This is probably not what you usually expect to see here on Modeling Madness, but it is a fact that many of us have, at one time or another, come into contact with these little die cast cars; either as kids playing with them or as adults collecting them. I missed the Hot Wheels Generation by a few years as I was already in my late teens when they came out. But millions of others have managed to keep them going strong for many years. Hot Wheels have also done a few aircraft and military vehicles so perhaps that is enough to include it here!

If we don't think of anything else when we think of Mattel, then it is Barbie and Hot Wheels. Modelers will remember when Mattel owned Monogram and their kits came in blue boxes with the Mattel logo prominent in the corner.

This book is basically an anniversary book that covers the entire story of the Hot Wheels cars. It was a real leap of faith by the company to start in what seemed like a glutted market, but they had the foresight to add something into the little cars that none of its competitors (at the time Matchbox and Dinky) had in mind, and that was play value. Yes, I did play with my Dinky cars when I was a kid, but they didn't have the bright colors and the unique suspension system that Hot Wheels do that allow them to travel at scale speeds exceeding 200 mph! Perhaps that is what kept most of my Dinky cars from under the ice box! (Living in the UK in the 50's we didn't have a refrigerator.)

The author has been able to interview many of the more prominent personnel involved in the development and production of Hot Wheels and their insights into the way toys are developed. Each chapter in the book covers a specific development or trouble spot with the company. It includes intrigue, trouble with the feds, near bankruptcy and renewal; just what every good novel needs and it makes for a very readable book. In addition, it has a ton of excellent photos of prototype cars and projects, as well as a ream of favorites for the HW Generation. Its size is that of a coffee table book and I know that the Hot Wheels enthusiast and those just interested in the development and current state of Hot Wheels will find this to be an invaluable book.

It is highly recommended as a great read and a must have for the Hot Wheels fan!

Available in bookstores everywhere, through Classic Motorbooks at (800) 826-6600 or at www.motorbooks.com

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