The most obvious change for Hot Wheels cars in 1973 was the paint. Gone were the jewel-like Spectraflame paints, replaced by drab enamel colors. Additional cost-cutting moves were incorporated, such as eliminating moving parts, plastic extras, and so on. Only three new castings were introduced in this year, while the rest were repainted re-issues. Another 1973 oddity is the Snake and Mongoose cars. Whereas the Mongoose had always been a Plymouth Duster casting, it was now a Barracuda casting, along with the Snake. The reason for this has never been explained, but it's pretty obvious that it was done intentionally as yet another cost-cutting incentive. In an effort to boost sales, Mattel teamed up with Shell to put out baggied cars in enamel paint. And, lastly...this was the year the "open-middle" Redline hub was introduced. It would later become the Basic Wheel, without the Redline stripe. It's not uncommon to find models with the traditional Redline hub (closed center) mounted on the rear, and the Basic Redline wheel up front. Note that there are changes to this price list, as compared to 1968-1972. I've eliminated the U.S. column, as everything was being made in Hong Kong, as well as the wheel chart, since non-removable wheels were introduced. 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

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!

#	Name	Colors	Value
6968	Alive '55 Previous Castings: 6404 Classic Nomad (1970) Production Run: 1973 only Note: Produced in Hong Kong. Retained the opening hood feature from the Classic Nomad, and came with assorted interior colors. Name changed on chassis.	Dark Blue Lime Pink Dark Green Light Yellow Light Blue Light Green Orange Plum Red Yellow	7 7 8+ 8+ 7 7 8+ 14- 14- 8+ 7

#	Name	Colors	Value
PROMO	Bugeye Previous Castings: 6178 Bugeye (1971) Production Run: 1973 only Note: Shell Promo. Produced in Hong Kong. All elements of the original Bugeye are present, with the exception of the Spectraflame paint. Black plastic interior. Rear cover opens to reveal engine. Issued in a baggie with a cardboard header.	Dark Blue Light Green Lime Pink Light Blue Red Yellow	4 4 6 5 4 4 6

#	Name	Colors	Value
6976	Buzz Off Previous Castings: 6426 Tri Baby (1970) Production Run: 1973 only Note: Produced in Hong Kong. All elements of the original Tri Baby are present, with the exception of the Spectraflame paint. Rear cover opens to reveal engine. Assorted interior colors.	Dark Blue Lime Pink Yellow Light Blue Red	7 7 11- 8 10 7

#	Name	Colors	Value
5880	Double Header Previous Castings: New Model for '73 Production Run: 1973 only Note: Produced in Hong Kong. Designed by Larry Wood and Paul Tam. Assorted interior colors. This was the only year the Double Header would be used. It was not seen again.	Dark Blue Lime Dark Green Light Yellow Light Blue Light Green Orange Plum Red Yellow	6 8 6 8 8 9- 6 8 6 6

#	Name	Colors	Value
6975	Double Vision Previous Castings: 6423 Mantis (1970) Production Run: 1973 only Note: Produced in Hong Kong. One big change from the original Mantis was the missing engine. The only exception to this was the Lime version, which inexplicably kept it's engine. Canopy still swiveled upwards, like its predecessor.	Dark Blue Lime Lime (with engine) Pink Dark Green Light Yellow Light Blue Light Green Orange Plum Red Yellow	6 6 6 9 8 7 6 6 6 8 6 8

#	Name	Colors	Value
6967	Dune Daddy Previous Castings: 6403 Sand Crab (1970) Production Run: 1973 only Note: Produced in Hong Kong. For this reissue, the clear canopy from the Sand Crab was removed, and the chassis had a name change to indicate Dune Daddy. Interiors came in white, tan, black and brown.	Dark Blue Lime Pink Dark Green Light Yellow Light Blue Light Green Plum Red Dark Yellow	3 4- 5 4- 3 3 3 5 3 5

#	Name	Colors	Value
6973	Ferrari 312P Previous Castings: 6417 Ferrari 312P (1970) Production Run: 1973 only Note: Produced in Hong Kong. The black paint that was originally on the rear panel was removed for this issue. The interior can be found in assorted colors. The rear engine cover can still be lifted up.	Dark Blue Lime Pink Yellow Light Blue Red	10 11 13 13- 11 10

