Hot Wheels has provided hours of entertainment for decades thanks to the solid build quality, reasonable pricing and creative design of its products. Because of its broad appeal, the brand has produced some highly sought-after creations that can fetch serious asking prices in today’s market.
Few, however, come close to this Volkswagen Type 2-based 1969 Beach Bomb Prototype, which was recently valued at a whopping $150 000 (about R2,07-million) by the Antiques Roadshow. The Beach Bomb Prototype is widely regarded as the most collectable model, with some examples having fetched as much as $72 000. This particular one, however is worth much more due to its amazing history.
This toy was given to its owner by his father, who was a key developer at Hot Wheels back when it was still called the Mattel Toy Factory. The Beach Bomb Prototype didn’t make it through to production unscathed, and was redesigned before hitting the shelves.
Only 40 known prototypes are said to be in existence today and while the pink models are more popular, this ruby red example is rarer. And given its impressive condition and the authentic Mattel business card that the owner supplied along with it, the appraiser dubbed the model the “Holy Grail of Hot Wheels”.
Watch the video below for more…
https://www.facebook.com/RoadshowPBS/videos/10154537930882781/
