Just three months ago, Hot Wheels collectors from around the world converged upon Los Angeles for the #31st Annual Collectors Convention. There collectors were treated to a series of collector- & kid-oriented events, sneak peeks from Mattel and a variety of exclusive #Convention Vehicles. With the recent success of #JDM cars for Hot Wheels, collectors were treated with the #Jun Imai Designed, #Datsun Bluebird 510 — in addition to the #Volkswagen Drag Bus & #Convoy Custom, for the three standard souvenir cars (limited to two each per ticket holder). Of the three, it was the #Datsun that had collectors maxing out their purchase limits.

Hot Wheels Datsun Bluebird 510 from the 31st Annual Hot Wheels Collectors Convention (2017) … side view

There were several reasons why this #Datsun Bluebird 510 had some collectors running around trying to find more than the two they were allotted with their ticket. One, the 510 castings are hot — in sedan and wagon form. The secondary market value was close to $200 at the beginning of convention week and everyone at the show knew it. Even the collectors who can’t stand #JDM cars were buying these with the sole purpose of flipping for a profit and/or trading for other more expensive items to add to their collections — there definitely was no shortage of buyers.

Beyond the value reasoning though, collectors took a liking to the favorable paint scheme on this release. Adult line Hot Wheels graphic designer, Steve Vandervate gave this #Datsun a white and fluorescent orange racing scheme highlighted by the #31 for the #31st Annual Collectors Convention. The convention dates adorn the back of the rear fender along with some sponsor logos in front of that rear fender. The company that puts on the conventions, Collectors Events Unlimited, is also represented on this car as the rear license plate spot reads, “CEU”.

Hot Wheels Datsun Bluebird 510 from the 31st Annual Hot Wheels Collectors Convention (2017) … rear view

Hot Wheels Datsun Bluebird 510 from the 31st Annual Hot Wheels Collectors Convention (2017) … with Open Hood

In addition to the value and the unique look to this release, this was the first time that collectors were able to purchase the #Datsun Bluebird 510 with an #Opening Hood. The HotWheelsCollectors.com Series 14: Datsun Bluebird 510 with opening hood was shown a year prior at the 30th convention, but it had still not gone on sale yet, so this was the first time collectors were able to open this new version of the casting and prop that hood up.

As long as the #JDM craze continues, the Hot Wheels #Datsun Bluebird 510 will continue to be a popular model. Everyone knows it at this point, including the folks at Hot Wheels as there are several releases already planned for 2018 and beyond. It looks like this release is currently averaging $150 on the secondary market which is actually on the rise over the last two months or so. If you don’t have one (and really want one) now might be the time to buy before these get even more insanely expensive. I’m sure glad that I was able to get mine at the #Convention Vehicles show price of $28+Tax.

RELEASE DETAILS: White Body (metal). Tinted Windows. Black Interior. Chrome Real Riders 8-Spoke (RR8SP) Wheels w/ Goodyear Eagle Tampo on Tires. Chrome-Plated Metal Base. Made in China. Toy# FCM58. Sold October 4-8, 2017, exclusively at the 31st Annual Hot Wheels Collectors Convention in Los Angeles, California (limited to 3,000).