With Hot Wheels emphasis on entertainment-related models, there are certainly some no-brainers. Herbie the Love Bug is probably near or at the top for many of those "no-brainer" lists.
And we finally have it, in the 2014 basic range. And we will be getting it again (you RLC'ers have already seen it) in the Retro Entertainment line later this year.
Being the car guy I am, the thing I like most about the Retro Entertainment line is that it is producing cars that look fantastic, whether in a movie or not. The Ferris Bueller Ferrari California is the best example of that. Other than that these entertainment "character" models don't do much for me, premium or basic.
But I can get behind Herbie. It is a great racing deco for one, and more importantly, I loved the Herbie movies. I don't remember much about them, other than the car had a mind of its own, and I always wondered why Dan Rather was the star of the movie (let's see who gets that), but I do remember loving them.
So Herbie is a welcome addition. Now thoughts on the actual model. I think most collectors will clamor for an updated classic Beetle. I agree. This casting, while metal on metal, is just a bit too dated. I actually like the stance, and on Herbie I like it a lot. Herbie with a nice modern Hot Wheels touch. But those headlights, and those wheel wells, and wide wheels. All a little off.
But that is my opinion. More than anything I am happy to have Herbie around. Even without Dan Rather...
(Find Herbie on ebay
...)2014 Hot Wheels VW Beetle:
