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Hot Wheels Prototype Barn Find Set!

Hot Wheels prototype

Some of you may collect or have collected scale model vehicles. Corgi, Dingy, Tonka, Matchbox and Hot Wheels are some of the options available. We have never seen a factory prototype of a Hot Wheels available until today. Yes prototypes do come in all sizes. These are a one off set of barn find 1965 Ford Mustangs. This set is in Garland, Texas and is listed here on eBay with a, drum roll please, BIN of $3K or the option to make an offer.

Hot Wheels prototype two

This barn find set was owned by a Hot Wheels Design Studio employee. This model was repainted in a none production color.

Hot Wheels prototype one engine

The seller believes that this is the only set in existence. This 2nd model was dressed to be a barn find with multiple layers of paint and finishes.

 

Hot Wheels letters

With this purchase you will get these letters of authenticity. We hope that the person that needs these in his or her collection finds this listing and closes the deal. If you happen to pick up these one-of-a-kind barn find none production Hot Wheels prototypes please let us know!

Model-on,
Robert

Comments

  1. Avatar Donnie

    3000 for 2 hotwheels cars crazy

    Like 0
    • Avatar Jason Houston

      These are not just “two Hotwheels cars”, they’re factory prototypes. There’s a big difference, and not just in money. I have the first AMT Edsel prototype model and it has been appraised at $35,000. Obviously, stuff this rich isn’t for just anybody!

      Like 0
      • Avatar ydnar

        Things are starting to come into focus now! ;>)

        Like 0
      • Avatar MeToo

        It could be appraised for a million dollars, that does not mean anyone would be stupid enough to pay that much for it..

        Like 0
      • Avatar Bobsmyuncle

        Prototypes of what? I think these are simply custom paint jobs. BIG difference.

        Like 0
    • Avatar Toolbox

      Google Rear Loading Beach Bomb prototype and $3K will seem like pocket change.

      Like 0
      • Avatar JW

        No offense intended but that is plain ridiculous to pay $125K for a kids toy, glad the 1% has the cash to keep the collector market afloat but not me even if I had won the powerball.

        Like 0
      • Avatar Joe

        If it is true that someone paid 125K (which I doubt), then you are correct 3K sounds cheap. Again I doubt the story is true. The “125K” van was a real toy prototype from 1969. It had a different casting than the production toy van and was made before the production toy, hence the term “prototype”. The Mustang here in question looks to be a simple modification my some guy who maybe worked for Mattel. It came way after the production toy and is technically a prototype. Btw, anyone can type up a certificate of authenticity. To my mind it means nothing. Also to my mind there seems to be an effort to create value in these toys in parallel to the real car market.

        Like 0
      • Avatar Jason Houston

        What a pile… it’s not even a model of anything. What’s that they used to say, “A fool and his money are soon…”?

        Like 0
    • Avatar Dave

      I agree only a fool would pay $3000 for these. The pink beach bomb was an unreleased Hot Wheels car. Technically not a prototype since it came off factory tooling. Which actually makes it even more valuable.

      Like 0
  2. Avatar Cassidy

    this guy must also sell rusted out 356’s

    Like 0
  3. Avatar picklz

    Those ‘Letters of Authenticity’ look like they were typed up on MS Word….

    Like 0
    • Avatar Jason Houston

      Funny… I thought that, too.

      Like 0
    • Avatar Bobsmyuncle

      Because they ARE. The company guy wrote them himself. He’s giving these provenance HIMSELF. The only claim he has is that he was an employee.

      Like 0
  4. Avatar Thibeault

    Fakes

    Like 0
  5. Avatar JW

    We collect Mustang memorabilia BUT this is way too rich for my blood. Their toys no matter what and I’m not gullible enough to pay that kind of money for a toy. The market will fall someday on these things and someone will get stuck with a bunch of worthless stuff like the Beanie Baby crowd.

    Like 0
  6. Avatar Joe

    A designer at Mattel plays around with a couple of cars and somehow they’re worth 3K?

    Like 0
    • Avatar Rando

      He could have at least had a picture of him and Larry Wood holding the cars or something? The display they were used in? Anything?

      Like 0
  7. Avatar Bobsmyuncle

    I don’t see how there is value in these at all. This doesn’t follow value conventions in the toy market at all.

    Customizing toys is common and seen with incredible levels of artistic creativity but their values are minimal. Having been done by an employee is nothing but a side note.

    BTW was that wheel style used in 84?

    Like 0
    • Avatar CATHOUSE

      No, those wheels were not in use in 1984 by Hot Wheels. In 1984 HW was using what we call basic wheels. The wheels on this pair of Mustangs are called 5 spoke wheels. If you read the letter closer it says that this set was made in the 90s and the signer lists being a Mattel employee from 1999-2005. So these cars were made in that timeframe.

      Like 0
      • Avatar Bobsmyuncle

        Reviewing the BAT listing and the eBay listing again, and I see no mention of the ’84 that confused me. Not sure if was suffering a brain clot or if one or the other has been edited. Thanks for the confirmation.

