The latest Hot Wheels collaboration comes in the form of a partnership forged with MotorTrend. The companies put together a package that included before & after releases of the Roadkill “Rotsun”, as well as a year subscription to the MotorTrend streaming service via the app. The offer went on sale in early April for $49.99 and included the streaming as soon as the package was purchased. The “after” Rotsun will be shipped around December but the “before” #Datsun 240Z started shipping once Mattel’s distribution center was able to reopen. The reason why the “after” Rotsun won’t be shipped until later this year is that the casting had to be built from the ground up versus the “before” car utilizing the existing Datsun 240Z casting.

Hot Wheels Datsun 240Z, a 2020 MotorTrend Roadkill “Rotsun” promo (package view, front)

Hot Wheels Datsun 240Z, a 2020 MotorTrend Roadkill “Rotsun” promo (package view, rear)

Hot Wheels Datsun 240Z, a 2020 MotorTrend Roadkill “Rotsun” promo

So here we are. Two months after we initially ordered the subscription package, and collectors are starting to receive the Roadkill #Datsun 240Z. Since we bought the app subscription as a part of the deal, I have been utilizing it. I watched all the episodes of Life Size, the show that highlights some of the 1:1 vehicles of the Hot Wheels garage and features some of the Hot Wheels designers. I’ve also been watching episodes of Roadkill to study up on the Rotsun.

As much as we sometimes fantasize about bringing a vehicle back to life, some are meant to stay dead and this Datsun from Roadkill is proof. Don’t get me wrong: the Rotsun is one cool rat-rod, but the two Roadkill guys have stated they spent tens of thousands of dollars just to get it to the “after”. After all, this is a show and the show’s self-proclaimed mission is to, “show you how to do the wrong thing the right way”.

Hot Wheels Datsun 240Z, a 2020 MotorTrend Roadkill “Rotsun” promo (rear view)

The Hot Wheels version of the “after” is still months away so its great that we did get two different shipments as part of this package. First observation of the Roadkill #Datsun 240Z “before” is that this looks to be some sort of premium-level execution on a basic car. The car is wrapped in a weathered deco, complete with rust. Full detail comes in the form of painted headlights, taillights, and trim around the windows. The base is plastic (made in Malaysia) and the wheels are your standard basic-range #Steelie 8-Spoke Wheels — yes, they’re supposed to be mismatched.

Hot Wheels Datsun 240Z, a 2020 MotorTrend Roadkill “Rotsun” promo (with 2016 RLC Party release)

Hot Wheels collectors are constantly clamoring for this type of weathered deco as its a rare occurrence for the brand that founded #Spectraflame Paint. To see it pulled off on this release is a nice touch as its a sharp departure from the last few releases of the #Datsun 240Z. If you missed out, and are in need, it’s to eBay you go as now is going to be the best time to buy. The market will soon be inundated with these as collectors receive them, and profiteers look to unload for a quick buck.

Find ROADKILL Datsun 240z for sale on eBay!

Come December — hopefully earlier — the premium “after” piece will be here. Going off how good this release came out, it’s going to be an epic companion piece. Time to add another one to the #TV & Movie Car collection.