Can you ever have too much chrome? Simply put, yes you can. But I don’t believe that to be the case with this year’s 10-car #Super Chromes (2017) series. The #Dmitriy Shakhmatov Designed #Gazella GT is a great example of what this series is all about. Debuting in 2016, as an under-the-radar casting, most collectors probably aren’t even aware this casting exists, however, I have had numerous conversations with multiple collectors on how much they like this casting and how truly under appreciated it is. Now, it gets its chance to shine… LITERALLY!

Unless a casting debuts with an instant collector following like the #Bone Shaker, its pretty common for an #Unlicensed Hot Wheels casting like the #Gazella GT to not get the recognition it truly deserves until many years later. Well, in what seems like an effort to show some of these new, unlicensed Hot Wheels castings off, these 10 vehicles were given the neo #Super Chromes treatment — only this time it was with a new twist!

Hot Wheels Gazella GT from the 2017 Super Chromes series (rear view)

From the mind of Hot Wheels Graphic Designer, Jerry Thienprasiddhi, a new VUM “deco” process was applied to the classic #5-Spoke Wheels forming the #Super Chromes version of a white-wall tire. Its bold, its definitely new, and of course there are a few collectors that aren’t too fond of it. A rational fear is that the chrome will wear off too easily, but, at the same time, you have to applaud the effort given to really spice up some of these castings that get overlooked at the pegs. I, for one, love this idea and I know there are at least a handful of collectors that share my sentiment… but what it all comes down to is what the kids think of it, right???

Those same kids of that generation that is supposedly obsessed with electronics — and more specific, video games — may be surprised to find out that this is one of two playable #2017 Hot Wheels mainline cars in the Need for Speed: No Limits video game. I’ve seen some screen captures of the game, showing this car and the other Hot Wheels car in the game, the #Time Attaxi; and this car may just get the appreciation it deserves. Both cars look extremely cool (and fast!) on screen, in fully-detailed high-resolution, like only a video game can present.

Hot Wheels Gazella GT from the 2017 Super Chromes series (base view)

Looking back at the Hot Wheels casting (in comparison to the car in the video game), and this Hot Wheels car does leave more to be desired like detailed headlights and taillights. But at the $1 budget-friendly price of a mainline car, its pretty cool to have a replica video game car such as this. Maybe one day, this car will be sneaked into a premium line and get the treatment it deserves — although even an eternal optimist like myself, knows that is highly unlikely. For a casting such as the #Gazella GT that seems destined for the mainline, 5-packs and track sets, we say thank you to the Hot Wheels design team and Jerry T. for making this release shine!

RELEASE DETAILS: Chrome Body (plastic). Green-Tinted Windows. Black Interior. Chrome-Wall, Chrome-Rim, Green 5-Spoke (5SP) Wheels. Green-Painted Base (metal). Made in Malaysia. Toy# DTY16. Released in 2017 as #3 of 10 in the Super Chromes series (#207/365 in the 2017 mainline).