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!