MSCHF, known for their disruptive and often unconventional creations, has teamed up with Mattel Creations to introduce a unique take on the classic Hot Wheels car. This isn’t your pristine, straight-from-the-box collectible; instead, the “Not Wheels” car celebrates the charm of a well-loved, slightly worn vehicle. For automotive enthusiasts who appreciate the stories behind cars and the character that comes with age and use, this collaboration offers a refreshing perspective on car collectibles. Forget showroom perfection – this Mschf Hot Wheels Car embodies the real-world aesthetic of a seasoned daily driver.
Inspired by the iconic 1990s Japanese imports, a generation of vehicles celebrated for their robust engineering and distinctive style, the MSCHF Hot Wheels car is a die-cast model designed to look authentically used. It immediately stands out with its missing wheel, replaced by a rusted hub, a deliberate detail that subverts the very idea of a “Hot Wheels” car being about speed and perfect wheels. Instead, this collectible presents a static narrative, a moment frozen in time, much like a photograph capturing a car in its everyday state. Adding to its unique personality are mismatched wheels: two classic Real Riders tires alongside a bright yellow spare tire, creating a visual symphony of automotive life. The designers have clearly poured attention into details, with a vibrant blue door contrasting against the weathered body, flag-like racing stripes and colors at the rear, and even subtle stitching effects on the side panels and roof, all contributing to its distinct character.
The “Not Wheels” car doesn’t shy away from depicting the realities of car ownership. Its fogged-up windows, seemingly etched with a playful face, hint at stories and journeys past. The rear of the car boldly proclaims “WASH ME!!!” a humorous touch that emphasizes its intentionally unkempt appearance. This isn’t a car meant to be gleaming and spotless; it’s designed to look like it’s lived a life, embraced the elements, and accumulated stories along the way. The dents and what are playfully described as “amateurish repairs” by both MSCHF and Mattel Creations further enhance this narrative of a vehicle that has seen its fair share of road adventures and minor mishaps.
Looking closer, the details tell even more of the car’s imagined history. The driver’s side window is rolled down halfway, suggesting a hasty exit or a casual, lived-in feel. A cracked front windshield implies a minor collision, a common occurrence in the life of any frequently driven car. Parking tickets tucked under the wipers are a universal symbol of urban driving and add another layer of relatable realism. The exterior paint, a bleached-out gray, is realistically marred by rust and dirt, signs of time and exposure. Even the interior details, like the tan-colored seats resembling aged candle wax and a seatbelt dangling out of the door, contribute to the overall impression of a car that’s been used, enjoyed, and perhaps slightly neglected – in the most endearing way possible. For collectors and automotive fans looking for something beyond the pristine and perfect, the MSCHF Hot Wheels car, launching on August 30th, 2024, at a price of $30, offers a refreshing and characterful addition to any collection, celebrating the beauty found in imperfection and the stories vehicles accumulate over time.
