First look - Hot Wheels Elite One series

At the last International Toy Fair in Nuremberg, Germany, Hot Wheels announced a brand new range of collectable 1/50 scale models aimed at the younger collector or those on a limited budget (and who isn't on a limited budget nowadays?). The Hot Wheels Elite One series hand picks some of the most iconic vehicles from the silver screen and television shows before giving them a miniature makeover. A mix of both diecast and plastic, the models are a fantastic introduction to the wonderful world of collecting.

In the first batch, Hot Wheels has chosen to replicate the Mystery Machine from Scooby-Doo!, the Flintmobile from the Flintstones and the Bat from The Dark Knight Rises. Considering these are meant to be aimed at younger collectors, the Flintmobile seems a strange choice as it's unlikely to be remembered by anyone under the age of 20... but we were certainly pleased to see its inclusion. Following on from these initial releases, Hot Wheels is also planning 1/50 scale versions of The Dark Knight Batmobile, the A-Team Van and the Back to the Future Time Machine. We would love it if Hot Wheels also chose to produce Elite One editions of the 1966 Batmobile, Ecto-1 from Ghostbusters and Herbie.

Below we've included a brief review of each model, along with a video of all three, so you can get a good 360 degree look at this new collection. Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.



Scooby-Doo! The Mystery Machine
Ref: BCJ81 RRP: £9.99

This is perhaps our favourite in the Elite One series so far. It's mainly diecast with plastic figures of Scoody-Doo and Shaggy behind the wheel of the quirky green machine. Printing is good on the floral pattern and logo, although we're disappointed the wheel decorations are just stickers. What's nice is that Hot Wheels has really captured the curious shape of the Mystery Machine, making it look like an elongated hexagon from the sides. If you're a fan of Scooby-Doo, you really can't go wrong with this... especially with that cheap as chips price tag.



The Flintstones Flintmobile
Ref: BCJ83 RRP: £10.99

Well, without a doubt the first thing that catches your eye with this piece are the nifty little models of Barney Rubble and Fred Flintstone. They're packed with character and add a definite charm to the Fiintmobile. Unlike the Mystery Machine, this is mainly plastic/rubber, with a bit of diecast used for the 'wooden' wheels. The rugged look of the stone age vehicle has been captured nicely, although the box does show a variation of the Flintmobile with back seats... perhaps Fred upgraded to a people carrier in later episodes? The only thing that we're disappointed not to see is a model of Dino poking his head out the top of the vehicle.



The Dark Knight Rises - The Bat
Ref: BCJ82 RRP: £10.99

This is arguably the most detailed of all the Elite One models so far, with a see-through cockpit window, fake metal mesh towards the front, engines and even helicopter blades on the undercarriage. Perhaps the more serious nature of the original vehicle has ensured Hot Wheels treated this one more seriously. Again, a mix of diecast, plastic and rubber, The Bat oozes a lot of detail... considering that bargain bin price tag. There's a base that can't be detached to ensure the Bat looks like it's hovering, just like in the film. However, we're disappointed there's no tiny Batman in the cockpit but that's really a minor grumble about this otherwise decent replica.

So, now you've read about all the models, watch the video below and keep an eye out for the Elite One range in stores soon.



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