One of the more popular, collector-favorite Hot Wheels #Mustangs of the last 20 years has been the #’68 Mustang — or ’67 Mustang, or Custom Ford Mustang … whatever the present naming convention may be. Back in the early 2000s, it was always a harder to find car at retail. Collectors loved this simple, #Rob Matthes Designed, Mustang throwback with an #Opening Hood.
The folks at Mattel had monitored the popularity of the Hot Wheels #’68 Mustang with the collector-base, ultimately deciding to include this casting in the inaugural #HWC Series 1 in 2002, and feature it as the Red Line Club’s membership car in the club’s 2nd year (2003).
Beyond that surge in popularity in the 2000s, the Hot Wheels #’68 Mustang actually came from more humble beginnings, as a lesser known #Promotional Vehicle. This #First Edition release of the ’68 Mustang came from the 1998 #Avon Exclusive, #Park’N Plates 4-car set. In a set of individually bagged vehicles with Park’N Plates, this #Mustang steals the show over the other 3 cars (Viper/Barracuda/Firebird), which were also nicely done.
Hot Wheels ’68 Mustang from the 1998 Avon Exclusive, Park’n Plates (rear view)
These 1998 #Avon Exclusive, #Park’N Plates series cars were no joke as they were indeed premium releases with basic wheels. Check out the detail on this #’68 Mustang. The white (with blue stripes) looks great on this car, but its those long, continuous stripes that seamlessly roll right across that rear fascia, that enhance this car’s premium nature. On top of that, you also get a silver-painted gas cap and some red-painted taillights. Definitely one of the better looking cars from the rear. That incredible detail follows suit on the front as the front grill is detailed nicely, along with some silver-painted headlights.
Sadly, despite being a collector-favorite, the #Opening Hood on the #’68 Mustang was sealed shut in a 2010 retool of the casting, and the base was changed to plastic. Fortunately, you can pick up the majority of the premium releases of this casting on the cheap now and this #First Edition #Park’N Plates release shouldn’t set you back more than $8-shipped. Which, if you think about it, is a great price for a premium #Mustang that looks this good.
RELEASE DETAILS: White Body (metal) with Blue Stripes. Clear Windows. Black Interior. Chrome 5-Spoke Wheels. Unpainted Metal Base. Made in China. Toy# 15862. Released in 1998 as part of the Avon Exclusive, Park’N Plates series.
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