Coming on the heels of the 50th anniversary of Led Zeppelin‘s self-titled debut album, Mattel is paying tribute to the legendary rockers with a new set of Hot Wheels Premium vehicles.
Officially designated for collectors as Hot Wheels’ “2020 Pop Culture Mix 1,” the Led Zeppelin assortment features five road-ready vehicles with artwork representing the band’s first four albums and its 1975 North American Tour.
Fan-favorite castings including Haulin’ Gas (Led Zeppelin), Super Van (Led Zeppelin II), Combat Medic (Led Zeppelin III), ’67 Austin Mini Van (Untitled aka Led Zeppelin IV), and Hiway Hauler (1975 North American Tour) comprise the assortment. Each Premium vehicle features more die-cast parts than the usual $1 mainline Hot Wheels (and they should, at $5 each), with Real Riders rubber tires and Hot Wheels’ Metal/Metal design.
The crossover appeal between die-cast collectors, Led Zeppelin fans, and collectors of music memorabilia should have competing audiences headed for the pegs. These will also bring forth the tough decision that all types of collectors regularly face: to open, or not to open?
While keeping Hot Wheels in their original blister packs is something that collectors have been doing for decades, the Hot Wheels design team has really upped its game in recent years. Each Pop Culture assortment — which has featured a diverse array of licenses — including Scooby-Doo, candy companies, X-Men, The Beatles, and more — includes beautiful card art that matches each vehicle. I sometimes feel bad opening these things, but I still do. One of my favorite aspects of this set is the detail on the Hiway Hauler. Look closely at the gas tanks on each side, and you’ll see the tour dates printed very, very small!
Spotify Playlist: An Introduction to Led Zeppelin
Photos: the Pop Insider