#	Name	Colors	Value
PROMO	Ferrari 512S Previous Castings: 6021 Ferrari 512S (1972) Production Run: 1973 only Note: Shell Promo. Produced in Hong Kong. Black paint was removed from the rear engine canopy, but all other details remained the same. Issued in a baggie with a cardboard header.	Dark Blue Light Green Lime Pink Light Blue Red Yellow	4 4 5 5 4 5- 5

#	Name	Colors	Value
6979	Hiway Robber Previous Castings: 6175 The Hood (1971) Production Run: 1973 only Note: Produced in Hong Kong. The slideout plastic roof that was found on The Hood was removed for this model, and the name was changed on the chassis. Interior was issued in assorted colors. All other details remained.	Dark Blue Lime Pink Dark Green Light Yellow Light Blue Light Green Orange Plum Red Dark Yellow	5 6 7 6 5 5 5 6 8 5 6

#	Name	Colors	Value
6980	Ice "T" Previous Castings: 6184 Ice "T" (1971) Production Run: 1973 only Note: Produced in Hong Kong. For this reissue, the plastic ice cubes that were formerly in the back of the 1971 Ice "T" have been removed. Also, there is no black paint on the embossed writing on either side of the removable top.	Dark Blue Lime Light Yellow Light Blue Red Dark Yellow	7 7 7 7 8 7

#	Name	Colors	Value
PROMO	Jet Threat Previous Castings: 6179 Jet Threat (1971) Production Run: 1973 only Note: Shell Promo. Produced in Hong Kong. The flip-top engine cover that revealed the orange turbine in the original Jet Threat has been closed up for this model. Issued in a baggie with a cardboard header.	Dark Blue Light Green Lime Pink Light Blue Red Yellow	4 4 5 5 4 4 5

#	Name	Colors	Value
6978	Mercedes-Benz C-111 Previous Castings: 6169 Mercedes-Benz C-111 (1972) Production Run: 1973 only Note: Produced in Hong Kong. The base was changed to bare metal, as compared to the painted chassis of the 1972 C-111. Interior came in assorted colors. All other details remained the same.	Dark Blue Lime Pink Light Yellow Light Blue Red	13 13+ 24+ 14 14 13

#	Name	Colors	Value
6962	Mercedes-Benz 280SL Previous Castings: 6275 Mercedes_Benz 280SL (1969) Production Run: 1973 only Note: Produced in Hong Kong. The only feature that was changed for this reissue was the paint. All other details remained the same. The interior was found in assorted colors.	Dark Blue Lime Pink Dark Green Light Yellow Light Blue Light Green Orange Plum Red Dark Yellow	5 5 8 5 5 5 6 6 7 5 5

#	Name	Colors	Value
6970	Mongoose Previous Castings: 6409 Snake (1970), Snake 2 (1971) Production Run: 1973 only Note: Produced in Hong Kong. Model should have been a Duster, but was issued in the Barracuda casting. Missing windshield and the black plastic body prop. Look for the "6969" stamped into the underside of the roof. Insanely difficult to find.	Blue Red	22 22

#	Name	Colors	Value
6981	Odd Job Previous Castings: 6185 Mutt Mobile (1971) Production Run: 1973 only Note: Produced in Hong Kong. For this reissue, "Mutt Mobile" was removed from both sides of the white shell, the dogs were removed, and the chassis name was changed to reflect the new name.	Dark Blue Lime Pink Dark Green Light Yellow Light Blue Light Green Orange Plum Red Dark Yellow	6 7 9 7 9- 7 7 7 10 7 9

#	Name	Colors	Value
6966	Paddy Wagon Previous Castings: 6402 Paddy Wagon (1970) Production Run: 1973 only Note: Produced in Hong Kong. The biggest difference between the '70 Paddy Wagon and the '73 version is the missing windshield. All other details remained the same.	Dark Blue	1+

#	Name	Colors	Value
PROMO	Peepin' Bomb Previous Castings: 6419 Peepin' Bomb (1970) Production Run: 1973 only Note: Shell Promo. Produced in Hong Kong. The retractible headlights found on the original Bomb were removed for this model, and the headlight recesses were filled in. Black or brown plastic interior. Issued in a baggie with a cardboard header.	Dark Blue Light Green Lime Pink Light Blue Red Yellow	3 3 5 5 4- 3 3