        Like 0
  8. Avatar ydnar

    Ever heard of “Beanie Babies”?

    Like 0
  9. Avatar Jason Houston

    I never could warm up to Hotwheels because of their lack of fine detailing, silly wheels and corny paint schemes. But as a collector of prototypes, I respect any prototype, even if it just a junky toy like Hotwheels are.

    Like 0
  10. Avatar Jason Houston

    After looking at the eBay listing for these, I retract what I said about genuine prototypes. This are not manufacturer prototypes, although that is what this seller obviously would like everyone to believe. All they are is just some garden variety toys that some guy decided to customize. He artfully calls them ‘prototypes’ simply by virtue of the fact he claims to have worked at Mattell, and provides a trumped-up, phony COA. In other words, they’re a common $3 set of home-made junkers and nothing more.

    Like 0
  11. Avatar Robert Member

    There are other Hot Wheels with out-of-this-world pricing as well. This unit was $50K and now the BIN is down $5K to $45K! “Hot Wheels – Mystery car – Error – M6943 – 09188 – Unopened – FAST SHIPPING” http://www.ebay.com/itm/Hot-Wheels-Mystery-car-Error-M6943-09188-Unopened-FAST-SHIPPING-/281865062966?hash=item41a0778a36:g:ozgAAOSwLVZVz1Bn

    Like 0
    • Avatar CATHOUSE

      That is not much of an error to make it worth much of anything. The seller would be lucky to get $4.50 for it. If I had it I would offer it for $2-3 and be glad to sell it. Packaging errors are quite common with HW products.

      Like 0
      • Avatar Jason Houston

        The only thing about Hotwheels that ISN’T common is a complete, perfectly identifiable car in its correct colors! Sheesh…

        Like 0
    • Avatar Joe

      Nuts, this is not a misprinted stamp with an upside down biplane, or a coin minted with a double letter D. These are invented markets for gullible people with cash to burn.

      Like 0
      • Avatar Jason Houston

        Right… and the fact he wrote them years after the so-called RRRAAAAAAAARREE!!!!!!!! cars were built.

        Like 0
      • Avatar Jason Houston

        Thank you for that truism.

        Like 0
  12. Avatar Tom Member

    Were these found in a miniature barn? or was it more of a drawer or box find? At least these are overpriced like most of the cars on this site! Not barnfinds fault, just all of the idiots looking for other idiots to part with their cash.

    Like 0
  13. Avatar Rando

    These are two cars that were disassembled and repainted for a HotWheels display according to the LoA. Done by Mattel. Supposedly. This fellow may have been a staffer, but wrote his own LoA? If it were Larry Wood, maybe have a higher value. Any other provedence to back it all up other than a letter from the guy who made them as a supposed designer? there is no claim it is a prototype of any kind and I would bet that the cars were nothing special other than repaints in the model shop. $3K? no way. $3 each, Maybe… WITH THE LoA for giggles. No huge secondary market value that I see.

    I have a 1/18 32 Ford Am Graffitti coupe signed by Paul LeMat (the actor that drove the car in the movie). But I do not have a picture of him signing it. The sig matches all others I have seen with pictures though, so I assume it to be real. I traded for it, so I’m not really out any huge amount. And since I have no plans of selling it, doesn’t matter.

    But this toy stuff can be tough on a new collector, just like the real car hobby. Someone may ante up and make this guy’s house payment for a month or two. Or it may go back into it’s climate controlled drawer…lol

    Like 0
    • Avatar Jason Houston

      Providence is a town in Rhode Island. Provenance is a document or other indicia that verifies something is genuine.

      Like 0
      • Avatar Rando

        Yep. I figured that out after I posted. But thanks for letting me know. A providence is also a territory of some sort.

        Like 0
  14. Avatar alabee

    Dinky toys not dingy toys

    Like 0
  15. Avatar Rich

    I think I’ll stick to buying them from the supermarket when I see ones I like – mind you even that got out of hand!
    These were just the ones I decided to sell…

    Like 0
  16. Avatar Ronniecarlo

    I call B.S…As an AVID somewhat anal toy car collector, I have been a savvy collector since 1970.I was the geeky kid who never opened hardly any I received as presents or bought myself. While my sister ead buying candy I was carefully choosing Hot wheels, Matchbox and a decent collection of AMT,MPC etc model kits of which were never opened. Including a ton of promo’s..Can you say “Cordoba”? I have over 4000 Hot wheels,Matchbox cars. I have the first edition Hot wheels that I will fig out and post soon.So look for them….If my memory serves me,I believe Johnny lightning made a very similar Mustang first..

    Like 0
  17. Avatar Ronniecarlo

    I call B.S…As an AVID somewhat anal toy car collector, I have been a savvy collector since 1970.I was the geeky kid who never opened hardly any I received as presents or bought myself. While my sister was buying candy I was carefully choosing Hot wheels, Matchbox and a decent collection of AMT,MPC etc model kits of which were never opened. Including a ton of promo’s..Can you say “Cordoba”? I have over 4000 Hot wheels,Matchbox cars. I have the first edition Hot wheels that I will fig out and post soon.So look for them….If my memory serves me,I believe Johnny lightning made a very similar Mustang first..

