2018 Hot Wheels 50th Anniversary ZAMAC Flames ‘68 Olds 442

One of my favorite childhood Hot Wheels is the Police Cruiser version of the Olds 442 – I still have the blackwall variation from 1977 that I’ve had since I was a kid. I also have examples of the 1977 Chief’s Special and the 1977 Maxi Taxi. And a few years ago, I scored the 2009 Hot Wheels Collectors Neo-Classics Olds 442 Security Car, a retool of the original. Now, I know it’s a different casting, but another of the keepers that my mother-in-law found for me last summer is this 2018 50^th Anniversary ZAMAC Flames ’68 Olds 442.

The Hot Wheels ’68 Olds 442 made its debut in the 2008 Modern Classics series. It has since been produced in about a dozen different variations, making appearances in great segements like HW Boulevard and Cool Classics series. In 2011 it was a Treasure Hunt and a Super Treasure Hunt. This 50^th Anniversary model is the most recent release.

Hot Wheels | FRN28 | 2018 50th Anniversary ZAMAC Flames | ’68 Olds 442 | ZAMAC with yellow and green flames, 50th logo on rear quarter panel, green tinted windows, black plastic interior and base | Thailand | yellow rim DD8 | mint in rough card

The back of the card shows the other castings available in the series.

Another fun 442 casting is the Olds 442 W-30, first released in 1993. Click here to see my Collector #267 from 1995.

Hot Wheels ’70 Chevelle SS Wagon Variations

The Hot Wheels ’70 Chevelle SS Wagon was first released in 2009 and has been produced in about 29 different variations. My friend, Brad, sent me three more variations of this great model to add to my collection. First we have the awesome yellow variation from the 2019 HW Flames series.

Hot Wheels | FYC38 | 2019 HW Flames | ’70 Chevelle SS Wagon | yellow with black and orange flames, clear windows, black interior, chrome plastic base | Malaysia | white rim black deep dish 8-spoke wheels

Next, one of four different spectacular variations released in the 2018 HW Daredevils series.

Hot Wheels | FJX50 | 2018 HW Daredevils | ’70 Chevelle SS Wagon | red with yellow, white and black Hot Wheels Daredevils tampo, tinted windows, black interior, gray plastic base | Malaysia | yellow and black muscle car 5-spoke rear, black muscle car 5-spoke with off-white tires front

And last, but certainly not least, the beautiful gold variation of the 2009 New Models series.

Hot Wheels | N4022-B919N | 2009 New Models | ’70 Chevelle SS Wagon | gold with black stripes on hood, silver painted details, clear windows, black interior, chrome plastic base | Malaysia | 5-spoke wheels

Click here to see my gloss red example of the 2022 HW Wagons release. And click here to see my 2019 GameStop Mail-In ’70 Chevelle Delivery as well as my other two variations of the 2009 first release ’70 Chevelle SS Wagon.

2018 Hot Wheels Detroit Muscle ’68 Nova

In 2018, Hot Wheels released the Detroit Muscle Series as a tribute to the muscle cars built by the Big Three from the mid-’60s to the early ’70s. This Walmart-exclusive line featured the ’68 Nova, ’67 Camaro, ’69 Ford Mustang Boss 302, ’69 Pontiac GTO and ’70 Dodge Hemi Challenger. These are all great castings, but to me what makes this series so nice is the beautiful card art. The package is a very clean design, with each car strikingly rendered in front of the Detroit skyline

I never saw these in the stores or I might have been tempted to pick up the entire series. Instead I recently scored this ’68 Nova on eBay, filling in another hole in my collection of the casting.

Hot Wheels | FYY09 | 2018 Detroit Muscle (WalMart exclusive) | ’68 Nova | blue with white trim | MY | mc5

2018 Hot Wheels Flames Kmart Exclusive ’68 Chevy Nova

Kmart was one of my favorite places growing up. Our Saturday family trips to Kmart were a highlight for me. I spent the majority of my time in the toy section, mostly just looking. But I usually came away with something to add to my toy box – generally something very inexpensive and made of plastic (the kinds of things the Kmart toy section had plenty of.)

For many years, Kmart was a big supporter of Hot Wheels collectors by sponsoring regular Collectors Day events at their stores. Beginning in 2004 and running up to April of 2019, the events offered a chance for collectors to queue up to open a sealed case and look for a first-to-market release, a store-exclusive color variation or even a Treasure Hunt.

I remember attending my first Kmart event back in 2010. I didn’t have any idea how it worked, but I was after the first-to-market HW Racing ’66 Chevy Nova. By the time I arrived, all of the cases had been opened and there were just a few guys left standing around looking over their piles of cars. I saw what I was after and reached for it, but someone nearby said, “Hey, that’s mine.” Then he realized he had more than one so he said, “I guess you can have that one.”

