Man, this year, Hot Wheels got it right with the #Night Burnerz Series as the whole series, up and down, is great — we may have to do a Top 10 of just this series. Six of the ten castings were #2016 New Models and one was in the mainline for the first time. One of those six castings making their debut, was the #Ford #Shelby GT350R. Some collectors saw it as, “just another #Mustang” whereas others saw this one separate from the herd.

I have to admit that earlier in the year, when I saw the blue colorway sitting on the pegs, I bypassed it as I was among those saying that it was another Mustang. It wasn’t until I was at Walmart one day, when the glow of the fluorescent lights from above caught that metalflake blue pearl paint just the right way, which ultimately led me to purchasing it.

Hot Wheels Ford Shelby GT350R from the 2016 Night Burnerz Series … also part of the 2016 New Models (both variations)

While it was the metalflake blue pearl paint that caught my eye at the point of purchase, this casting’s brilliance goes beyond shiny paint. Upon taking it home that day, I freed it from its plastic prison and began to take a closer look. The first thing I noticed were that the wheels are the same size — a rarity in most Hot Wheels #Muscle Cars as the brand (and its designers) usually tend to give these new Mustangs the raked look, with the rear wheels being larger than the front. This was a huge win for the collectors that prefer stock Hot Wheels cars over the highly customized ones that we’re used to. Leave it to that awesome pearl paint to also showcase the Mustang’s smooth, muscular lines.

RELEASE DETAILS: Metalflake Blue Pearl Body (metal). Tinted Windows. Black Interior. Gray 10-Spoke (10SP) Wheels.  Dark Gray Base (plastic). Made in Malaysia. Toy# DHP04. Released in 2016 as #7 of 10 in the Night Burnerz Series … also part of the 2016 New Models.

In addition to the metalflake blue pearl “Mustang of the night” we were granted with a second colorway in bright red. Considering this was released as part of the #Night Burnerz Series, it seems as though the bright red colorway would be perfect for the daytime.

Ultimately, both colorways came out great and they really turned me onto this casting. While it still may be another Mustang to some, the Ford Shelby GT350R is one Mustang casting to keep your eye on as many collectors have already begun snatching them off the pegs — a few have even gone as far as hoarding them. Whether you have a stable of Mustangs or you pick one up occasionally, this is definitely one for you.

RELEASE DETAILS: Bright Red Body (metal). Tinted Windows. Black Interior. Gray 10-Spoke (10SP) Wheels.  Dark Gray Base (plastic). Made in Malaysia. Toy# DHX25. Released in 2016 as #7 of 10 in the Night Burnerz Series … also part of the 2016 New Models.

UPDATE 2/12/2017 — The designer of this car was Dave Root. This was the first car Dave designed while at Mattel as a Design Intern.