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1972 would prove to be the leanest year in the short history of Hot Wheels. Since sales had dropped, Mattel decided not to invest as much money into new castings as it had in years past, so only 7 new models were introduced. Buttons were discontinued altogether, as were the Heavyweights and Spoilers series. Only 3 castings from this year saw life after 1972. The rest were never utilized again, which is what makes these models so hard to find...and expensive. 1972 would also mark the last year that Hot Wheels would be issued in Spectraflame paints, and all models would now be produced exclusively overseas. The end of an era! Quoted values are for LOOSE, NM examples. Cars less than NM will obviously command a lesser value than listed, depending on overall condition. Also, since some collectors like to add new replica wheels to replace their beat-up originals, I've added the sizes of the tires to the far right for each car. Note that the NCHWA utilizes a pricing method called "Star Value©." Instead of specific dollar values, each car will be assigned a Star Value© to indicate rarity and potential price range. There are simply too many variables to place a "set" value on any model, so a range will be used instead to indicate where that particular model may fall on the secondary price scale. A +/- indicates where on that scale the value is approximated, while a number by itself would indicate the value falls in the middle of the Star Value. This is also an easy-glance method to determine rarity; the higher the number, the rarer the car. The value chart will be placed at the bottom of each page |
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Option: Click the button to the left to download a printable copy of the Star Chart for easy reference (Microsoft Word or equivalent program required for viewing/download). It beats scrolling up and down when you're pricing your cars! |
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Ferrari 512S  Designer: Paul Tam Production Run: 1972 only Note: Produced only in Hong Kong. This model featured 2 opening canopies: one for the cockpit, and one over the engine. The interior was issued only in black. |
Light Green Blue Magenta Gold Rose Red Aqua |
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6 6+ 7 7+ 9 12 |
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Funny Money  Designer: Larry Wood Production Run: 1972 only Note: Heavyweights Series, even though the series was discontinued. Produced only in Hong Kong. Dragster-style lift-up body revealed twin engines. Came with one sticker that was applied at the factory: a blue "Funny Money" decal. Orange bumper should be present in order to consider this model complete. |
Grey Enamel | |
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Mercedex-Benz C-111  Designer: Larry Wood Production Run: 1972 only Note: Produced only in Hong Kong. Interior was available in assorted colors. Doors were the "gull-wing" style, and the first opening doors since the 1970 Carabo. |
Light Green Blue Yellow Gold Magenta Red Rose Aqua |
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5 6 6 6+ 7 7 8- |
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Open Fire  Designer: Paul Tam Production Run: 1972 only Note: Produced only in Hong Kong. All models were issued with a black interior. First car to feature double sets of wheels up front. |
Magenta Gold Yellow Blue Red |
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9 9+ 25 30 | ||
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Rear Engine Mongoose  Designer: Larry Wood Production Run: 1972 only Note: Produced only in Hong Kong. The entire rear canopy lifts to expose the engine. Came with a decal that covered the nose and sides, that said "Tom McEwen, The Mongoo$e." |
Blue Enamel | |
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Rear Engine Snake  Designer: Larry Wood Production Run: 1972 only Note: Produced only in Hong Kong. The entire rear canopy lifts to expose the engine. Came with a decal that covered the nose and sides, that said "Don Prudhomme, The Snake." |
Yellow Enamel | |
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Side Kick  Designer: Larry Wood Production Run: 1972 only Note: Produced only in Hong Kong. Features a slide-out driver's seat that can be retracted by pulling the black plastic tailpipes. |
Light Green Yellow Gold Blue Magenta Red Rose Aqua |
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4 5 5 5+ 6 7- 8- |
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 What Events Defined 1972? |
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