Ooooooh, the #Cop Rods… if you’ve been collecting for the last 18 years or so, chances are you remember the original Cop Rods which were released in 1999 as a #K•B Toys Exclusive. This series, in which most of the vehicles had #Real Riders and all wore authentic #Police Vehicle graphics from around the United States, was popular enough to warrant a second series in 2000. It was ultimately the $6 price tag and the poor casting selection in the second series that caused these to hang at K•B Toys (for what seemed like years) until they were clearanced out.

In 2009, the Cop Rods were re-released on standard-sized blister cards and with basic wheels as a #Target Exclusive at the $3 price point. Collectors were up-in-arms over this new series having a premium price and no #Real Riders. The series was dropped at retail before it was ever completed, making quite a few cars in the last assortments extremely hard to find. The Cop Rods never returned despite the mainline series, HW Main Street, having vehicles with authentic police graphics in 2011 & 2012. In my opinion, it was that original #Cop Rods series that was the best.

Hot Wheels ’32 Ford Deuce from the 1999 KB Toys, Cop Rods Series 1 (rear)

The Hot Wheels #’32 Ford casting (named “’32 Deuce” for this release) was part of that first series wearing the official shield for the Milwaukee Police Department. Its clean white paint and tasteful graphics, complete with the shield emblazoned on the doors, #191 on top and “POLICE” on the trunk, almost gives this car a show rod look. I could totally see this being a real-life, promotional vehicle for a local police department. Living in the Milwaukee-area at the time, I can tell you that these were super hard to find where I lived as local collectors were enamored with the ’32 Ford and its representation of their city.

As cool as this car is, it can be had for far less than the original retail price of $6, along with most of the original Cop Rods. Its funny because many of the 2009 Cop Rods (which alot of people disliked at the $3 price point), now bring in double-digit prices on the secondary market — a few even bring triple-digit figures! So if you want some cool #Police Vehicles to collect, revisit the original #Cop Rods as cars like this ’32 Ford do not disappoint.

RELEASE DETAILS: White Enamel Body (metal). Clear Windows. Black Interior. Chrome Real Riders Deep-Dish Wheels. Black Base (plastic). Made in Thailand. Toy# 23447. Released in 1999 as part of the K•B Toys Exclusive, Cops Rods series.

For more pictures of your favorite Hot Wheels cars, check out @orangetrackdiecast on Instagram!