This nice yellow ’68 Chevy Nova from the 2018 HW Flames series was one of the Kmart exclusive offerings from the Collectors Day event in February of that year. I seem to remember hearing about this and dropping by a local store later that day to look for this Nova, without success. This example is a recent eBay score.

Hot Wheels | FKC02 | 2018 HW Flames 3/10 (KMart exclusive) | ’68 Chevy Nova | pearl yellow with black and dark gray trim | chrome red and black steelie 8-slot | Alternate tool (no hood scoop)

You can click here to see photos and links to my entire collection of Hot Wheels 1968 Chevy Novas.

2018 Matchbox ’59 Chevy Wagon

In 2017, when I first saw photos online of the red Matchbox ’59 Chevy Wagon, I knew it was a one I had to have. Unfortunately, I was never able to find one. In fact, I didn’t even know they had released a blue version in 2018 until I came across this one at a Dollar Tree store back in June. It’s a great model with nice details and perfectly understated wheels. And it even comes with a canoe on top.

In fact, Matchbox upped the fun-factor by making the canoe interchangeable with the two variations of plastic luggage that can be found on the new 2019 Matchbox Land Rover Gen II.

Matchbox | 2018 MBX Road Trip | MB10 | ’59 Chevy Wagon | dark blue with silver stripe and Brookwood, tan plastic canoe | black rim ringed disc wheels

2018 Hot Wheels Dragstrip Demons Novas

When the Hot Wheels Dragstrip Demons were introduced in 2009, they were a big hit. The series, which continued through 2010, featured 18 different castings – 13 of them brand new. They had Real Riders and metal bases, and many were carefully decorated to represent real-life drag cars. So, many of us were excited in 2018 when Hot Wheels brought back the Dragstrip Demons in the Car Culture lineup.

The 2018 edition had five different castings, including the ’55 Chevy Bel Air Gasser, ’65 Dodge Coronet, ’65 Mercury Cyclone Comet, and the two Novas featured here – the ’66 Super Nova and the ’63 Chevy Nova AWB. The amazingly detailed cars are enhanced by beautifully illustrated card art. I wasn’t able to find these locally, but my hunting friend, Brad, sent me these from New Mexico.

The Hot Wheels ’66 Super Nova was first released in 2012 in limited numbers exclusively on HotWheelsCollectors.com. It was offered again through the Red Line Club in 2014 and 2017, then was a Nationals Convention Car in 2018 – all of these in fairly limited production. This is the first variation that is more widely available and the first of this casting that I’ve added to my collection. It is also available in the 2019 Car Culture: Team Transport series, so I will be on the lookout for that one as well.

I’m not sure if this ’66 Nova is based on a real drag car, rather I suspect it is a nod to the legendary Hot Wheels designer whose name appears on the doors.

Hot Wheels | FVN70 | 2018 Car Culture Dragstrip Demons 5/5 | ’66 Super Nova | blue with light blue, gray and white trim | Goodyear rrdrags / rrprf

The Hot Wheels ’63 Nova AWB was first cast for the 2009 Dragstrip Demons series and a second variation was included in the same series the following year. This 2018 release is only the third variation of the car to be produced, though a similar casting, the ’63 Chevy II, has made regular appearances in the mainlines since 2016.

Again, I’m not sure if the livery is based on a real-life drag car, but I see some similarities to the Chevy 2 Much – and the later Chevy 2 Much II – built by Doug Thorley in Southern California.

Hot Wheels | FVN73 | 2018 Car Culture Dragstrip Demons 2/5 | ’63 Chevy Nova AWB | red with light blue, black and white trim | Goodyear rrmag

2018 Hot Wheels 50th Anniversary Black and Gold ’64 Chevy Impala

My neighborhood WalGreens has a decent selection of cars in its small toy section. Still, I was pleasantly surprised to see them getting into the spirit of the Hot Wheels 50th Anniversary with a free-standing display in the middle of the store. That’s where I scored my black and gold ’64 Impala – a casting we haven’t seen since the 2016 Muscle Mania 5-pack.

Hot Wheels | FRN38 | 2018 50th Anniversary Black and Gold Series | ’64 Chevy Impala | black with gold and blue trim | gold LW

The display at WalGreens included a stack of these handy 50th Anniversary collection lists, which you can tear off and take with you. I see a few models here that I’m interested in. How about you?

Happy 2018!

I predict that 2018 – the 50th Anniversary of Hot Wheels – is going to be a great year. It’s off to a spectacular start. After all, the first 2018 Hot Wheel I brought home is this HW Flames ’68 Chevy Nova, a really sweet version of one of my favorite castings.

