https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PIiXfnKvV2Y
If you were to ask any gearhead born after 1960 about their early influences on their passion for cars, you may just get an explanation pertaining to the Hot Wheels car. Released in 1968 by Mattel, the small, affordable and fun to play with die-cast car would live on for nearly 50 years, inspiring generations of car guys (and gals!) the world over.
Several years ago, Hot Wheels and Chevrolet had teamed up to launch a Hot Wheels Edition Camaro, and they’re repeating that feat again for 2018, to celebrate their 50th-Anniversay. Why the Camaro? Well, as it turns to the ’67 Custom Camaro was Hot Wheels’ very first release, and was part of the original sixteen cars that would go on for public consumption. Check out the full details below on this interesting car!
Official Release:
EL SEGUNDO, Calif. ā Chevrolet and Hot Wheels today announced the 2018 Camaro Hot Wheels 50th Anniversary Edition, celebrating 50 years of partnership, performance innovation and design.
The commemorative package pays homage to iconic Hot Wheels features including a Crush exterior color and stripes that replicate the toysā famous orange tracks. The $4,995 package, available on Camaro 2LT and 2SS coupe and convertible models, goes on sale in the first quarter of 2018.
āThe Chevrolet Performance design studio is full of designers who were inspired by Hot Wheels,ā said Tom Peters, director of Exterior Design for Chevrolet Performance Cars. āThe Camaro Hot Wheels 50th Anniversary Edition captures that passion, turning childhood fantasy into reality.ā
Camaro and Hot Wheels have pushed the boundaries of design and performance for 50 years. The 1967 Camaro offered a distinctive design with available hidden headlamps and a front sub-frame that enhanced responsiveness and refinement. In 1968, Hot Wheels elevated the performance of toy vehicles with wide wheels and low-friction axles, designing them to be the fastest toy cars on and off the track.
āIn the 1960s Hot Wheels and Camaro challenged vehicle design by elevating the speed, power and performance of both die-cast and pony cars alike. For 50 years, both brands have developed high-performance cars that embody the challenger spirit.āĀ said Chris Down, senior vice president and Global Brand GM, Hot Wheels. āWeāre thrilled that fans can now experience the essence of Hot Wheels in thisĀ special editionĀ Camaro.ā
Commemorative package details
The 2018 Camaro Hot Wheels 50th Anniversary Edition is available on 2LT and 2SS coupe and convertible models with the following content:
- Satin Graphite stripes with Silver Ice Metallic accents
- Satin Graphite ground effects
- 20-inch forged aluminum wheels (with summer-only tires on SS) in Satin Graphite with milled faces and unique center caps
- 50th Anniversary Hot Wheels fender badges
- Unique grille with Galvano Chrome inserts
- Orange brake calipers
- Dark taillamps
- Black taillamp panel with the Hot Wheels emblem
- Black Chevrolet bowtie emblems
- Jet Black leather-appointed interior with exclusive orange inserts and orange accent stitching
- Orange kneepads on the doors and orange safety belts
- Embossed front-seat headrests
- 50th Anniversary Hot Wheels badge on the steering wheel
- Illuminated doorsill plates with 50th Anniversary Hot Wheels badges
- Premium carpeted floor mats with orange stitching and āghostā stripes
For more information visit Chevy.com/camaro-hot-wheels.
The Camaro Hot Wheels Edition joins approximately 20 other Chevrolet models at the SEMA Show, Oct. 31-Nov. 3. Follow the action at ChevySEMA.com, #CHEVYSEMA, @ChevroletPerformance on Instagram and Chevrolet Performance on Facebook.
FAST FACT: The Custom Camaro was the first Hot Wheels vehicle released in 1968 and was part of the original 16. The toy was offered in about 20 color combinations, with Gold and Creamy Pink being among the rarest ā and most collectible ā hues.
Rick Seitz is the owner and founder of GMEFI Magazine, and has a true love and passion for all vehicles. When he isnāt tuning, testing, or competing with the brandās current crop of project vehicles, heās busy tinkering and planning the next modifications for his own cars.
