2011 L.A. Auto Show: Hotwheels 2012 Chevrolet Camaro

Among the unique features that Mattel introduced in 1968 with its Hot Wheels was "Spectraflame" paint.  It was essentially pearl colored paint (translucent), similar to that used on Hot Rods of the 50s and 60s, over bare metal.  Spectraflame paints gave a dramatic look to what were previously rather drab looking enamel paint jobs from the likes of Matchbox and other toy companies.

At the 2011 L.A. Auto Show Chevrolet displayed a 2012 Chevrolet Camaro sporting candy apple green paint over chrome. Spectraflame paint brought to life.

Hot Wheels Camaro ZL1

Here's a great looking new casting marred by one thing:  That bump.

Hot Wheels 2012 First Edition Camaro ZL1

Yes, the one on the roof.  Sure the real car has one.  But the real car has side mirrors, too.  And satellite radio.  The toy car does not.

2011 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

Memo to Hot Wheels designers:

If you're gonna lose the mirrors lose the bump.

I Digress A Bit: The Beatles in Mono CD Box

OK.  I get it.  The Beatles Mono Box Set is intended as a supplement to The Beatles Stereo Box Set.  For the hardcore Beatles fan.  It completes your collection of officially released Beatles albums and singles.  But does it?   

 

I love the mini-LP packaging: miniature replicas of the first British album releases. But they're unique to the mono box.  Therefore I own only 12 of their 15 albums in this authentic style packaging.  I can't go out and buy the other three because they don't exist: the remaining three albums were originally issued only in stereo and the stereo releases are in contemporary packaging.

 

I don’t know about you but as a collector I lean towards having complete sets.  I want to own one of every Hot Wheels casting from 1968-1975.  I’m not content to own 95% of them.

PS

Don't get me wrong.  The Beatles Mono box is outstanding and a must have for Beatles fans.  It just comes up a tad short in my perfect world. 

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Hot Wheels Astro Funk

Today I opened a Mattel Hot Wheels Astro Funk.  Clearly inspired by show rods of the 60s and Ed "Big Daddy" Roth's Beatnik Bandit and Mysterion in particular.

1960 Beatnik Bandit

Mattel produced a Hot Wheels version in the late '60s.  I've read that Ed Roth was unhappy with the many colors the car came in, none of which were the real car's pearl white.

1968 Hot Wheels Beatnik Bandit

1963 Mysterion

The granddaddy of all bubble tops is considered to be Darryl Starbird's Predicta '56 Thunderbird.

1960 Predicta

It is interesting to note that the designer's rendering of the Astro Funk (below) rides much lower than the production version which reminds me of Johnny Lightning's awkward take of the Mysterion with its too high rear end stance.

Astro Funk artist's rendering

Johnny Lightning Mysterion

Contemporary cars paying homage to the same influences as the Astro Funk include Aaron Grote's Atomic Punk

2008 Atomic Punk

And Dave Shuten's AstroSled

AstroSled

 And the Roswell Rod by Fritz

For some cool reading you must get Ed 'Big Daddy' Roth: His Life, Times and Art (Cartech)