As I was putting together First Looks for Hot Wheels Batch F
, I thought I would give this a separate post.Plastic models have been making their way into both Mattel brands over the last few years. First the bases went plastic, then large sections of the body, and now we have a few models in both the Matchbox and Hot Wheels lineup that have entire plastic bodies with metal bases.
When Matchbox released the first images of the highly-anticipated Renault Ambulance this year, there was a pretty large outcry regarding the fact that the entire body was plastic. The reasoning behind the plastic was cost. That it is too expensive to issue a basic model with that amount of diecast metal and keep it within cost range.
While commenting on the Ambulance, some collectors went as far as to say the abundance of plastic models was a surefire sign that Mattel preferred its blue brand over the orange, and that Matchbox was sure to meet its demise.
Well, here is proof that the plastic problem (if you want to call it that) has infiltrated both brands. The Escalade has been plastic before, but here it is in the mainline in all plastic with a metal base. A similar thing goes with the new Custom Cadillac. While its torso is metal, its fenders and base are plastic.
While I much prefer my favorite models in diecast, having some models in plastic does not really bother me. But I want to ask you.
What are your feelings about more and more plastic models in the Hot Wheels and Matchbox lines?
Hot Wheels '07 Cadillac Escalade (2013 Mainline):
