A casting that started as Ken Block's drift car now sports a metal base and real riders in the Boulevard lineup.
There is not much to say about this one specifically, although I do like its design. What I will say is it is a shame this Boulevard lineup is getting cut short. Four batches of 20 cars total, and then it gives way to the new Cool Classics. You can't argue with sales. Boulevard sales have not been what Mattel hoped, so we move on. So be it. But it is too bad, because Boulevard was definitely hitting its stride this year.
Less reliance on muscle and fantasy, and currently more variety. The fact that this Fiesta is joined by the Long Gone, two 80's cars (Hurst Olds and Honda CR-X), and a '66 Chevelle is all the proof you need. But if you need more, look to the first batch (Hakosuka Skyline, Datsun 510 Wagon, Pontiac Fiero, Renault 5 Turbo, and a '55 Corvette), or the next batch (Ford GT LM, Subaru Brat, Chevy Astrovan, Plymouth Belvedere), and hopefully that is proof enough. Of course HWC Van has shown a few more to RLC members, and Jeep Wagoneers, Ford Broncos, and Porsche 993's can be even more proof if you really need it.
The Cool Classics look to be shaping up nicely, but they don't seem to have the variety that Boulevard was pushing. That is too bad. But then again, what do I know? I am not privy to the sales numbers, nor do I know what Mattel's research shows, but I trust it (maybe the "moms don't play with their kids" comment could have been thought through a little better). I watch collectors go ballistic about certain things that Mattel's brands do, and the way they harshly criticize, as well as the asinine assumptions they make, and it drives me batty. It is one thing to not like something, that is part of our hobby. It is something else entirely to whine about it. Some of these comments I read are wildly entertaining in the way the shirtless toothless witness of a crime on the news is entertaining, and other times excruciatingly frustrating.
Yes, I am sad the Boulevard line is leaving. It was one of my favorites. But I can't argue with Mattel's decision. Of course they make mistakes, but let's thank our lucky stars that many of the know-it-all collectors who love to voice their opinions on forums and elsewhere aren't in charge.
If there is something we don't fancy here at Lamley, we don't show it. We hope that is about as negative as it gets. If this hobby can't bring joy, then there is no reason to participate.
Sorry for the tangents.
(Looking for 2013 Boulevard Batch B? Find it here
Hot Wheels '12 Ford Fiesta (2013 Boulevard):
