MATTEL DROPS THE HAMMER WITH BRICK SHOP X HOT WHEELS BUILDABLE SETS - POSSIBLE LEGO RIVAL?
Mattel just fired up the engines on a brand-new way to experience Hot Wheels, and it's not your average toy drop. Say hello to Mattel Brick Shop, the toy giant’s first foray into collectable building sets - and they're kicking it off with a full-throttle collaboration with none other than Hot Wheels. Seven buildable sets are now up for global pre-sale, and they're gunning for the hearts of collectors, customizers, and anyone who grew up with 1:64 legends tearing across their kitchen floor. These aren't just display pieces - they’re creative, customizable builds with real metal parts, proper proportions, and a matching die-cast car in every box.
“Hot Wheels has fueled the passion of car enthusiasts for generations,” says Roberto Stanichi, Executive VP and Global Head of Vehicles and Building Sets at Mattel. “With Mattel Brick Shop, we’re giving fans an entirely new way to engage with their favourite vehicles.”
And he’s not wrong. This collection blends the nostalgia of Hot Wheels with the hands-on thrill of building, offering brick-built replicas that stay faithful to the originals - from JDM icons to luxury hypercars and even a surfboard-ready Chevy pickup. Mattel Brick Shop’s debut range is split across three distinct series, catering to all kinds of builders - from speed freaks to display purists:
Hot Wheels Speed Series - built for thrill seekers - fast, detailed, and made for custom flair. Each set comes with swappable wheel covers, licensed decals, and a matching metal Hot Wheels car. This is where speed meets style with kits like the Cadillac Project GTP Hypercar - an endurance racing machine with opening doors and aero for days, the Maserati MC20 - an Italian exotic with butterfly doors and a visible engine, and the Custom '68 Camaro - brick-built muscle, complete with stripes and a deep stance.
And then there’s the Hot Wheels Elite Series featuring next-level authenticity. This range is made up of iconic rides that now get the brick treatment with swappable parts, metallic detailing, and enough customisation to make every build uniquely yours. Kicking off this category is the Corvette Grand Sport - a race-bred legend with a low-slung look and metallic exhaust, the 1990 Acura NSX, complete with pop-up headlights that also gives the choice between Acura or Honda badging, a custom ’62 Chevy Pickup complete with exposed engine, dropped suspension, and enough attitude to fill a beach. Things level up yet again with the Hot Wheels Premium Series, that’s been created to show off the ultimate of collectables. Built for serious collectors, these sets go big with luxe detailing, real metal parts, and full-on display presence. So far, the range kicks off with the stunning and timeless Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing, a 1:12 scale masterpiece with functional doors, a proper metal Mercedes crest, and a cabin full of intricate detailing. It also includes an exclusive 1:64 die-cast companion that collectors can add into their existing 1:64 collections. With Mattel Brick Shop, Mattel is setting the tone for a new hybrid play experience - one where building, customising, and collecting intersect. Whether you're in it for the engineering, the display, or the thrill of seeing your favourite cars come to life in brick form, this lineup delivers in spades. We’re waiting for a better exchange rate to pre-order, but that will probably not happen so we’ll more than likely wait until local stores get some in stock. If you want in on the pre-order train, deets are over at www.MattelBrickShop.com.
Take a look at the YouTube video from the professionals at this model car building stuff. They take a look at this latest release from Mattel to see if it's as good as it looks and if it can possibly rival the giant of brick-build sets - LEGO: Mattel Brick Shop Explained – A Real LEGO Challenger or Just Hype? | RacingBrick
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