There were three releases of the #’81 DeLorean DMC-12 in 2018 — all coming within a couple month period in the second half of the year. #DeLorean fans rejoice as these were the first we’ve seen of the ’81 DMC-12 casting since its super #Treasure Hunt release in 2015. For me, it was definitely a welcomed sight as it is a casting that I collect, AND it was nice to see the car come in a couple oddball color schemes. There are plenty of gray/silver/zamac releases out there already. Granted, the 2018 #Factory Fresh release did come in metalflake dark gray, and it was the first time the casting wore #Steelie 8-Spoke Wheels — and might I add that they look great on this casting — but for me, it were the two #Target Exclusive, #HW 50th Throwback releases that I was most excited to get ahold of.

All 3 Hot Wheels ’81 DeLorean DMC12 from the 2018 lines: Target Exclusive, HW 50th Throwback series and mainline Factory Fresh (welcome view)

The first of the #HW 50th Throwback #DeLoreans to be released was the light green one which appeared in the 2nd wave of the #Target Exclusive series (10 cars, single blister cards). Its in one of those “wealthy paint schemes” as you’d only expect to see someone with way too much money driving. Its obnoxious, yes, but its different; and the green body with gold-chrome base & wheels are surprisingly a nice combo.

The second #’81 DeLorean DMC-12 came via the #HW 50th Throwback 10-Pack — which is still for sale on Target.com. This 10-Pack is kind of interesting because, not only is it the 3rd wave of the series for 2018, but it has castings from the first two waves in it. But thats not all. The really unique part is, instead of just recoloring those 10 cars with their previous graphics, the graphic designer took on graphics schemes from other HW 50th Throwback cars. Take for instance, this DeLorean: its a #Police Vehicle. Why? Because the ’99 Mustang in the first wave wore police graphics. Still don’t believe me? Check out the other 9 cars and see if you can pair up the graphics schemes with graphics from the first two waves. HINT: The ’85 IROC-Z Camaro (10PK) goes with the ’83 Silverado from the first wave.

Hot Wheels ’81 DeLorean DMC12 from the 2018 Target Exclusive, HW 50th Throwback series … both variants (package view)

Hot Wheels ’81 DeLorean DMC12 from the 2018 Target Exclusive, HW 50th Throwback series … both variants (top-right view)

Hot Wheels ’81 DeLorean DMC12 from the 2018 Target Exclusive, HW 50th Throwback series … both variants (reverse view)

Hot Wheels ’81 DeLorean DMC12 from the 2018 Target Exclusive, HW 50th Throwback series … both variants (head-to-head view)

Hot Wheels ’81 DeLorean DMC12 from the 2018 Target Exclusive, HW 50th Throwback series … both variants (orange track view)

Pretty cool, huh?

So while these two #HW 50th Throwback #’81 DeLorean DMC-12 releases are pretty unique, there is one downside to being at the basic level and having loads of graphics on the sides and hood: lack of rear detail. Compare these with the mainline #Factory Fresh release, and from the rear, they lack.

All 3 Hot Wheels ’81 DeLorean DMC12 from the 2018 lines: Target Exclusive, HW 50th Throwback series and mainline Factory Fresh (rear taillights view)

As a collector of the Hot Wheels #’81 DeLorean DMC-12, these are definitely going to diversify the casting’s family photo — which reminds me, the holidays are a great time to get them all together. So maybe by Thanksgiving, I will get an updated family photo together of all my Hot Wheels ’81 DeLoreans. Photo to come.

RELEASE DETAILS: Metalflake Light Green Body (metal). Tinted Windows. Green Interior. Gold-Chrome 5-Spoke Wheels. Gold-Chrome Base (plastic). Made in Malaysia. Toy# FRF33. Released in 2018 as #4 of 10 in the Target Exclusive, HW 50th Throwback series.

One thing is for sure though, if you are on the fence with these two, don’t be. Embrace the fact that they are these kind of oddball, one-off releases. The #DeLorean is a cool car with plenty of personality on its own… and adding the “wealthy uncle” and “friend that is a cop” may seem absurd… but this kind of chicanery is needed, especially in the brand that embraces custom car culture.

RELEASE DETAILS: White Enamel Body (metal). Tinted Windows. Gray Interior. Chrome 5-Spoke Wheels. Light Blue Base (plastic). Made in Malaysia. Toy# GBT24. Released in 2018 as part of the Target Exclusive, HW 50th Throwback 10-Pack.