I just could not separate these two. Logic says I should save each model for a separate post, leaving the readers wanting more. But if Hot Wheels cannot separate the Datsun Wagon and the Hakosuka, putting them in the same batch, why should I?
It has been a decent week for those of us Hot Wheels collectors who love Japanese cars. It started with the unveiling of the brand new Toyota 2000GT and ends with the Skyline and 510 Wagon hitting the market together. (Not to mention we picked the Mad Manga as our 2012 HW Model of the Year, which was met with, shall we say, a mixed response.)
Jun Imai caused quite a stir in September at JCCS, not only displaying his own 1:1 510 Wagon for everyone to gawk over (and gawk they did), but he also previewed the Hot Wheels version of his car that he designed. You can imagine the response, not only at the show, but among collectors once photos started spreading. The model takes the original 510 Bluebird casting and pushes it up a notch, with a lower stance and fantastic fender mirrors (I am glad they have figured out how to do them), debuting in a simple color that pays homage to Jun's car and shows off the detail put into the casting. And while they don't resemble the SSR MkIIs, the deep dish red rims at least give the model the right feel. This model is truly a treat.
Now to our friends at Hot Wheels, just including the 510 would have been sufficient, but then you go ahead and throw another JDM classic in the batch, also designed by Jun Imai. The Boulevard version of the Hakosuka is a perfect compliment to the first version of the casting, released in racing livery in 2011. This one goes for street, and I could not be happier about it. I see this one rolling out of the garage of my fellow Utahns JDM Legends and parking next to the white Kenmeri that Hot Wheels released also in 2011. You knew it was a matter of time that the classic Skyline castings would don the 8-spoke real riders, and it did not take long. They are perfect wheels for the Skylines. Hopefully after this year's Flying Customs version, the Kenmeri dons them in a future Racing or Boulevard version (or dare we say Super Treasure Hunt?).
I honestly don't know how Hot Wheels will top these two, at least for us JDM collectors, but I am sure they are trying. I am glad they are. I keep hearing 2013 will continue to be great, and 2014 will be even better for those of us with a soft spot for Japanese cars. Bring it on I say. These two are fantastic...
(Find these and the other 2013 Boulevards for sale
...)Hot Wheels '71 Datsun 510 Wagon (2013 Boulevard):
Hot Wheels Nissan Skyline H/T 2000GT-X (2013 Boulevard):
