Seems like we are getting a new version of the lastest-gen #Camaro every year. 2018’s addition of the Hot Wheels #’18 Camaro SS makes it the third straight year with a new mainline 6th generation Camaro casting — in 2017, we got the ’17 Camaro ZL1, and in 2016, we got the ’16 Camaro SS. Hot off the 1:1 cars being revealed in El Segundo on October 25th, the 2018 Hot Wheels Special Edition Camaros were also seen at the SEMA show October 31st to November 3, 2017. At the show, this #Muscle Mania ’18 Camaro SS was given out to attendees.

Hot Wheels ’18 Camaro SS from the 2018 Muscle Mania Series (side view)

In possibly one of the better examples of “gotta-have-it-nows” in action, secondary market prices on this mainline #Camaro were all over the place as these were selling for $50 a piece, just three weeks ago. As late as a week ago, the #’18 Camaro SS was selling for $10+. Now, since they have started appearing in domestic “C” cases in the U.S., this Camaro has come back to reality, and prices have leveled off to $1.

Kind of stinks for the people who bought so high, but the warning signs were there. The packaging states it is “50/365” and there was no logo or text to distinguish it as a SEMA exclusive, so one would have to assume it was a mainline car. In early international 2018 “C” cases (seen via unboxing videos like this) the Camaro was missing. This prompted some to argue the fact that it would be an exclusive, but with how early international markets — such as Malaysia — receive new product, it feels as though these were purposely omitted from the international cases to avoid an “early reveal” of the car before the El Segundo & SEMA events. Had the international 2018 “C” cases had the Camaro, we would have seen it nearly a month ahead of time, blowing the whole reveal.

Hot Wheels ’18 Camaro SS from the 2018 Muscle Mania Series (rear view)

In the end, I am sure there were some “gotta-have-it-now” lessons learned. While this #Muscle Mania #’18 Camaro SS is certainly not worth those secondary market prices, it is a terrific new casting at the $1 price-point. Its got some pretty mean looking lines and is a replica of the real SS trim level of the 2018 Hot Wheels Special Edition Camaro. The metalflake orange body is a great color and the “Hot Wheels Camaro 50th” badging on the sides is a nice touch. The only complaint from collectors seems to be from the ones that are hating on the #Trapezoid 5-Spoke Wheels, but looking at the real car, you can see these are essentially the 1:64 version of the shoes that car is wearing. Overall, its a great, new #Camaro and one that starts of the 50th Anniversary of Hot Wheels quite nicely.

RELEASE DETAILS: Metalflake Orange Body (metal). Tinted Windows. Black Interior. Chrome Trapezoid 5-Spoke (TRAP5) Wheels. Dark Gray Base (plastic). Made in Malaysia. Toy# FJV49. Released in 2018 as #8 of 10 in the Muscle Mania Series (2018 New Model, #50/365 in the 2018 mainline). Car was also given out to SEMA attendees October 31 to November 3, 2017.