Union 76 was an iconic chain of gas stations in the United States. Back in 1932, the El Segundo, California company, Union Oil, introduced 76 gasoline. Back then, the octane rating of gasoline was 76, hence the name. Also, the name “76” was pulled from the year of the United States Declaration of Independence, 1776. Branded as simply “76” now, this chain is a part of Americana as its giant, orange ball of a sign became a pop culture icon when it was designed for the 1962 Seattle World’s Fair. In the 1970s and 1980s, the company had the popular slogan, “Go with the Spirit … the Spirit of ’76” in honor of America’s bicentennial. The slogan has since been shortened to “Get the Spirit”, which is seen on this Hot Wheels car below.

As we mentioned yesterday, this release of the Hot Wheels ’69 Ford Torino Talladega is part of an amazing series of cars for 2016 known as the #HW Speed Graphics Series. Pairing automotive-related brands with Hot Wheels vehicles has made for some pretty cool releases in the past and continues to shine via this 2016 series.

The Hot Wheels ’69 Ford Torino Talladega casting has become semi-popular as of late in the Hot Wheels collecting world — most notably because of the 2010 Super Treasure Hunt and 2011 Vintage Racing versions fetching $30+ on the secondary market. Originally introduced in 2008, collectors scoffed at the idea of a lowriding muscle car, but there is now a crowd that truly embraces this casting and the sleekness it embodies. With so many great releases of the casting so far, and this one now to add to them, this Torino looks to be a fan favorite for years to come. Its also still possible that we may see this one in a different colorway before the end of the year. So “Get the Spirit” and pick up this ’69 Ford Torino Talladega today — its in stores now!

RELEASE DETAILS: White Body (metal). Light Blue Tinted Windows. Black Interior. Dark Gray 5-Spoke (5SP) Wheels. Chrome Base (plastic). Made in Malaysia. Toy# DHR79. Released in 2016 as #8 of 10 in the HW Speed Graphics Series.