In today’s Hot Wheels landscape, it seems as though every line or series has some sort of #Chase piece in it — whether its produced that way or not. Even when there isn’t meant to be a chase piece, collectors/profiteers/etc. find a way to make one. This has been the case with the ’55 Gasser in the HW Redliners series, and just about every other series it appears in, as these “sought after” pieces are in-demand, plain & simple. Call it perceived value, call it something else, but these cars seem to bring an immediate premium, even if its just a couple bucks. Hey, don’t blame me for stating the obvious.

From the #Car Culture / Track Day series that car was obviously the #Datsun Bluebird 510 which seems to be the granddaddy of all #JDM as its pulling in the largest secondary value per release. So it should come as no surprise that when you are out hunting and you find a semi-new case of the Track Day series, this one is usually missing. Even given the fact that each case contains 10 cars (2 of each), the perceived value of this casting is through the roof — to the point that a banged-up, loose Vintage Racing release will sell for nearly $60. I was fortunately to have a collector-friend of mine (@tpcallo on Instagram) find this Track Day release (shown below) for me and, through a Random-Act-Of-Kindness (RAOK), sent it along with a few other cars I had needed — thanks Tim!

Hot Wheels Datsun Bluebird 510 from the 2016 Car Culture / Track Day Series (rear)

While the Track Day release is still new, it is still fetching several dollars over the standard retail price of $3.50. This isn’t crazy though if you consider the metal/metal nature of this casting and its uber-cool, #16 vintage racing paint scheme designed by Hot Wheels premium lines graphic designer, Steve Vandervate. Steve, who is known as “Van” by most, has designed the graphics for Hot Wheels ultra-premium HWC/RLC line among the graphics for all recent convention releases … which are some of the best the brand has to offer. So it should come as no surprise if you feel you are getting your money’s worth with this paint scheme. Of course, all this is in addition to the “goes-without-saying” marvelous casting, Jun Imai designed in the first place. Oh, did I mention the #Real Riders, yeah, those too!

RELEASE DETAILS: Burgundy Enamel Body (metal). Clear Windows. Black Interior. Gray Real Riders Steelie Wheels. Unpainted Metal Base. Made in Malaysia. Toy# DJF97. Released in 2016 as #5 of 5 in the Hot Wheels Car Culture / Track Day Series.