What every child wants is a real life version of their favorite toy. Actually, that’s what even adults want too. I was lucky enough to have the pleasure of living out a childhood dream by driving a real life Hot Wheels car a few weeks ago. A bright orange Chevrolet Camaro was delivered to my door along with its tiny counterpart. I was at once ecstatic and excited with the car. It was as if Christmas came early for me.
Ever since the first custom Camaro was introduced by Hot Wheels in 1968, they have enjoyed a great and close relationship with Chevy. This year is no different, except for the fact that it is now a 50 year relationship. To celebrate the milestone, Chevy decided to return the favor to Hot Wheels and create a real life car from the toy and not the other way around. How cool is that?!
What sets these real life toys from their regular counterparts is a plethora of features. First, the exclusive “crush” color exterior adorns these cars and 20 inch satin graphite wheels make the stance just right. And to let everyone know that you are in fact driving an icon, Hot Wheels 50th Anniversary fender badges can be found on both sides of the car, even on the door sills! Smaller, more nuanced touches include a suede-wrapped steering wheel with orange accent stitching, headrests with racing Camaros and even a jet black interior and matching Chevy bowtie emblem on the front fascia.
The car can be ordered in a coupe and convertible variation, along with the 2LT and 2SS models. So what is it like to drive a Hot Wheels? Exhilarating! The power of Chevy is on full display when you mash the go pedal and the 3.6 liter V6 engine pulls like a train. The all black interior is just the right amount of refinement to let passengers know that you spent some coin on your ride. The seats are comfortable, yet sporty enough for some canyon carving. All the usual features are present and accounted for, making for a smooth and comfortable daily driver.
But what really makes this car special is that fact that is a Hot Wheels!!! I could not tell you how many people asked for rides or just to check out the car. It seems the fender badges and vibrant paint did the trick. Out of all the cars that I get to test drive, Chevy and Hot Wheels have come up with a clear winner in the looks department, cause the reactions from the public and friends were nonstop! I really felt like more of a showman than a journalist and I have to say that it was a thrill to bring that 7 year old kid out of me and everyone around me. There has to be something said for this car when it can elicit such strong reactions from people. Chevy and Hot Wheels have a gem in their hands and if you want to be in the winners circle, then I suggest you gather your pennies and make the best decision you can this year. And that is what a Hot Wheels is all about.
thesnobmag.com 