Back when Hot Wheels was still releasing 10-packs (before they shifted to 9-packs), they released two 10-packs that contained cars that were all exclusive. Collectors had been used to the one-car exclusive in previous 10-packs and these were typically outlined in the packaging. In 2009, collectors were thrown a curveball as Hot Wheels released a 10-pack where all 10 cars in that 10-pack were exclusive. No reason was given as to why, but it was a nice little one-off surprise. This happened once again the very next year. In 2010, collectors were greeted with another all-exclusive 10-pack. It was this “Hot Wheels 10” that contained this #10-Pack Exclusive ’08 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution.

Hot Wheels ’08 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution from the 2010 “All-Exclusive” Hot Wheels 10-Pack (Passenger’s Side View)

Decked out in satin dark orange paint (which is very similar to #Spectrafrost Paint from the Cool Classics), this Lancer Evo wore the same “CLONE” graphics it wore in the 2010 Nightburnerz Series. This is one of many #Cars featuring names of Mattel Employees as Hot Wheels graphic designer Mike McClone’s signature “CLONE” adorns the sides as the “primary sponsor”. This is a common practice among the Hot Wheels graphic designers so its more than likely that Mike was the graphic designer who did this car’s graphics. If you’ve ever met Mike at one of the conventions, you’ll know that collectors refer to him as the “Flame Guy” as he usually handles the graphic design of any flame graphics in the Hot Wheels lineups.

While these 10-packs were plentiful in 2010, they actually command a premium these days as collectors of the 10 castings released in it are trying to complete collections. Its the collectors of this ’08 Lancer Evo that have really shot this 10-pack up in terms of value. The last one that sold on eBay went for $44-shipped. When loose, this car has sold in the $35-shipped range — by itself!

The Hot Wheels #Mitsubishi #Lancers are hot right now as they are part of the #JDM craze. Its not just this release but most releases of the ’08 Lancer Evo have seen increases in value. The surprising thing is that we have seen this before from castings that are no longer in production, but this casting IS STILL in production as it will be out by the end of the summer as part of 2016’s HW Race Team series.

RELEASE DETAILS: Satin Dark Orange Body (metal). Clear Windows. Gray Interior. Chrome Open-Hole 5-Spoke (OH5) Wheels. Chrome Base (plastic). Made in Malaysia. Toy# 54886. Released in 2010 as part of the all-exclusive “Hot Wheels 10” 10-Pack.