes the local drugstore has a car showroom that rivals anything in the city.  One of the CVS drugstores near me had this pair of Diecast Dodge Vipers displayed on a tower of diecast cars.

A Pair of Dodge Vipers at CVS

 You can almost imagine a car dealer or car show when you get down on the level with this little Vipers.  They are typically 2 for $10 or $5.99 apiece at the drugstore.

A Dodge Viper in profile