When a new Hot Wheels #Car Culture series drops, collectors are always intrigued by the #First Edition castings. The curiosity is only natural as a new model making its debut is grounds for intrigue. Hot Wheels Car Culture has marked the debut of several magnificent castings, and the debut of the #Mazda 787B in the #Car Culture / Circuit Legends is no different.

Hot Wheels 2018 Car Culture / Circuit Legends series: Porsche 962, ’16 Ford GT Race, Mazda 787B, Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe and ’69 COPO Corvette

The #Car Culture / Circuit Legends series marks the debut of the Hot Wheels #Mazda 787B. It wears the iconic #18 #Mazda graphics worn by one of the three 787Bs in the 1991 24 Hours of Le Mans. If you’re familiar with Group C Prototype #Race Cars from the ’90s, you probably know its the #55 Renown 787B that won Le Mans in 1991 — becoming the first Japanese car to win the race — but something tells me the Mazda licensing (sponsor on the #18 car) was a lot easier for Hot Wheels to obtain. So aside from the historical significance which probably <1% of Hot Wheels collectors know, this white/blue Mazda replica livery was perfect for the debut of the Mazda 787B.

Hot Wheels Mazda 787B from the 2018 Car Culture / Circuit Legends series (package view)

Hot Wheels Mazda 787B from the 2018 Car Culture / Circuit Legends series (top-right view)

Hot Wheels Mazda 787B from the 2018 Car Culture / Circuit Legends series (rear view)

Hot Wheels Mazda 787B from the 2018 Car Culture / Circuit Legends series (engine cover off)

The #Mazda 787B casting is another fabulous #Mark Jones Design. Its curvature it spot on, and it looks to have every nook and cranny of air intake as the real car had. Perhaps the part of it that has the most collectors intrigued is the #Opening Feature: a 100% removable hood that exposes the vehicles rear engine, support bars and other drivetrain elements.

Hot Wheels Mazda 787B from the 2018 Car Culture / Circuit Legends series (engine cover off)

It will be interesting to see where Hot Wheels takes the #Mazda 787B next. Since the real car only raced in 1991 and had two liveries — this #Mazda one and the famous Renown one — there isn’t much Hot Wheels can do in terms of replica liveries. It will be interesting if we do get that Renown livery as that would require licensing with the Japanese clothing company, but race fans would certainly applaud the move. Plus, its a pretty eye-catching livery. Other than that, the #Hot Wheels Race Team livery would be a great choice, just like I suggested yesterday for the #Porsche 962.

How Hot Wheels collectors receive the #Mazda 787B will be the true test. I’m sure many will dig the casting and its #Opening Feature, but few outside this article will know its historical significance to Japanese motorsports. This #18 #Mazda livery should prompt a few to look up its story, but will it catch on in terms of popularity? …not sure. As for now, its that natural curiosity of it being a new casting in the #Car Culture line that will drive collectors to purchase this car at the point of sale. At $5.49 (U.S.) its a terrific price for a replica vintage #Race Car. Look for the Mazda 787B (appearing with the other four vehicles) in the #Car Culture / Circuit Legends series at retail now.

RELEASE DETAILS: White Body (metal). Clear Windows. Black Interior. White Real Riders Aero Wheels (front) and Chrome-Rim, Gold Real Riders Exotic Wheels. Matte Dark Gold Base (metal). Made in Thailand. Toy# FLC25. Released in 2018 as #5 of 5 in the Car Culture / Circuit Legends series.