frequently asked questions

 It is largely believed that the Custom Camaro was the first Hot Wheels car produced. The evidence to support this belief is simply the many different variations of this one particular casting. In fact, the Custom Camaro has more distinct variations then any other casting during the Spectraflame era. The many different types of bases such as “kidney bean” and “tabbed”, early castings that were produced with a combination of U.S.and Hong Kong parts and the use of matching painted tails are among the more common traits. If you think about it, doesn’t it make sense to start with one casting, try out different things to get it right, then repeat the finalized process for all other castings. This prevents a lot of “reinventing the wheel” especially in a mass production environment. Even with all the variations known to exist, what isn’t known is why these changes occurred. Nevertheless, the consensus seems to be that cost savings and manufacturing improvements brought about these variations. 

 In most cases, you can tell because the color just doesn’t look right especially if compared to an original. Also, you can usually tell by looking at the post spins on the base. If they are smooth or look new, the car most probably has been repainted and the post spins have been replaced. Some people just use epoxy where the post spins would be which is a definite sign of a repaint. Real good examples that are meant to fool even the experts are done in such a fashion that you need to look through a jewelers’ loop and examine the area where the base and body meet. For more details on those listed above as well as others please see the section, Spotting Fakes and Reproduction Parts. 

 Most certainly. In almost all cases a reproduction part or even the suspicion of one will lower the value considerably and even detour sales.  

 Most probably not. Any casting that is or becomes a “crumbler” has little to no value and that value is really determined by the amount the buyer is willing to pay. 

 It is of general opinion among collectors that stickers and decals that accompanied a casting don’t need to be applied in order for it to be considered pristine or even mint. The main intent for these additional items was to give the car a more complete or finished look, however, they remain optional. There are castings such as the Spoilers, the Heavyweights, the Rear Engine Snake and Mongoose, and some other castings which have factory applied decals or stickers. These however must be present in order for that casting to be considered pristine or mint. As expected, decals and stickers do play their part in the overall condition of a loose casting if they are applied. Therefore, those castings with decals or stickers, whether pre-applied at the factory or self applied, must be complete, free from wear and properly placed in order for a casting to be considered in pristine or mint condition. 

 Restored castings strictly have no value compared to an original. Restored or refurbished castings should be purchased knowing that they only will serve as a filler. There are some really talented people that do incredible work and some restored castings alone can be works of art, but still they have no value compared to an original. 

 One general opinion is that those castings originally released in a variety of interior colors, including dark and light, do not have an affect in value based on one versus the other. Another general opinion is that a white interior alone can increase the value of certain castings. Therefore, it is possible that a premium can be added to a particular casting’s value if it has a white interior. There are some castings where the prominent color is dark and those with a white interior are rarer, which would then command more value. Likewise, there are some castings where the prominent color is white and a dark interior would command more value. For example, white interior versions of the Classic ’36 Ford Coupe have a higher value than those with the common dark colored interior. Similarly, the dark colored interior versions of the Continental Mark III are valued higher than the more common white interior castings.  In addition, some interior colors are just harder to find than others for some castings which may lead to a premium in value.

 Once toning begins, it can not be reversed, altered or prevented from continuing. Due to imperfections in materials such as the zinc-plated metal itself, or improper preparation of the casting prior to painting is what usually contributes to the toning process, there is nothing that can be done. Most collectors feel that those castings that do not have toning now won’t develop toning later. However, there are other collectors who feel that poor storage conditions or exposure to the elements could cause it at anytime. So, proper storage and display as well as taking care when handling cars is ones best defense against the start and continuation of toning. 

 This is a term some collectors use when referring to a car’s paint that is very glossy. Because of the high luster and reflective shine, it appears as though it is wet, when in fact it really is not. Usually darker colors like blue and magenta have this quality and are described as having “wet looking paint.”  

 Another term used by some collectors that describes a car’s paint when it is really thick or heavy. It is thought that the particular car was painted twice (double) which is what gives it its deep or dark appearance. This theory has not yet been proven and most feel that these particular castings were only painted once, just heavily. There are however some castings that were literally painted twice. Once in one color, then again in a completely different color. The Porsche 917 is a good example of this. Quite a few of these have been found where grey enamel paint is applied over Spectraflame blue or green. You can usually spot the underlying color when you look closely at the details of the casting such as the vents and outlines and especially where the grey enamel has chipped away from the Spectraflame paint. 

 This is a question that is debated often between collectors and so far there isn’t, nor will there ever be, a definitive answer. In all actuality, both are flaws therefore either one would affect value equally. However, it seems there is an even consensus among collectors with half feeling toning is worse then chipping and the other half believing chipping is worse then toning. 

 Be sure when storing and displaying cars that they are away from moisture, exposure to direct sun light and high levels of UV light. Use display cases that are PVC free, archival safe and are not manufactured with harsh solvents or chemicals. Keep your Spectraflame Redlines in a moderately dry climate controlled environment and when handling, make sure your hands are clean