Phantasy Feature: Hot Wheels 2002 Thomassima III

First released in 2000 by Hot Wheels, the Thomassima III is a model with a short lifespan. It was designed by Tom Meade and released in a gorgeous metallic red color with the 2000 mainline series. There were three variations that year, but they all essentially looked the same. From there, it saw another release in 2001 and 2002, of which the photos above represent the latter. Sadly, the Thomassima III was included in the 2005 Final Run series, never to be seen again. It truly is quite unfortunate, considering how sleek and sexy the Thomassima III is. Drawing obvious inspiration from European luxury cars and meshing it with American muscle (it almost has the shape of the Corvette Stingray), this casting certainly deserved more releases than it received. I don't see it too often in my hunting... and I'd wager that you probably don't either. If you happen to find the Thomassima III, snatch it up for your collection and enjoy this monstrous unlicensed beauty!

Phantasy Feature: Hot Wheels 2013 Mystery Models Fangula

Presented here is the ghastly Fangula! It is part of the second series of 2013 Mystery Models sold exclusively at Wal-Mart. As such, it came in a blind bag package and not as a standard carded release. The Fangula simply oozes intimidation. It's obviously a hearse that's been converted into a hot rod. How cool is that?! Felix Holst designed this beauty for the 2010 mainline Hot Wheels series and it's seen many releases since. I'm looking for two personally -- the original 2010 version in purple and the 2012 Halloween version. Both look phenomenal, just like this angular vehicle of velocity! If you haven't already done so, add a Fangula to your collection...

You vown't regreeet eeeet. Mwahahahahahaha.

Ok... that's the end of my terrible Dracula impression. Happy hunting!

Phantasy Feature: Matchbox 2014 Food Truck

This feature will be a change of pace for our regular readers. While the bulk of this blog discusses Hot Wheels related models, it's certainly not the only thing we will discuss. Today, we have the Matchbox 2014 Food Truck. Done in a bright and catchy purple, the Food Truck is mocked up as a traveling ice cream truck. More specifically, it's The Caramel Club! The Food Truck was a new design for the 2013 Matchbox series, so it has only been released twice. With the first release, the tampo made it look like a hot dog vendor. The Food Truck is a great addition to the Matchbox family and should see lots of use in the coming years. Food trucks have become such a popular means of grabbing a meal in recent years. Certainly, the Matchbox Food Truck can mirror all the different types of cuisine one can find on four wheels. The Caramel Club is an appealing design, featuring a large caramel man mascot. I'm quite pleased with it... and I think you would be too. Add one to your collection today!

On The Horizon: 2014 Hot Wheels 'N' Case

The 2014 Hot Wheels Mainline set is almost complete. As we come closer to the end of this year's series, the gems just keep on coming! 'N' Case has some mighty fine fantasy and unlicensed models in it. Be on the lookout for the following.

• Bread Box
• Rig Storm (Blue Recolor)
• Poison Arrow (Regular Treasure Hunt)
• Let's GO (Green Recolor)
• Bone Shaker (Black Recolor)
• Skate Punk
• Eevil Weevil
• Audacious
• Fly-By (Red Recolor)
• Knight Draggin'
• F1 Racer
• Sting Rod II
• Carbonic

I'm very eager to finally see the Knight Draggin', with its wavy body shape and cool mounted knight. Also, I'm extremely glad to see the Sting Rod II in a color scheme I actually enjoy. The Eevil Weevil is also highly anticipated by me - anything from 1980's Speed Demons series is something I will always drool over. Happy hunting!

Phantasy Feature: Hot Wheels 2000 Avon Vintage Hot Rods Sweet 16

Here we have the Sweet 16! This particular emerald beauty was released in the 2000 Avon Vintage Hot Rods exclusive box set (which also had a fantastic Purple Passion and '32 Ford Vicky). The Sweet 16 is a very old casting. Designed by Paul Tam (whom also created the playful original Whip Creamer), the Sweet 16 made its debut in 1973! Over the years, this casting has seen a moderate number of releases and has even been retooled for the modern market. Though, the last time it was part of the regular mainline series was 2002. I really enjoy this release. The green, white and gold flow together quite nicely, accentuating the natural curves of the body. The trunk even opens slightly as an added bonus. In my opinion, I think we're due for another appearance of this sleek treasure!

On The Horizon: 2014 Hot Wheels 'L' and 'M' Case

I decided to feature the 'L' and 'M' case assortments together since they'll both be hitting store shelves really close to each other. It's a high likelihood that you'll see both hanging on the pegs at the same time. That being said, here are the unlicensed and fantasy castings you can expect from these two upcoming cases.

• Imparable (also was in 'K' case, missed that last time!)
• Screamliner (purple recolor - very nice)
• Fast Fish
• HW Poppa Wheelie (very odd... and cool)
• Yur So Fast
• Scoopa Di Fuego
• Howlin' Heat
• Arachnorod
• Tomb Up (chrome recolor)
• Twin Mill III
• Land Crusher
• Fast-Bed Hauler (red recolor)
• RRRoadster
• MR11
• Arrow Dynamic
• Ice Cream Truck
• Twin Mill (red recolor)
• Two Timer
• Buzzerk
• Rapid Response
• Rev Rod
• Hammerhead
• Ryura LX (black recolor - very classy)
• Double Demon
• Baja Truck
• Surfin' School Bus
• Fig Rig
• Off Track (regular Treasure Hunt)
• Mountain Mauler (blue recolor - much nicer looking)
• So Plowed (blue recolor)
• Off-Duty

I'm most excited for the Double Demon, Screamliner (my pick for best fantasy/unlicensed car of 2014) and Two Timer.  These two cases are chock full of great castings, especially for those of us whom like to customize cars with our own paint jobs. Be on the lookout my friends!

Phantasy Feature: Hot Wheels 1998 Rail Rodder

Here we have another classic casting from Larry Wood. This is the 1998 edition of the Rail Rodder. Initially released two years prior in the 1996 assortment, the Rail Rodder was most recently seen in 2007 as a Holiday Hot Rod. I'd say we're due for another release, wouldn't you? As an obvious mash-up between a locomotive and a hot rod, the Rail Rodder has a very distinctive look not seen often in the Hot Wheels Mainline series. For that matter, how often do we see a train-styled casting? Almost never. The aggressive stance of the sloping front end almost gives the Rail Rodder a sense of forward momentum! This is an epic release that stands out amongst all other fantasy castings. If you like trains, or simply appreciate odd fantasy vehicles, then you must own at least one Rail Rodder in your collection!