One of the more unique #Race Cars you’ll see debut this year from Hot Wheels is the #Porsche 962. Based off of the mid-1980s sports-prototype car made by #Porsche to replace the 956, the real car made its debut at the 1984 24 Hours of Daytona. The Hot Wheels car is a brand-new, premium metal body / metal base casting that just started appearing in stores at the end of May — as part of the #Car Culture / Race Day series. As if that wasn’t enough, the car also features a brand-new Hot Wheels wheel in the #Real Riders Aero.

Hot Wheels Porsche 962 from the 2017 Car Culture / Race Day Series (rear view)

Designed by the Hot Wheels “Godfather” Mark Jones, his affinity for vintage racing castings is apparent with the #Porsche 962. Its one of those cars that look fast while sitting idle. The only complaint? Well, that would be the omission of those signature headlights from the tampo design. Clearly it was something that fell victim to the #Car Culture line’s restrictions, but with a rise in price-point in 2018, its something that will no longer be omitted from the line.

This #Porsche 962 features a sweet #99 #GReddy racing deco. Car enthusiasts may recognize the scheme as it is a replica of the #99 GReddy / Dunlop / Trust Racing Team scheme worn by an actual Porsche 962C for two races in 1991 — and is now raced in historic races. The actual car now apparently resides in Los Angeles.

The Japanese automotive aftermarket company, #GReddy and Hot Wheels have had a budding relationship as of late as there have been several Hot Wheels to feature the GReddy logo and GReddy racing schemes. In 2018, GReddy’s apparel brand, Boost Brigade, will now have a major presence on Hot Wheels as the first car for 2018 to be revealed — the Custom ’01 Acura Integra GSR — will have a Boost Brigade deco.

As for this #Car Culture release of the #Porsche 962, you can see much is left to be desired if you’re looking for an authentic replica of the actual race car. The increase in price-point will help to add more authentic details to cars like this for future Car Culture releases, but unfortunately it doesn’t help the Porsche 962 here. It is possible that this could be a future HotWheelsCollectors.com Special Edition where the ultra-premium price-point would help to add those added authentic racing details. For the other, say 99% of people, who are probably unaware of the actual race car, this #Car Culture / Race Day series release is a great looking car that will suffice at the current Car Culture retail price (in the U.S.) of $3.49.

RELEASE DETAILS: White Body (metal). Tinted Windows. Gray Interior. Chrome-Rim, Gold Real Riders Aero (RRA) Wheels. Unpainted Metal Base. Made in Thailand. Toy# DWH76. Released in 2017 as #4 of 5 in the Car Culture / Race Day Series.

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