FJW62 | 2018 HW Flames 3/10 | 1968 Chevy Nova | Metalflake purple with yellow and red trim | Yellow DD8 | Alternate tool (no hood scoop)

There is also a Super Treasure Hunt version that is Spectraflame dark blue and has Double 6-Dot wheels. Am I being too optimistic about the year if I expect to find one of those?

Here’s a link to a page that shows all of my Hot Wheels ’68 Novas.

Hot Wheels ’68 Chevy Nova Variations

This page lists all of the Hot Wheels 1968 Novas, with a photo of each one that I have in my collection. The name of each car that I have links to a page with more information and photos. As I acquire the remaining cars in the list, I will add photos and links to this page.

Hot Wheels | GJX00 | 2020 Flying Customs (Target exclusive) | ’68 Nova | metalflake green with yellow & light green trim | MY | ho

Hot Wheels | GHG35 | 2020 Rod Squad 6/10 | 1968 Chevy Nova | zamac camouflage with white, red and black shark teeth trim | MY | chrome red rim DD8 | Alternate tool (no hood scoop)

Hot Wheels | GHF41 | 2020 Rod Squad 6/10 | 1968 Chevy Nova | red camouflage with white and black shark teeth trim | MY | chrome red rim DD8 | Alternate tool (no hood scoop)

Gamestop Collector Day Event | GHD28 | 2020 Rod Squad 6/10 | 1968 Chevy Nova | olive and tan camoflage with red and black shark teeth trim | gold rim black wheels | Alternate tool (no hood scoop)

FYD02 | 2019 HW Speed Graphics 7/10 | 1968 Chevy Nova | white with red and blue Gulf trim | orange rim MC5 | Alternate tool (no hood scoop)

FYD02 | 2019 HW Speed Graphics 7/10 | 1968 Chevy Nova | baby blue with orange and blue Gulf trim | orange rim MC5 | Alternate tool (no hood scoop)

FJW62 | 2018 HW Flames 3/10 | 1968 Chevy Nova | Metalflake purple with yellow and red trim | Yellow DD8 | Alternate tool (no hood scoop)

FKB41 | 2018 HW Flames 3/10 Super Treasure Hunt | 1968 Chevy Nova | Spectraflame Dark Blue with yellow and red trim, TH logo | Yellow D6DOT | Alternate tool (no hood scoop)

FKC02 | 2018 HW Flames 3/10 (KMart exclusive) | ’68 Chevy Nova | pearl yellow with black and dark gray trim | chrome red and black steelie 8-slot | Alternate tool (no hood scoop)

FYY09 | 2018 Detroit Muscle 2/6 (WalMart exclusive) | 1968 Chevy Nova | blue with white trim | MY | mc5

FBJ14 | 2017 Target Red Edition 8/12 | ’68 Chevy Nova | white with red trim | black chrome red ring MC5 | Alternate tool (no hood scoop)

DTX79 | 2017 HW Flames 1/10 | 1968 Chevy Nova | orange with black and silver trim | OH5 | Alternate tool (no hood scoop)

DFL85 | 2016 HW Camouflage Series | 1968 Chevy Nova | matte dark red with camouflage trim | black MC5

X6999 | 2015 Hot Wheels Various Multipacks | 1968 Nova | anodized gray with yellow & black trim | chrome & black MC5

X8933 | 2013 Retro Entertainment Series Beverly Hills Cop | ’68 Chevy Nova | blue primer with white top | RRSC | Alternate tool (no hood scoop)

X6999 | 2013 Hot Wheels Various Multipacks | 1968 Nova | metalflake green with light green, beige & gray trim | chrome & black MC5 | loose

Y2088 | 2013 Hot Wheels Easter (WalMart Exclusive) 5/8 | ’68 Chevy Nova | black & red with purple gold & beige flames | 5SP

V5576 | 2012 HW Racing #01 | ’68 Nova | black with silver, red & yellow trim | chrome MC5

V5475 | 2012 HW Racing #01 | ’68 Nova | metalflake blue with white, red & yellow trim | red MC5

V0104 | 2011 Racing Kits 2-Pack 3/12 (Street Race) | ’68 Nova | yellow with black, white & gray trim | chrome & black OH5SP | With road, barricade, cone and Nissan Skyline

T9789 | 2011 Street Beasts #02 | ’68 Chevy Nova | satin green with white trim | chrome & black MC5 | Alternate tool (no hood scoop)

T9984 | 2011 Street Beasts #02 (Walmart Exclusive) | ’68 Chevy Nova | satin red with white trim | chrome & black MC5 | Alternate tool (no hood scoop)

