Since 1968, Hot Wheels 1:64 scale replica cars have been a staple of American childhood. Below are some of the highlights from the history of Hot Wheels.
1968: Mattel releases the first line of 16 Hot Wheels cars. Included among them is a sneak preview of the 1969 Corvette.
1969: With sales much higher than anticipated, Mattel releases 24 new Hot Wheels cars including the VW Beach Bomb.
1970: The famous Snake and Mongoose are produced, along with 31 other Hot Wheels cars.
1973: Inflation causes Mattel to lower production costs of Hot Wheels cars.
1974: Hot Wheels use printed graphics instead of decals.
1975: The first Hot Wheels motorcycles are made.
1980: Hi-Rakers are introduced.
1988: Hot Wheels 20th anniversary. Mattel produces gold and silver chrome cars to celebrate.
1990: The first Hot Wheels aircraft are made.
1995: Treasure Hunt cars are introduced. These cars are instant collectibles since only 10,000 of each are made.
1996: Mattel purchases the rights to Matchbox cars.
