Hot Wheels has been around for over 50 years, since its inaugural “Sweet Sixteen” production series in 1968. Unlike most competitors, Mattel still produces scale-model cars with record annual sales. While there are now over 20,000 designs and six billion units, here are the 15 rarest Hot Wheels cars ever.

1970 Red Ferrari 312P with White Interior

The original 312P supercar has a rich racing history connected to a Ferrari racing program. Although Ferrari built three prototypes, Hot Wheels made a version of the model that raced to prepare for the 1969 Le Mans race. Unlike other scale models, 312P Hot Wheels with white interiors are rare and mostly never found in packages.

1971 Red Olds 442 with Black Interior

Hot Wheels released this model based on the iconic 1970 Oldsmobile Cutlass 442. Olds’ W30 variant had a fiberglass hood, functional air scoops, and a 4-4-2 engine delivering 370 HP. This scaled-down version is one of the rarest cast during the Redline era (1968-1977) because red cars with dark interiors are believed to be pre-production units.

1972 Green Open Fire

After Paul Tam designed the 1972 Green Open Fire with inspiration from a stretched AMC Gremlin, Hot Wheels released them in seven distinct colors. Besides red, this light green variant is one of the rarest. Since this single-year release had a 12-cylinder Lycoming aircraft engine delivering 1000 HP, it came with extra wheels.

1968 Cheetah Base with Python Body

Hot Wheels designed this car after Bill Cushenbery’s show car, the Car Craft Dream Rod, a Pontiac-Corvair combo. Although they first advertised it as the “Cheetah,” they changed its name to Python, releasing it under the “Sweet Sixteen” 1968 series. However, a few Cheetah prototypes escaped the production site, making them rare.

1968 Pink Beatnik Bandit

Also produced during Hot Wheels’ inaugural production year in 1968, the company modeled this car after Ed “Big Daddy” Roth’s Beatnik Bandit. It had a shortened 1950 Oldsmobile chassis with a bubble-top that was the roof and door. Although you can find these model cars in 18 other colors, this pink is ultra-rare.

1969 Brown ’31 Woody

During his three-year stint at Mattel as a Hot Wheels designer, Ira Gilford designed the iconic Twin Mill and most of the 1969 cars, including the 1969 Brown ’31 Woody. Of all the 17 colors available, this brown redline is the rarest because it was a pre-production release. The Woody was based on Ford’s Model A Station Wagons, produced in 1931.

1969 Ed Shaver Blue AMX

Once again, another Ira Gilford design pops up as a rare item! Although Hot Wheels wanted to make the original build a USA-only affair, things changed when Mattel sponsored real-life drag racer Ed Shaver. They built a rare version with a shiny blue finish and unique graphic stickers, which is strictly for the UK.

1969 Brown Custom Charger

The real-life 1969 Dodge Charger had a capable 440ci/375hp engine that went 0 to 60 mph in 6.1 seconds at 200 mph. It was enticing enough for Hot Wheels to produce a scaled-down model, so they manufactured these at their USA factory. Despite 16 versions, these Spectraflame Brown Custom Chargers were the rarest.

1971 Purple Olds 442

Compared to other builds, the Olds 442 models are more challenging to find because Mattel only produced them for one year. Besides, these Mainline Hot Wheels were famous when they were available at retail. Of all the castings manufactured exclusively at the company’s Hong Kong facility, the purple colorway is one of the rarest ever.

1969 Mad Maverick Based on Mighty Maverick

Although Mattel had planned to christen this model as the ‘Mad Maverick,’ it switched to the ‘Mighty Maverick’ due to trademark issues. Hence, the nameplate never made it past the prototype and pre-production stages. However, some cars had the “Mad Maverick” name on their base and a large plastic wing on the rear.

1968 Over Chrome Camaro

If you think antifreeze variants aren’t rare, you’re right. Hot Wheels built this antifreeze-over-chrome-finish solely for marketing purposes. Based on Chevrolet’s 1968 Camaro, Mattel included this model in its inaugural “Sweet Sixteen” production released in 1968. This Over Chrome Camaro is even rarer because Hot Wheels manufactured just 20 units.

1968 Chrome Mustang

Like many rare Hot Wheels models, this Strawberry Over Chrome Mustang has a unique history. Mattel only built this car for advertising and internal use, so it’s one of only two models. Somehow, the piece popped up at an estate sale as part of a private collection in a trailer park.

2008 Diamond-Encrusted Custom Otto

Not every Hot Wheels car made it to the silver screen, but the Custom Otto appeared in “The Christmas Chronicles” starring Kurt Russell. Then, Mattel built a Diamond-Encrusted variant to celebrate its four billionth Hot Wheels car. With 2,700 diamonds and an initial $140,000 price tag, this 40th Anniversary is 1 of only 1!

1968 White Camaro Prototype

While mass-produced custom Camaros can have a high price tag, their prototypes are on another level. Their backstory is one of error and oversight. Mattel made only 16 units so their designers could check for imperfections, but somehow, they got into stores. A piece that cost 59 cents decades back is now worth $100,000 or more.

1969 Beach Bomb Rear-Loading Versions

The 1969 Beach Bomb, modeled after Volkswagen’s Microbus, was a prototype with rear-loading surfboards. Mattel never released it due to its impractical design and issues with the Supercharger. However, a few early versions, including two rare Pink models, ended up on the market. Due to their unique design, they’re valued at about $175,000.