Packaged Redlines
As it turns out, there are packaged versions of almost every variation of redline hot wheels. There was a lot of collecting back when they first came out and also many of them were hidden away in basements and attics and are still coming to light. The internet has been the big helper here, with amazing cars coming out of the woodwork to huge prices online.
There were several versions of the cards. From 1968 to 1972, they were all formatted the same, with the large Hot Wheels logo across the top. There was a base card, and then series cards for Grand Prix cars, Heavyweights, Snake and Mongoose, and normal cars. In 1973, Hot Wheels went to a card that is about the same size as the ones in stores now with a blue background. In 1974, they shifted to calling the cars Flying colors, which ran until the redlines left the assortment in 1977. There are several versions of these cards as well.
There were several versions of the cards. From 1968 to 1972, they were all formatted the same, with the large Hot Wheels logo across the top. There was a base card, and then series cards for Grand Prix cars, Heavyweights, Snake and Mongoose, and normal cars. In 1973, Hot Wheels went to a card that is about the same size as the ones in stores now with a blue background. In 1974, they shifted to calling the cars Flying colors, which ran until the redlines left the assortment in 1977. There are several versions of these cards as well.
We here at Little City Toy Cars are not big in the package collectors, but over the years we have collected a few. Below are some examples. The Orange 31 Doozie in the cut blister pack was a yard sale find for $1 back in the day.
The brown Light My Firebird is a good example of the Spoilers packaging from 1969 to 1972.
The brown Light My Firebird is a good example of the Spoilers packaging from 1969 to 1972.