Mattel Hot Wheels 1:43 scale Elite Cult Classics Back to the Future Time Machine (Product Review)

Mattel Hot Wheels 1:43 scale Elite Cult Classics Back to the Future Time Machine

 

Anyone who knows me, or has known me for any length of time knows I’m a HUGE Back to the Future fan and my passion for the film trilogy clearly has been evident in the articles we post and the original content we’ve created here on Beyond the Marquee about it. So I was quite excited last week to recieve (from Italy of all places) my new Mattel 1:43 scale Hot Wheels Elite Back to the Future 1985 Delorean for review. Since I was a kid…even before Back to the Future made them cool…I loved the Delorean, then the movies just pushed that love over the edge. I’ve collected all the various BTTF Deloreans cars over the years from Hot Wheels, Johnny Lightning, Welly, Mini-Mates, Hallmark, Texaco Mini’s, Vitesse, Sunstar, Polar Lights, Corgi and Diamond Select to name a few. This Cult-Classic Elite version of course is not just a welcome addition to the personal Delorean collection, but also a treat, in that I get to review the product too! Click ahead for lots of pics and my review. Thanks to Mattel and the Hot Wheels team for the opportunity to share this with our readers.

 

Mattel Hot Wheels 1:43 scale Elite Cult Classics Back to the Future Time Machine

 

The DMC-12 was featured in many films and on television, but is perhaps most famous for its role in the Back to the Future movie trilogy. The film series follows the adventures of teenager Marty McFly when he is blasted through time in the DeLorean time machine created by the eccentric Doc Brown. Considered one of the most successful film trilogies in movie history, the films literally changed the future of the adventure movie genre. First released in 1985 from Academy Award-winning filmmakers Steven Spielberg and Robert Zemeckis, Back to the Future  and its DeLorean Time Machine  became an international phenomenon.

 

Mattel Hot Wheels 1:43 scale Elite Cult Classics Back to the Future Time Machine

 

Now growing up I wasn’t a huge collector of mini cars like Matchbox or Hot Wheels, but the select ones I did collect always had a futuristic look and feel or were mini Star Cars like Knight Rider, the General Lee, Super Hero Vehicles, etc. As an adult, my appreciation for those 1:64 sized cars in my collection and now the new resurgance of classic pop-culture TV/Movie vehicles have grown and evolved. The new Hot Wheel’s Elite line has certainly raised the bar when it comes to collectible die cast Star Cars.  Note: size wise, the Elite Back to the Future Delorean is 1:43 scale, slightly larger than the standard 1:64 scale Hot Wheel die-cast car.

 

Mattel Hot Wheels 1:43 scale Elite Cult Classics Back to the Future Time Machine

 

When it comes to detail, you get it here, having seen original and replica Deloreans from the films I was impressed with the intricacies that the Hot Wheels Elite exhibited. One issue I did have immediately was that the Back to the Future Delorean gull-wing doors do not open, a commonality that all of the Elite line have in common. Though my Vitesse 1:43 scale Delorean doors do open, I do find myself favoring the Hot Wheels version in it’s solid state.

 

Mattel Hot Wheels 1:43 scale Elite Cult Classics Back to the Future Time Machine

 

If you care about keeping the box, be VERY CAREFUL opening it. I had to use an Exacto knife to cut the tape gently holding the sides closed and to pry the tabs open as they started to tear when I tried to do it from hand. It reminded me of my frustration opening up the Back to the Future Hoverboard from Matty Collector which also had challenging packaging for a collector’s piece. Once the box is open, just like the Delorean rolled out of Doc Brown’s van in the Twin Pines Mall parking lot, the clear plastic box slides right out. The clear box gives it a professional and protected appearance that says “Hey…this is a collector’s item, look but don’t touch Butthead!!!” For those interested, the Box dimensions are 6″x3″x2.55″, Vehicle dimension 4″x1.8″x1.25″, Vehicle weight 71g / pc. The collector’s box is nice enough that if you can set your display box on top of it, I’d suggest that, utilize the slick packaging as much as you can.

 

Mattel Hot Wheels 1:43 scale Elite Cult Classics Back to the Future Time Machine

 

Besides the Delorean’s doors not being able to open, neither do the cars hood or trunk. Personal thought, since the trunk is technically under the hood of the front of the car, it would have been cool to have it open to reveal a mini suitcase inside with Doc’s 2015 survival kit (hair dryer, cotton underwear, etc). Maybe something to consider for next time. What I do appreciate is the attention to detail on the inside (which I wish I could inspect closer with the doors open). Peer thru the windows and you’ll see the Time-Circuit control switch, the dashboard’s Time-Circuit display itself and even the Plutonium chamber meter.

 

Mattel Hot Wheels 1:43 scale Elite Cult Classics Back to the Future Time Machine

 

Hand painted detailing on the body, windows, interior and engine parts makes all the difference here. The Finish is Polished Grey and really feels authentic to the car seen in the movie. I think the Vitesse got a couple colors slightly off whereas Hot Wheels Elite seemed to nail it.

 

Mattel Hot Wheels 1:43 scale Elite Cult Classics Back to the Future Time Machine

 

The wheels have in-molded details with “GOODYEAR” markings on the tires and there’s evidence of detailed disk brakes and calipers. Though steering isn’t an option, it is free-wheeling once you unscrew the car from the base. Though pushing it down your hall or across your kitchen as fast as you can still may not generate enough speed to get it up to 88mph, it sure can be fun trying. The Front and Rear lights, grille and license plate all look great as well…

 

Mattel Hot Wheels 1:43 scale Elite Cult Classics Back to the Future Time Machine

 

These are Limited Edition’s of only 10,000 pieces, so collector’s should be keen to snatch these up quickly. The price point for these Limited Edition vehicles are $65.99, a bit higher than other 1:43 scale versions but if you shop around you may find some competitive pricing. I have to say, this one is one of my favorites to date when it comes to the small scale die-cast replicas and I think it would make a great addition to your Hot Wheels die-cast collection as well!

 

Mattel Hot Wheels 1:43 scale Elite Cult Classics Back to the Future Time Machine

 

CLICK HERE TO ORDER yours today over at www.BTTF.net, the official Back to the Future Fan Site Store and tell them Beyond the Marquee sent you!

 

 

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3 Responses to “Mattel Hot Wheels 1:43 scale Elite Cult Classics Back to the Future Time Machine (Product Review)”

  1. I just wanna have this model for this fantastic box. Looks really cool.

  2. […] Wheels Cult Classic Collection, just like in the movies, picks up right where the original ended. Last year we had a chance to get an advanced release of the Classic Collections original Delorean Time Machine […]

  3. ZeroMarkThirty says:

    Hey great review, I agree, not a huge fan of the doors not opening but it makes up for it in other places, I bought 2, one to play with at my desk and one to display

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