A car that had been at the top of many collector “wish lists” for years, the #Nissan Skyline Silhouette finally makes its Hot Wheels debut. Its been a long time coming, and it appears it may have been difficult for Hot Wheels to produce. But that doesn’t really matter, as we now have at least one rendition of it, appearing in the best line — outside of RLC — for a casting to debut in: #Car Culture. In this latest wave, the #Car Culture / Silhouettes series features five cars from the late ’70s / early ’80s that are heavily-modified versions of road cars, with an emphasis on their aero-dynamic bodykits. The Nissan Skyline Silhouette is derived from the R30 Skyline, and you can see it (left) head-to-head with the Hot Wheels ’82 Nissan Skyline R30 (right) below.

Hot Wheels Nissan Skyline Silhouette from the 2019 Car Culture / Silhouettes series with ’82 Skyline R30 (head-to-head view)

Just like other Silhouettes of the era, these #Race Cars resembled production cars, and were “mechanically enhanced” to race. The purpose behind this was to have the consumer see imagery of the race car — whether it be still photos or on TV — and connect that racing spirit with the car that was sitting in their local showroom. Nissan did this with their R30 Skyline, shooting a commercial with famous actor & driver, Paul Newman. He drove the #Nissan Skyline Silhouette for at least one 1980s commercial. The one Newman drives in that commercial, is the one we see here in the #Car Culture / Silhouettes, hence the #25 — not that other brand’s famous version. 😉

Hot Wheels Nissan Skyline Silhouette from the 2019 Car Culture / Silhouettes series (package view)

Hot Wheels Nissan Skyline Silhouette from the 2019 Car Culture / Silhouettes series (top-right view)

Hot Wheels Nissan Skyline Silhouette from the 2019 Car Culture / Silhouettes series (side view)

Hot Wheels Nissan Skyline Silhouette from the 2019 Car Culture / Silhouettes series (rear view)

From a Hot Wheels standpoint, the addition of the #Nissan Skyline Silhouette adds yet another #Skyline to the Hot Wheels garage — most of which were designed in the last couple years. If you think that is cool, then you should enjoy this tidbit: this isn’t just the debut of a new casting. Its also the debut of a new thicker, deep-dish version of the #Real Riders 6-Spoke Mag Wheel. You can see those in the rear of the Nissan Skyline Silhouette. NOTE: the RWB Porsche 930 in this series also has them.

Hot Wheels Nissan Skyline Silhouette from the 2019 Car Culture / Silhouettes series with ’82 Skyline R30

For all you Hot Wheels nerds, I believe I heard that this was actually the last casting that former Hot Wheels Designer, Jun Imai had worked on — as it was later finished up by Hot Wheels #Car Culture casting guru, Mark Jones. I’m not sure how much was done by each designer, so I gave both credit for this casting.

But thats it, the #Nissan Skyline Silhouette. Such a stunning car that isn’t widely known in the United States, but it seems Hot Wheels collectors are aware of its international presence in Japan as many are buying all they can at the pegs. Its part of the Hot Wheels #Car Culture / Silhouettes series and is definitely worth picking up. Look for this one at retail now.

RELEASE DETAILS: Red Body (metal). Tinted Windows. Black Interior. White Real Riders 6-Spoke MAG Wheels. Black Base (metal). Made in Thailand. Toy# FYN66. Released in 2019 as #5 of 5 in the Car Culture / Silhouettes series.