Here’s a Hot Wheels release you don’t see too often: the #2004 Hot Wheels #Pitpass Exclusive, #Cadillac Escalade. It served as the #Promotional Vehicle used to promote Hot Wheels and the clothing brand / online retailer, Pitpass. It was released in a similar fashion to last year’s Illest/Fatlace Volkswagen T1 Panel Bus — meaning, it also came in a rectangular acrylic case, and sold through the clothing company’s web site.
Hot Wheels Cadillac Escalade, a 2004 Pitpass Exclusive (side view)
At first glance, you may be saying, “ahhhh, I’ve seen that before, isn’t that the electric blue chase piece from the 2004 Whips line?”…
If you did, I applaud your recollection, but its a little fuzzy. Though the two look similar, when placed side-by-side, the only things in common are the wheels and the closeness of the color. The #Pitpass #Cadillac Escalade has far more detail, just like a premium #Promotional Vehicle release should have. I have always thought the window tampos were a nice touch, but its that added detail that the Pitpass exclusive has over the retail whips line release that really sets it apart.
The color? Well, they are both blue… but its more like a #Spectraflame Deep Blue for the Pitpass release, versus the Spectraflame Electric Blue for the retail whips line release.
I’m not sure whatever happened to the Pitpass clothing company. Their partnership with Mattel didn’t seem to last long and I don’t really even remember what they made past those bowling shirts you see collectors (and staff) wearing at the conventions. Chances are, they lasted longer that the Hot Wheels #Cadillac Escalade casting in itself…
Hot Wheels Cadillac Escalade, a 2004 Pitpass Exclusive (rear view)
After 7 variants (3 releases) in 2004, the casting was slightly modified for its 2005 Rims line release before it joined the ranks of other Hot Wheels #Discontinued Castings. I don’t remember the tie-in to #West Coast Customs, but this #Escalade ended up being one of only a handful of cars to be released while Hot Wheels had the WCC license. I remember picking up this release when they were sold online because I was actually quite fond of the casting, collecting all 8 of the variants. This one however, is my clear-cut favorite.
RELEASE DETAILS: Spectraflame Deep Blue Body (metal). Tinted Windows. Gray Interior. Chrome 6-Spoke Bling Wheels. Black Base (plastic). Made in China. Released in 2004 as a Pitpass Promotional Vehicle Exclusive.
NOTE: If I ever find the acrylic case it came in, I will make sure to to update this article with pics of it in the case/package.
Categories: Showcase
ORANGE TRACK DIECAST 
https://www.amazon.com/Hot-Wheels-CADILLAC-ESCALADE-Presented/dp/B01K329GS6
Nice! I also found this one: https://amzn.to/2OFMnEx
Brad
I am at the convention and have an extra pit pass escalade. What’s your room # or we can meet.
The cars were handed out at sema years back.
I am in the hotel lobby now until probably the Lamley DLM Event.
Brad, weren’t the “chase” blue versions of the Preferred cars done using a different process? For some reason the term “ransberg” stands out in my mind but I am not certain that is the case. For whatever reason those chase pieces are real cheap even though they had stated production runs of 2K vs normal $THs. The Escalade is a great casting and I wish it would have gotten a metal chassis made at some point before going extinct.