Old school Hot Wheels collectors rejoice! Perhaps the most popular Hot Wheels truck from the first couple decades of the Hot Wheels brand is back in #Hot Wheels Monster Trucks form! Recently, the Hot Wheels Monster Trucks (HWMT) line has been the most nostalgic in terms of classic Hot Wheels — even moreso than basics, premium, and the RLC! Basics and premium have went a more worldly route and RLC has become more focused on innovation than Hot Wheels nostalgia so that leaves the HWMT line to have a new take on some old classics (ie. VW Drag Bus Monster Truck Treasure Hunt).

Since Hot Wheels and Monster Jam parted ways in 2018, the HWMT team at Mattel has made a giant effort to get collectors to buy into a line that is mostly targeted to kids. By introducing #Treasure Hunts, store exclusives, vintage trucks (like #Bigfoot and Samson), and some new takes on classic Hot Wheels, more and more collectors are finding the enjoyment in collecting the HWMT line.

The deco on the new #’56 Hi-Tail Hauler Monster Truck actually pulls from the original release of the #Hi-Tail Hauler in the 1977 Flying Colors line. The blue Hi-Tail Hauler shown here is from the 1979 Hot Wheels mainline since I don’t have the original.

Hot Wheels designer Brendon Vetuskey took on the challenge of bringing the HTH to life in 2023 and has done so marvelously by creating a new truck casting with sharper lines and smoother curves. He also accentuated the side exhaust and somehow managed to enhance the aesthetics of the truck with a blown engine protruding the hood. Yes, part of the charm of the original casting (and the namesake) were those twin hi-tail bikes. Maybe there is room for them to appear on a future — perhaps #Treasure Hunt — release, but for now, they’ve been omitted.

Seriously, its so good to see that the #Hi-Tail Hauler is back, even if it is in HWMT form. I remember back in the 2000s when collectors repeatedly clamored for the casting to make a comeback in the Red Line Club. In 2009 — it did — only to become one of quite a few HWC one-and-dones. Thanks to Brendon for being a Hot Wheels collector at heart and bringing this awesome Ford F-100 truck back to life. The truck makes a great #Monster Truck regardless of the Hot Wheels nostalgic factor and I can’t wait to see what other decos this one comes in!

QUICK LINK! Find the ’56 Hi-Tail Hauler Monster Truck for sale on eBay.

Have you been collecting the #Hot Wheels Monster Trucks? If so, will you be picking this one up? If not, which others are you buying?