    Like 0
    • Avatar Jason Houston

      At least the AMT and MPC stuff were true models. Hotwheels was nothing but scrap.

      Like 0
      • Avatar Rando

        You always have such strong opinions. Good. But that Hotwheels have such longevity, it proves that your statement is nothing but your opinion. You seem to not like a lot of cars on this site, dismissing them all as not worthy of your time or money. Hotwheels have never been 100% accurate, except for maybe the Ferrariswhen they had the exclusive license, maybe. They left accuracy to Matchbox and others. What do you like?

        Like 0
  18. Avatar Wayne S.K.

    I started playing with Hot Wheels as soon as they came on the market. When I was 11 years old, on the back of one of the packages (I disremember what car came in it) was a promotion for a “special” silver ’70 boss 302. It was a mail in coupon, and the cost was exactly one dollar. My Mom sent off for it, and I watched that mailbox every single day for what seemed like 432 years. One day, ALAS! There was the itty-bitty box staring back at me when I opened the lid. I ran to the house, opened the box, and beheld the most BEAUTIFUL thing I had ever seen. That little car gave more joy to a young boy than either of my ex wives did to the man I became. I wore that thing OUT! (The boss, not the wives) I bet it did 1000 real miles down that little orange slope. I will NEVER forget the shiny little car, although I have no clue what ever became of it. “Growing up” will do that to one. It’s a damn shame, too. I bet it would be worth around $32,786,421…

    Like 0
    • Avatar Jamie Staff

      The “Boss Hoss” is the top car in this picture — you can find them on eBay. Pricing is generally under $100 :-)

      Like 0
      • Avatar Jason Houston

        Somebody on eBay never learned decimal points.

        Like 0
  19. Avatar Chris A.

    I’ll keep my 1950’s Dinky Toy Cunningham C5R Le Mans racer thank you very much. At least HW had enough class to make a Cunningham C4 racer with the fender mounted oil cooler. Good memories and now good paper weights.

    Like 0
    • Avatar Jason Houston

      I don’t know of a single toy Hotwheels ever created on its own, that wasn’t a clone of somebody else’s. Some talent.

      Like 0
  20. Avatar krash

    ….so the on the left came with body rot….well that’s worth the price of admission alone…..

    Does he have any prototype Hot Wheel exploding Ford Pintos that come with letters of authenticity denying responsibility from the miniature Board of Executives of Ford…

    Like 0
    • Avatar Jason Houston

      I LOVE your sense of humor. Keep it up!

      Like 0
  21. Avatar Jason Houston

    They could appraised them at 73c but that still doesn’t mean there’s a willing buyer, either.

    Like 0
  22. Avatar Jason Houston

    RANDO:

    A territory is a province.

    Like 0
  23. Avatar Rando

    Guess I’m losing my mind as I get older.

    Like 0
  24. Avatar Dave

    Ugh….just an FYI I sold these to the current seller for a couple of hundred dollars. I’ve been selling off these little HW project cars for a few years now on ebay. Yes, MS Word letters also since I’m one guy working from home. I guess I can make a fancier letter but I thought a real signature is all that matters. They’re not fake but they sure as hell are not worth $3000.00. I see a few haters on here but I can’t help what this guy is describing them as or how much he’s asking. Also….I’ve always started these on ebay for $10 to be fair. Internally at Mattel….a prototype was any toy that involved hand work. Meaning sometimes it was a hand sculpted resin car….but sometimes just a repaint of a production model. No diabolical intention here…..just getting rid of stuff that was just a job. I’m not a colector. Thanks…..Dave

    Like 0
    • Avatar Bobsmyuncle

      Interesting update. So to be clear, what was the purpose of these cars? Was it professional (ie comissioned Mattel work) or a personal creative exercise?

      You mentioned, “I’ve always started these on eBay for $10” How many of these have you sold?

      To provide some proof, can you provide you seller ID?

      Like 0
  25. Avatar Dave

    These were part of a seasonal proposal of new cars and new ideas we did yearly inside of Hot Wheels. At that time I was a full time employee…a senior Hot Wheels designer. So this was all internal work only as part of my salary job. A lot of designers would simply sketch out their ideas and show drawings. Personally I found it more rewarding to build physical models. But yes, many times those models were just disassembled regular Hot Wheels cars that had parts modified (usually wheels) and often repainted. With photoshop nowadays it’s easier to do this in a computer than hand drawing or hand building.

    I start the auctions at $9.99 and my eBay name is vlad999. I’ve even had people comment on the “fake” username but since my middle name is Vladimir I figured it was ok lol. The ebay seller you see selling these Mustangs along with 2 other cars simply won the cars off me awhile back….and is now trying to flip them which even i agree is a ridiculous amount. I always figured about 200 tops considering the time/labor. As an investment who knows? I guess I need to die first to find out. :-)

    Like 0
    • Avatar Bobsmyuncle

      Thanks for the great info!

      Like 0

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