Give it up for the #HW Art Cars series this year — definitely one of the underdog series for 2016. It had some quality castings in it and had one unique caveat that had collectors scurrying to collect them all. The tops of all 10 vehicles contained a letter/number which had many diecast enthusiasts wondering what it spelled out. Midway through the series, it was revealed that the vehicles (when all lined up together) spelled, “HW ART CARS 16”, the name of the series. This was especially cool because each letter/number’s typography was derived from its artisitc style the graphics represented.

Hot Wheels Custom ’77 Dodge Van from the 2016 HW Art Cars Series (both colorways)

Representing the old school with some late ’80s, early ’90s graphics that look straight out of the Saved by the Bell theme song, is the #Custom ’77 Dodge Van. This custom 1970s van is an odd choice for these graphics as we would much rather see some ’70s inspired graphics, heck, even a mural would have looked fantastic. But considering this isn’t from the decades series we will give it a pass. As the case mixes for 2016 come to a close, it looks as though this may be the only colorway we see of the Dodge Van in this series, this year. 2017 cars are right around the corner so here’s to potentially getting that mural.

RELEASE DETAILS: Metalflake Magenta Body (metal). Light Blue Windows. Gray Interior. Chrome 5-Spoke (5SP) Wheels. Black Base (plastic). Made in Malaysia. Toy# DHR90. Released in 2016 as #7 of 10 in the HW Art Cars series.

UPDATE 11/21/2016 — The November 12, 2016 Kmart Collector’s Day Event had this HW Art Cars release of the Custom ’77 Dodge Van as one of the four #Kmart Exclusive colorways for the event.

RELEASE DETAILS: Metalflake Light Green Body (metal). Purple Windows. Gray Interior. Gold-Chrome 5-Spoke (5SP) Wheels. Black Base (plastic). Made in Malaysia. Toy# FBJ22. Released in 2016 as #7 of 10 in the HW Art Cars series … this colorway was a Kmart Exclusive at the November 12, 2016 Kmart Collector’s Day event.