Last year it was the #HW Digital Circuit (2017) series that caused a whole lot of confusion in the collecting world. The lack of a mainline number in the upper-right corner, caused several collectors to mistake them for either store exclusives or treasure hunts. Once collectors learned that these so-called #Chase cars were plentiful, you started seeing more left behind.
This year, its a different series but the game is the same. The #HW Daredevils for 2018 consists of five cars which are all unnumbered this time around and exist in all case codes so far. There has been no confirmation from Mattel as to why, but a likely train of thought would suggest that these are purely included to throw-off store employees and toy scalpers who only grab the “unnumbered releases”.
Regardless of why the #HW Daredevils are unnumbered this year, there is one that certainly caught my eye. The #’70 Chevelle SS Wagon made its return to the mainline, and while some may prefer for it to have been in more of a stock deco, I’m digging this pretty rad looking #Demolition Derby Vehicle.
The mismatched #Muscle-Car 5-Spoke Wheels on this #’70 Chevelle SS Wagon are certainly an interesting choice, but hey, its a demo derby car so the more mismatched, the better. Honestly, its a pretty cool deco and one that it very fitting of a series titled, #HW Daredevils.
As cool as this #’70 Chevelle SS Wagon is, its the 2018 #HW Daredevils series that continues to be the real story here. You may have noticed that the first release (red) has a “01” on the sides whereas the second release (blue) has a “02” on the sides. There is also scheduled to be a third release in silver with a “03” on the sides. It should be noted that this isn’t the only car from this year’s series that has a running number on its sides. Typically, when colorways occur, you see very little variance in graphics. Sure the colors changed, but really thats it. So this progressive numbering is something that is very intriguing and we will have to see if and where this continues.
The red colorway of the #HW Daredevils #’70 Chevelle SS Wagon first started appearing in the #2018 Hot Wheels “A” case assortments, and I think, it was actually in all the case codes up until “D”. Considering most releases don’t run for more than 2 consecutive case codes these days, thats the intriguing part.
RELEASE DETAILS: Red Body (metal). Clear Windows. Black Interior. Black MC5 Wheels w/ White Tires (front) and Yellow Rim, Black MC5 Wheels (back). Gray Base (plastic). Made in Malaysia. Toy# FJX50. Released in 2018 as #1 of 5 in the HW Daredevils Series (unnumbered in the 2018 mainline).
The blue colorway of the #HW Daredevils #’70 Chevelle SS Wagon started showing up in the #2018 Hot Wheels “E” case assortments, and if like the red colorway, will appear for the next four case codes (E, F, G and H). Starting in the “J” cases will be that new “03” silver variant, and if the trend continues, we should see a fourth colorway appear when the “N” cases start appearing. I will for sure be grabbing those when they become available so make sure you keep checking back here, and I will update this page when those variants become available to me.
RELEASE DETAILS: Light Blue Body (metal). Clear Windows. Black Interior. Black MC5 Wheels w/ Yellow Tires (front) and Red-Chrome Rim, Black MC5 Wheels (back). Black Base (plastic). Made in Malaysia. Toy# FRR80. Released in 2018 as #1 of 5 in the HW Daredevils Series (unnumbered in the 2018 mainline).
UPDATED 12/29/2018 — Finally got around to adding a group shot of all four colorways of this release.
Hot Wheels ’70 Chevelle SS Wagon from the 2018 HW Daredevils Series (all four colorways)
Categories: Showcase
ORANGE TRACK DIECAST 
Hi Brad,
My little girl and I have recently got into hot wheels collecting. We look for treasure hunts locally and often. We have found a few but nothing to write about, but she gets excited when one comes up still. In this article you mention lack of a collectors number fools collectors into thinking they may be treasure hunts. Do all treasure hunts not have a collectors number in the corner? If this is accurate it will make sorting through the pegs at the store so much easier! I’m thinking it would be easier to scan for a missing collectors number than to try and look at the car name then attempt to hold all the cars on a peg to the side.
Thank you much for having orange track diecast!
Hey Shane, thanks for commenting! To answer your question, yes, all regular treasure hunts, super treasure hunts and store exclusives omit the collector number in the upper-right. I often use this to my advantage when sorting through old stock as usually I’m only missing those releases by that point. If you’re into variations, its probably not a good method, but just like you, I have a young daughter so I don’t always have time to go through every car. Hope this helps! Let me know if you have any more questions.
oh man! thank you! that is going to make scanning the pegs much much easier, not to mention not having to memorize the names of cars that are potential hunts.
Just visited wal-mart with my new found knowledge. found a TH El Viento, which we didn’t have until now. Scanning the pegs takes only a couple minutes. Thank you!
Awesome! Congrats!
They are definitely “decoys” and not chase cars. But the Digital Circuit cars only appeared in one case, right? Whereas, the Daredevils are in EVERY case. I wish they would ditch the whole 1-365 thing. The numbers don’t coincide with the days of the year, anyway, which makes it seem pointless.
You are spot on about last years HW Digital Chase cars appearing in 1 case code, whereas the Daredevils are in every case. I feel like while using the term “chase” is certainly loose on last years cars, you can certainly rule out the 2018 HW Daredevils as any kind of chase car.
I do think it’s funny to see this car, fiat, hw40, and mad propz, propped to the sides because their lack of numbers, but like you I really do enjoy this Chevelle, so much I’ll pick them up again and again. The coloring scheme on the daredevils are quite fascinating to say so maybe there is something about the whole scheme of things. If it attracts my eye than I pick them up. As for the confusion of TH and what not, look down the right side and you’ll see the Red daredevil label!
and Rally Cat!
we’re up to 4 now, I’ve got them, but what is 5 going to look like?
Not sure if there will be 5, but definitely like the 4 that I have. I need the update the pics in this article, huh?
guys on the HW forum are convinced there will only be 4
I don’t know how to post a photo here, but I could share one.
Can’t seem to find #3
[IMG]http://i68.tinypic.com/wkpw7b.jpg[/IMG]
Thanks for the reminder… I still need to update this page with pics of #3 and #4.