#	Name	Colors	Value
6963	Police Cruiser Previous Castings: 6467 Olds 442 (1971) Production Run: 1973 only Note: Produced in Hong Kong. The spoiler found on the original 442 was removed, and a red dome light and horns were added to the roof. Came with "Police" stickers. Chassis changed to reflect the name change. Decals should be WHITE w/BLACK print	White	6+

#	Name	Colors	Value
6972	Porsche 917 Previous Castings: 6416 Porsche 917 (1970) Production Run: 1973 only Note: Produced in Hong Kong. No differences from the 1970 version, with the exception of changing the paint from Spectraflame to enamel.	Dark Blue Lime Pink Light Yellow Light Blue Red	10 11 14 10 9 11

#	Name	Colors	Value
6965	Prowler Previous Castings: 6401 The Demon (1970) Production Run: 1973 only Note: Produced in Hong Kong. For this reissue, the name was changed on the chassis. All other details remained the same.	Dark Blue Lime Dark Green Light Yellow Light Blue Light Green Orange Plum Red	12 12 13 12 13 13 13 14 15

#	Name	Colors	Value
6964	Red Baron Previous Castings: 6400 Red Baron (1970) Production Run: 1973 only Note: Produced in Hong Kong. For this reissue, the Iron Cross was removed from either side of the helmet. All other details remained the same.	Red	2

#	Name	Colors	Value
PROMO	Rocket-Bye-Baby Previous Castings: 6186 Rocket-Bye-Baby (1971) Production Run: 1973 only Note: Shell Promo. Produced in Hong Kong. The opening air flaps were removed, and replaced by cast vents. The rear pipes were also eliminated. Black plastic interior. Issued in a baggie with a cardboard header.	Dark Blue Light Green Pink Light Blue Red Yellow	3 3 4 5 4 4

#	Name	Colors	Value
6974	Sand Witch Previous Castings: 6421 Jack "Rabbit" Special (1970) Production Run: 1973 only Note: Produced in Hong Kong. For this reissue, the name was changed on the chassis. All other details remained the same. Black plastic interior.	Dark Blue Lime Pink Dark Green Light Yellow Light Blue Light Green Orange Plum Red Dark Yellow	5 6 6 5 5 6 7 6 7 5 5

#	Name	Colors	Value
PROMO	Short Order Previous Castings: 6176 Short Order (1971) Production Run: 1973 only Note: Shell Promo. Produced in Hong Kong. No changes from the original 1971 casting, with the exception of Spectraflame to enamel. Black plastic interior. Issued in a baggie with a cardboard header.	Dark Blue Light Green Pink Light Blue Red Yellow	4 4 5 4 4 5

#	Name	Colors	Value
6982	Show Off Previous Castings: 6187 Bye Focal (1971) Production Run: 1973 only Note: Produced in Hong Kong. For this reissue, the transparent hood was removed, no decals were included, and the name was changed on the chassis. Assorted interior colors.	Dark Blue Lime Pink Dark Green Light Yellow Light Blue Light Green Orange Plum Red Dark Yellow	8+ 8 35 8+ 8+ 8+ 8+ 27 12 12 10

#	Name	Colors	Value
6969	Snake Previous Castings: 6409 Snake (1970), Snake 2 (1971) Production Run: 1973 only Note: Produced in Hong Kong. Missing windshield and the black plastic body prop. Look for the "6969" stamped into the underside of the roof. Insanely difficult to find.	White Yellow	22 22

#	Name	Colors	Value
PROMO	Splittin' Image Previous Castings: 6261 Splittin' Image (1969) Production Run: 1973 only Note: Shell Promo. Produced in Hong Kong. For this reissue, the windows were blacked out, and the interior was removed. Issued in a baggie with a cardboard header.	Dark Blue Light Green Pink Light Blue Red Yellow	3 3 4 3 3 4

#	Name	Colors	Value
6971	Street Snorter Previous Castings: 6414 Mighty Maverick (1970) Production Run: 1973 only Note: Produced in Hong Kong. For this reissue, the black rear wing was eliminated, and the name was changed on the chassis. The hood still opened. Assorted interior colors.	Dark Blue Lime Pink Dark Green Light Yellow Light Blue Light Green Orange Plum Red Dark Yellow	7 7 11 8+ 10+ 10+ 8+ 7+ 11+ 8+ 10+

