How to Identify Redline Hot Wheels
Learn to recognize valuable 1968-1977 Redline Hot Wheels and distinguish them from later models
Quick Identification
Look for red stripe wheels, metal base with patent info, USA or Hong Kong markings, and quality chrome details. If it has these features, it's likely a valuable Redline!
Key Redline Features to Look For
✅ Redline Characteristics
Red Stripe Wheels
The signature red line around the wheel rim. This is the most obvious identifier of a Redline Hot Wheels.
Metal Base with Patent Info
Heavy die-cast metal base with "Hong Kong" or "U.S.A." and patent numbers stamped on the bottom.
Quality Chrome Details
Bright, thick chrome on bumpers, engines, and trim pieces. Chrome should have substance and shine.
Production Years: 1968-1977
Check copyright dates on the base. Most valuable are 1968-1972, but all through 1977 have collector value. (Hot Wheels were released for sale in 1968, but the patent date was created in 1967 before the actual release. This is why you see 1967 on many 1968 models)
❌ Not Redlines
Blackwall Tires
Solid black tires without the red stripe. These are 1977+ "Blackwall" era cars, worth much less.
Plastic Base
Lightweight plastic base instead of heavy die-cast metal. These are modern cars with little collector value.
Malaysia or China Manufacturing
Base says "Malaysia" or "China" instead of "Hong Kong" or "U.S.A." These are much newer reproductions. Even if they have the copyright date of 1968-1972, but are made in China or Malaysia, they are reproductions. This is because the copyright date is the date for the creation and patent of the original casting, which they reuse in later years to reproduce the originals. (I know, confusing!)
Modern Copyright Dates
Copyright dates after 1977 indicate newer cars. Even if they have red stripes, they're reproductions.
Visual Comparison Guide
✅ Authentic Redline
Original Custom Mustangs: USA (left), Hong Kong (right)
- • Clear red stripe on wheel
- • Deep Spectraflame paint
- • Solid Enamel Paint
- • Heavy metal construction
- • Quality chrome details
- • USA or Hong Kong base marking
❌ Modern Reproduction
Reproduction with China base marking
- • "Malaysia" or "China" marking
- • Blackwall or fake redline
- • Lightweight construction
- • Thin or missing chrome
Dating Your Redlines
1968: The "Sweet 16" Original Models
Highest collector value
- • Thick chrome bumpers
- • Deep Spectraflame colors
- • U.S.A. or Hong Kong base markings
1969-1972: Peak Redline Production
Most model variety
- • Hong Kong and USA production
- • Excellent build quality
- • Many rare variations
1973-1977: Late Redline Era
Changed to Enamel paint
- • Still valuable to collectors
- • Some quality decline
- • Transitional period
- • Last of true Redlines
Desirable Redline Models to Look For
Custom Camaro (1968)
$100-$500+
Custom Mustang (1968)
$150-$600+
Olds 442 (1971)
$300-$1000+
Bye Focal (1971)
$100-$300+
Boss Hoss (1971)
$100-$300+
Mighty Maverick (1970)
$100-$300+
Values vary greatly based on condition and color variations
See our complete Value Guide →Think You Have Redlines?
Send us photos of your Hot Wheels collection and we'll help you identify any valuable Redlines and provide a fair market evaluation.