V0015 | 2011 Street Beasts #02 | ’68 Chevy Nova | metalflake blue with white trim | chrome & black MC5 | Alternate tool (no hood scoop)

V3691 | 2011 Easter Eggsclusives (WalMart Exclusive) | ’68 Nova | metalflake dark blue & gray with silver & black trim | 5SP

T8309 | 2011 Hot Wheels Garage GM Series 15/22 | ’68 Chevy Nova | red and metalflake gray with red, gray and silver trim | RLRR5SP

R7936 | 2010 Happy Birthday | ’68 Chevy Nova | orange with black & yellow trim | yellow & black OH5SP

(left) 54886 | 2010 Hot Wheels 10-Pk | ’68 Nova | metalflake dark blue with white trim | 5SP | Alternate tool (no hood scoop) | loose (center)

54886 | 2010 Hot Wheels 10-Pk | ’68 Nova | metalflake gray with gray trim | 5SP | Alternate tool (no hood scoop) | loose (right) 54886 | 2010 Hot Wheels 10-Pk | ’68 Nova | orange with white trim | 5SP | Alternate tool (no hood scoop) | loose

N4170 | 2009 Hot Wheels Connect Cars #20 Mississippi | ’68 Chevy Nova | red with blue and white trim | 5SP | Alternate tool (no hood scoop)

P2456 | 2009 Faster Than Ever #10 | Chevy Nova | metalflake copper with black trim | FTE

P2456 | 2009 Faster Than Ever #10 | Chevy Nova | metalflake copper with black trim | FTE | snowflake card

P2456 | 2009 Target 10-Pk | Chevy Nova | metalflake copper with black trim | OH5SP | loose P2456 | 2009 Target 2-Pk or 10-Pk | Chevy Nova | black with gold trim | OH5SP

P2456 | 2009 Faster Than Ever #10 | Chevy Nova | black with gold trim | FTE

P2456 | 2009 Faster Than Ever #10 (KMart Exclusive) | Chevy Nova | metalflake blue with white trim | FTE

N4608 | 2008 Hot Wheels Top 40 Set | ’68 Chevy Nova | metalflake silver with gray & black trim | RLBW

M1562 | 2008 Since ’68 Series 13 of 40 | ’68 Nova | pearl yellow with black, gray & red trim | RL

M6894 | 2008 Team: Muscle Mania #4 | ’68 Nova | red with white, yellow & silver trim | black OH5SP

M6894 | 2008 Team: Muscle Mania #4 | ’68 Nova | red with white, yellow & silver trim | black OH5SP | short card

M1810 | 2007 Walgreens 3 Pack Exclusive #4 of 12 | ’68 Nova | spectraflame aqua with black & white trim | RL5SP

L0749 | 2007 Hot Wheels Classics #21 | ’68 Chevy Nova | spectraflame magenta with pink & white trim | RL5SP

L0749 | 2007 Hot Wheels Classics #21 | ’68 Chevy Nova | spectraflame dark orange with black & white trim | RL5SP

L0749 | 2007 Hot Wheels Classics #21 | ’68 Chevy Nova | spectraflame gold with black & white trim | RL5SP

K3385 | 2006 HWC Neo-Classics #3 | 1968 Nova | spectraflame blue w/blue flames | RL

J3424 | 2006 Red Line Series #3 (KMart Exclusive) | 1968 Nova | metalflake green with Red Line Series tampo on sides | RL5SP

J3424 | 2006 Red Line Series #3 | 1968 Nova | metalflake purple with Red Line Series tampo on sides | RL5SP

K3818 | 2006 Nationals | ’68 Nova | silver and black with red and checkerboard trim, convention logo on roof | RLRR

J4237 | 2005 sELECTIONs #4 7950 produced | ’68 Nova | spectraflame steel blue with black trim, RLC logo on sides | GYRR

G6916 | 2005 Robo Revenge 5-Pk | 1968 Nova | metalfake brown with white, orange & black trim | 5SP | loose

G5553 | 2004 Nationals Ticket Car | ’68 Nova | metalfake dark burgundy with black & white trim, convention logo on roof | RR

C2642 | 2004 Hot Wheels Affinity Motor City Muscle (3/4) | ’68 Chevy Nova | metalfake antifreeze green with magenta & white trim | RR5SP | loose

B3532 | 2004 First Editions #5 Zamac Limited Ed. | Nova 1968 | unpainted with white trim | 5SP

B3532 | 2004 First Editions #5 | Nova 1968 | metalfake steel blue with white trim | 5SP | carded

B3532 | 2004 First Editions #5 | Nova 1968 | metalfake steel blue with white trim | 5SP | European short card

B3532 | 2004 First Editions #5 | Nova 1968 | metalfake steel blue with white trim | 5SP | loose