The passing of an individual often causes many people to reflect back on that individual, the life they lived and how they affected you. Since former Hot Wheels graphics designer (turned freelance graphic designer) Wayne Scott passed away earlier this month, I had been thinking back to some of his designs since I regrettably never met him in person. Him and another former designer in Miq Willmott were quite the tandem back in the 2000s as they produced some really cool Hot Wheels cars — especially the “Roll Patrol” Vairy 8 from 2003 that featured both designers on the car in what had to be a huge laugh for the graphics team.

My favorite all-time design that Wayne did was for the dinner car that celebrated his 10 years at Mattel, at the #21st Annual Collectors Convention in 2007. Wayne chose the #’57 Chevy 150 Sedan from the #100% Hot Wheels line as the car that marked his 10th Anniversary. Not sure how he swung it, but you rarely saw these 100% Hot Wheels castings outside of that premium line. Limited to no more than 2,000 pieces, this ’57 Chevy is about as bad-ass as they come!

Hot Wheels ’57 Chevy 150 Sedan from the 21st Annual Hot Wheels Collectors Convention (2007). This was the Dinner Car honoring graphic designer, Wayne Scott, limited to 2,000 pcs. (rear view)

Done up in a sinister-looking, faux vintage racing deco, the #’57 Chevy 150 Sedan never looked so good! Ultimately, this would be the last release of this casting as just about all of the #100% Hot Wheels casting tools were destroyed after the demise of the 100% Hot Wheels line in 2009. “Wayne Scott”, “Hot Wheels Graphics” and the #10 all stand out prominently on the sides.

Hot Wheels ’57 Chevy 150 Sedan from the 21st Annual Hot Wheels Collectors Convention (2007). This was the Dinner Car honoring graphic designer, Wayne Scott, limited to 2,000 pcs. (side view)

Since this was a #100% Hot Wheels casting — also referred by some as a “Black Box”, “Cool Collectible”, “Oil Can” or “Kalifornia Kustom” casting — it features more pieces/detail than your typical mainline casting which features 4 pieces comprised of a body, base, windows & interior. With the additional pieces to this casting, some really cool elements are found on this release. The #Opening Hood reveals a massive, red & silver big block V-8 engine, which is one of those features that makes you want to display this car with its hood open.

Hot Wheels ’57 Chevy 150 Sedan from the 21st Annual Hot Wheels Collectors Convention (2007). This was the Dinner Car honoring graphic designer, Wayne Scott, limited to 2,000 pcs. (open hood view)

Going along with those added details, something that often gets overlooked on Hot Wheels is the base. Rightfully so, I don’t know any collector that displays their cars with the base facing up, but this release definitely makes you want to put a mirror under it while on display — something the #100% Hot Wheels were known for when compared to their mainline counterparts. The “Oil Can” packaging in the mid-2000s even went as far to have a reflective surface underneath these vehicles to allow you to see the base detail while in the package. Here you can see elements of the undercarriage such as the frame, transmission, driveshaft, exhaust, torsion cars, suspension and fuel tank.

Hot Wheels ’57 Chevy 150 Sedan from the 21st Annual Hot Wheels Collectors Convention (2007). This was the Dinner Car honoring graphic designer, Wayne Scott, limited to 2,000 pcs. (base view)

I mentioned this car was sinister, huh? A real bad-ass, right? Past the red & black color scheme, three tiny elements further my notion as the #Skull & crossbones on the front of the hood, the red head lights, and the ghost flames would make any bystander think twice about walking in front of this one. If there was one thing that Wayne could do, it was to breathe life into a casting by giving it a certain persona… something that is not easy to do, but its something that, when done right, really makes a Hot Wheels car, a HOT WHEELS CAR! Most of the time you see this done by the designers when they design an #Unlicensed Hot Wheels car, but as you can see, Wayne worked his magic and really brought this one to life!

Hot Wheels ’57 Chevy 150 Sedan from the 21st Annual Hot Wheels Collectors Convention (2007). This was the Dinner Car honoring graphic designer, Wayne Scott, limited to 2,000 pcs. (front hood view)

The Hot Wheels #’57 Chevy 150 Sedan was designed by Larry Wood and first appeared in 1998 as part of the Vintage Record Holders Legends 4-Car Set in the Hot Wheels Legends line. After that, it had two releases in the #100% Hot Wheels line in 2001 & 2002, before this beauty was made to cap its run in 2007. As mentioned earlier, Hot Wheels graphics designer Wayne Scott designed the graphics for this one for his celebratory anniversary dinner at the #21st Annual Collectors Convention in which he also designed the logo for — the logo appears on the trunk of this vehicle.

RELEASE DETAILS: Matte Black & Candy Apple Red Body (metal). Red-Tinted Windows. Black Interior. Red Real Riders Wheels. Red, Black, Silver & Chrome Base (metal/plastic). Made in China. Toy# L7874. Released on October 4, 2007 for the 10th Anniversary Dinner for Wayne Scott at the 21st Annual Hot Wheels Collectors Convention in Garden Grove, California.

Even though, Wayne was limited to freelance Hot Wheels graphic design over the last several years, his work will be missed. We all remember Wayne in our own ways as those collectors who were fortunate to have met him have spoken very fondly of him in recent weeks and many have been touched by his work. I wish Wayne’s family strength in this tough time, may he rest in peace.

For more images of your favorite Hot Wheels cars, check out @orangetrackdiecast on Instagram.