For many car enthusiasts, Hot Wheels cars are a gateway to a lifelong passion. One such enthusiast, Matt Gabe, has taken his love for cars to the next level by immortalizing his rare 1967.5 Datsun 2000 Roadster in miniature form.
Gabe, who works for Hot Wheels parent company Mattel, purchased the car in 2013 because he wanted a “fun, old convertible” that would stand out. He achieved this goal, as the car’s unique features make it a head-turner, even in the Mattel parking lot.
A Rare Opportunity
The 1967.5 Datsun 2000 Roadster is a unique model, produced only from March to November 1967. It features a 2.0-liter engine with 135 horsepower, combined with the outgoing low-profile windshield and flat dashboard. This specific model year is notable for its blend of old and new design elements, making it a fascinating example of the evolution of the Datsun Roadster line.
Gabe‘s car was chosen to be produced as a Hot Wheels car after he was invited to the 2024 Hot Wheels Collector Convention as the guest of honor. As the guest of honor, Gabe had the opportunity to select a car to be produced for the event, and he naturally chose his own 1967.5 Datsun 2000 Roadster.
From Full-Size to Miniature
The Hot Wheels team used an existing Datsun Roadster model as a starting point and upgraded it to a higher-quality “collector” version, featuring rubber tires and an all-metal chassis and body. This limited-edition model was produced in a run of 4,000 units, making it a highly sought-after collectible.
Gabe designed the toy car using his own vehicle as inspiration, adding racing numbers to give it a more Hot Wheels feel. The attention to detail is impressive, with the Hot Wheels car featuring faithful replicas of the full-size car’s 14-inch Panasport wheels and front lowering springs.
The full-size Datsun also received some upgrades, including vinyl graphics and a hardtop to match the Hot Wheels car. Gabe still has the original soft top, but it’s not currently installed. The car’s unique features and meticulous detailing make it a true showpiece.
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The car is currently up for auction on Cars & Bids, along with its miniature counterpart. This presents a rare opportunity for collectors to own a piece of automotive history, with the added bonus of a highly detailed Hot Wheels model.
A Unique Auction
When we last checked, the high bid was a reasonable $5,000 for both the 1:64 and 1:1-scale versions. This price reflects the value of the full-size car, as well as the rarity and collectibility of the Hot Wheels model.
For Gabe, this project was a chance to combine his passion for cars with his work at Mattel. The result is a unique and highly detailed Hot Wheels car that showcases the beauty of the 1967.5 Datsun 2000 Roadster.
Hot Wheels cars can inspire a new generation of car enthusiasts, much like they did for Matt Gabe himself. The company’s attention to detail and commitment to quality have made its models highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts alike.
The 1967.5 Datsun 2000 Roadster is a rare model, with its unique blend of design elements and limited production run making it a true collector’s item. Its Hot Wheels counterpart is just as unique, with its faithful detailing and limited production run.
The auction for the Datsun and its miniature version is still ongoing, giving collectors a chance to own a piece of automotive history. As the bidding continues, it will be interesting to see what the final price will be for this rare and highly desirable pair of cars.
The collaboration between Matt Gabe and the Hot Wheels team has resulted in a truly unique and special model, one that showcases the best of both the full-size and miniature worlds. The attention to detail and commitment to quality are evident in every aspect of the Hot Wheels car, from its rubber tires to its all-metal chassis and body.
