One of my all-time favorite Hot Wheels castings would have to be the #’70 Dodge Charger Daytona. Newer collectors need not confuse it with the #’69 Dodge Charger Daytona that was introduced in 2013, as this casting hasn’t been produced since it was #Final Run‘d in 2003. Why was it was discontinued as a 2003 Final Run car? …We may never know exactly why. Many have speculated that in 2003, the Final Run segment needed some allure to it in order for people to of course buy it, so while the original intent was to discontinue unpopular castings, a few of the nicer ones with something like — a worn tool for example — would be added to the mix as well. The result? The ’70 Dodge Charger Daytona becoming a #Discontinued Casting. Grrrrrr.
The casting itself had a nice 7-year run as the #’70 Dodge Charger Daytona saw a little more than a half-dozen releases from 1996 until 2003. One of my favorite releases would have to be the #1998 Hot Wheels #Flyin’ Aces series release.
Hot Wheels ’70 Dodge Charger Daytona from the 1998 Flyin’ Aces Series (rear view)
For this #Flyin’ Aces series release, the #’70 Dodge Charger Daytona received a vintage aircraft paint scheme — as did the other three cars in this series. If you remember this car being silver, chances are, you’re thinking of the 2001 Rod Squadron series releases which received a similar vintage aircraft paint scheme. The 1998 Flyin’ Aces series release only came in this metalflake green paint, although it did also come with a 5-DOT wheel variation (not pictured).
Hot Wheels ’70 Dodge Charger Daytona from the 1998 Flyin’ Aces Series (side view)
As I eluded to, the vintage aircraft paint scheme really makes this #Flyin’ Aces release of the #’70 Dodge Charger Daytona one of my favorites. The top of the car is nice and clean with some red markings up front and on the wing, and some white stripes riveted to the hood. Perhaps my favorite graphic on this graphic-heavy side of the car is the nose art, “shark-mouth” insignia at the front just like a vintage World War II airplane. Going left to right, front to back, you also have a “kill-shot” marking in white, just up-and-behind the front wheel well. By the looks of it, this guy has knocked out 10 cars. Below that, is a missile that looks to be in motion. On the door, you have a Hot Wheels Military logo, followed by the Hot Wheels logo and “F-3” on the rear quarter-panel. Mix in a large amount of rivets and riveted panels and the graphic scheme is complete.
As I mentioned early, the #’70 Dodge Charger Daytona castings is one of my favorite and this #Flyin’ Aces series release may just be my favorite release of it. While I have went into great detail on how awesome the graphics are on this one, you may be asking, why don’t you just compensate for the loss of the casting with the newer #’69 Dodge Charger Daytona casting. The answer? Well, that one has a large, rear-wheel rake to it and for some reason, this casting with the same-size front and back wheels just seems to capture the essence of the real car better.
For fans of the #’70 Dodge Charger Daytona, you need not worry as even though the casting has been gone for almost 15 years, you can buy most of the casting’s releases for under $10 — and the #Flyin’ Aces release can be had for under $5. Not bad for a car that looks this good!
RELEASE DETAILS: Metalflake Green Body (metal). Clear Windows. Black Interior. Chrome 5-Spoke (5SP) Wheels. Tan Base (plastic). Made in Malaysia. Toy# 18803. Released in 1998 as #1 of 4 in the Flyin’ Aces Series (Collector #737).
Categories: Showcase
ORANGE TRACK DIECAST 
One of the reasons I statted collecting back in 98 was this segment. The whole series was great.
That is awesome Jim! Thanks for sharing. Did you collect the Rod Squadron Series (2001) and Flyin’ Aces Series II (2003) as well? Those were very similar. I am going to have to feature the Sol-Aire CX4 as well, that is another favorite of mine!
I have them all bother series all variations. I think there were 3 Wheel types on the Solar Aire. I will have to dig them out. They are loose of course.
I have one of these cars but the date on the bottom of the car say 1995. How is that possible if the series didn’t get released until 1996. Can this be a stamped mistake or were there some released before 1996?
Hi Sonja. The date on the bottom of the car is the casting date — meaning, the casting was copyrighted that year. The ’70 Dodge Charger Daytona was a 1996 First Edition, but the casting was actually copyrighted the year before (in 1995) to be included in the next year. Production of the 1996 model year vehicles actually began in the summer of 1995.