#	Name	Colors	Value
PROMO	Strip Teaser Previous Castings: 6188 Strip Teaser (1971) Production Run: 1973 only Note: Shell Promo. Produced in Hong Kong. For this reissue, there were no changes from the 1971 version. Came with a black plastic interior, and was issued in a baggie with a cardboard header.	Dark Blue Light Green Lime Pink Light Blue Red Yellow	4 5 8 6 4 4 6

#	Name	Colors	Value
6004	Superfine Turbine Previous Castings: New Casting Production Run: 1973 only Note: Produced in Hong Kong. Designed by Larry Wood. Once it ran through the 1973 line, it was never seen again. Came with a black plastic interior. This model is highly coveted by collectors.	Dark Blue Lime Pink Light Yellow Light Blue Red	14+ 15+ 18+ 15+ 14+ 15+

#	Name	Colors	Value
6007	Sweet 16 Previous Castings: New Casting Production Run: 1973 only Note: Produced in Hong Kong. Designed by Larry Wood. Was the only new casting from 1973 that was ever utilized again. Model has a rear trunk that opens, and a black plastic interior.	Dark Blue Lime Pink Dark Green Light Yellow Light Blue Light Green Orange Plum Red	8 8 9 13 8 8 12 13 15 8

#	Name	Colors	Value
PROMO	Swingin' Wing Previous Castings: 6422 Swingin' Wing (1970) Production Run: 1973 only Note: Shell Promo. Produced in Hong Kong. For this reissue, the white wing from the 1970 version has been eliminated and replaced with cast-in vents. Issued in a baggie with a cardboard header.	Dark Blue Pink Light Blue Red Yellow	4 5 4 4 5

#	Name	Colors	Value
PROMO	Twin Mill Previous Castings: 6258 Twin Mill (1969) Production Run: 1973 only Note: Shell Promo. Produced in Hong Kong. For this reissue, the base was changed from painted to bare metal. All other details remained the same. Issued in a baggie with a cardboard header.	Dark Blue Light Green Pink Light Blue Red Yellow	4 4 5 4 5 4

#	Name	Colors	Value
6977	Xploder Previous Castings: 6460 AMX/2 (1971) Production Run: 1973 only Note: Produced in Hong Kong. For this reissue, the name was changed on the chassis. All other details remained the same. Black plastic interior.	Dark Blue Lime Pink Dark Green Light Yellow Light Blue Light Green Orange Plum Red Dark Yellow	5 5 7 7 9 5 5 9 9 5 7

1 = $15-30 9 = $201-225 17 = $501-550 25 = $901-1100 33 = $2,501-2,800 2 = $31-50 10 = $226-250 18 = $551-600 26 = $1,101-1,300 34 = $2,801-3,100 3 = $51-75 11 = $251-275 19 = $601-650 27 = $1,301-1,500 35 = $3,101-3,400 4 = $76-100 12 = $276-300 20 = $651-700 28 = $1,501-1,700 36 = $3,401-3,700 5 = $101-125 13 = $301-350 21 = $701-750 29 = $1,701-1,900 37 = $3,701-4,000 6 = $126-150 14 = $351-400 22 = $751-800 30 = $1,901-2,100 38 = $4,001-4,400 7 = $151-175 15 = $401-450 23 = $801-850 31 = $2,101-2,300 39 = $4,401-4,800 8 = $176-200 16 = $451-500 24 = $851-900 32 = $2,301-2,500 40 = $4,801-5,200

What Events Defined 1973? US Troops are withdrawn from Vietnam and U.S. involvement in Vietnam War ends Watergate Hearings begin, while President Nixon tells the nation “I am not a crook." Israel Shoots Down Libyan Passenger Plane In a Tennis Match billed as the "Battle of the Sexes", Billy Jean King defeats Bobby Riggs Skylab, the United States' first space station, is launched The Sears Tower opens in Chicago Concorde cuts flying time across the Atlantic in half flying at average speed of 954 mph OPEC increases oil $1.50 a barrel to $11.56 a barrel, causing a major U.S. gas shortage. "All in the Family", "The Waltons" and "Sanford and Son" were the top TV shows #1 movies of 1973 included "The Exorcist", "The Poseidon Adventure", "Live and Let Die", and "American Graffiti" #1 songs in 1973 included "You're So Vain" by Carly Simon, "Superstitous" by Stevie Wonder, "The Most Beautiful Girl" by Charlie Rich and "Crocodile Rock" by Elton John

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