Lately, in various Hot Wheels collector circles around the web, I’ve noticed collectors have been mentioning their top 5 HWC/RLC releases of all-time. Its no easy feat as HotWheelsCollectors.com has been selling cars since the Red Line Club was formed in 2002. The site and the club have had a fair share of issues over the years, but one thing has remained constant: HOT FREAKIN’ CARS! So suffice to say, as an RLC member since year one, establishing a Top 5 at this point is ludicrous. How can one only pick 5???
I am not going to go that route today. That would require some deep thinking and pretty sound logic. Plus, I am not going to go all “flavor of the day” on you and tell you that this [insert the latest release here] is the best ever. Instead, I am going to share with you one car that I know is in my top 5 — for sure. As you can tell by reading the title of this article, I am talking about the #HWC Series 11 #Real Riders: #Texas Drive ‘Em.
Hot Wheels Texas Drive ‘Em from the HotWheelsCollectors.com Series 11 / Real Riders series (side view)
Back in 2012, the #Texas Drive ‘Em was the belle of the ball when it came to #HWC Series 11. It was, by far, the most sought after release. Nowadays, the #’66 Chevy Super Nova and #’85 Camaro IROC-Z have passed it up in value, but that doesn’t take away from what made it such a hit at the time. You knew it was going to be a first-day sellout at 4,000 pieces, and a limit of 2 per account — yeah, things were a little different back then. Priced at $15.99 each, it was a no brainer for a popular casting with outrageous amounts of detail. Even HWC staffers at the time couldn’t believe the piece was being sold for under $30 given the low quantity and multiple masks that were needed at the factory to spray on all the detail.
Hot Wheels Texas Drive ‘Em from the HotWheelsCollectors.com Series 11 / Real Riders series (rear view)
Just look at that bed! Two different-colored dirtbikes with so much detail that it’s hard to count all the individual places that were needed to be masked. Also, as if painting the water/fuel canisters AND first-aid kit red wasn’t enough, the factory somehow managed to meet graphic designer, Steve “Van” Vandervate’s crazy request for detail, by painting the straps (on the first-aid kit) and the caps on the canisters silver.
Hot Wheels Texas Drive ‘Em from the HotWheelsCollectors.com Series 11 / Real Riders series (closeup of bed/bikes)
The truck itself has the most gorgeous application of spectraflame blue paint in the history of #Spectraflame Paint. The blue — dubbed “Otto Blue” — has this ability to calm you in its depths as if you’re looking into the sea. It is so evenly applied and is a testament to the spectraflame over hand-polished chrome process versus the mirrorized-chrome process for spectraflame which would ultimately start making its way onto HWC/RLC vehicles in 2013, only to be retired after series 13 (2014/2015). One model, that does feature that inferior paint? The Candy Striper… another car that’s for sure in my top 5.
Hot Wheels Texas Drive ‘Em from the HotWheelsCollectors.com Series 11 / Real Riders series with the “Candy Striper” ’55 Chevy Bel Air Gasser
You may be saying, “the #Texas Drive ‘Em (TDE) has been done several times for HWC/RLC/Conventions, where are those models?” Right? Well, there have been great releases of the TDE released in such lines, but start comparing the level of detail that went into this #HWC Series 11 #Real Riders piece and they don’t match this level of detail.
Hot Wheels Texas Drive ‘Em from the HotWheelsCollectors.com Series 11 / Real Riders series with three other premium releases with detailed beds/bikes
The combination of detail, execution and the fact that I collect the Hot Wheels #Texas Drive ‘Em makes the #HWC Series 11 #Real Riders release a top 5 HWC/RLC release for me. I didn’t even mention the pearl white roof, painted black grill & front winch, OR the lettering on the tires and bottom of the tailgate — oh wait, now I did. 😉 This is one piece any collector of premium diecast should have in their collection.
RELEASE DETAILS: Spectraflame Otto Blue Body with Pearl White Roof (metal). Clear Windows. Black Interior. Knobby Chrome Real Riders Deep-Dish Wheels w/ “OFF-ROAD REAL RIDERS” tampo. Chrome-plated Base (metal). Made in China. Toy# X0542. Sold exclusively on HotWheelsCollectors.com on August 14, 2012 (limited to 4,000 pieces).
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ORANGE TRACK DIECAST 
Absolutely beautful! I think you might be accused of ‘Lamley Hyping’ this model because I’m sure a lot of readers will be adding this one to their routine eBay searches after reading this article and seeing your pictures! Amazing stuff.
😎Article BRAD as always. Man those TDE are a really nice RLC release. We are getting Some really nice cars for rock bottom prices. Yet a lot of RLC Members complain about how MATTEL is charging too much. I say nope. I am honored to be a 15 year member that buys what I like. I do have TDE , but not sure I have that one. We have sooo many RLC hall of fame cars. I have not listed my 5, because that is hard to do. So I will say my tops are any of the 5 RLC releases. I really would like the Bugatti Chiron done as and RLC Exclusive. That BADBOY will make a lot of RLC Members change their top 5.When we get the Dirty Blonde in hand the list will change again. Thanks again for the 😎 article BRAD.
Super awesome write up Brad! I have a few ride’ems, I can’t ever bring myself to set them free so watching you feature all these stellar pieces free of their displays makes me appreciate them that much more. We appreciate you sharing!