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After a couple of models were leaked out with the new gold Hot Ones wheels in 1980, the line became official in 1981, being touted as "The Fastest Non-Powered Diecast Cars." The axle leaned more toward the thin wire that was utilized during the Redline Era. Basic, or Blackwall Wheels used a thicker axle wire, and made the cars slower and somewhat clunky. They just didn't move very well at all. So, the axles and wheels were due for an adjustment, and this was accomplished with the Hot Ones line. The Heroes and Scene Machine series were carried over into 1981, but would be discontinued at the end of the year. The Hi-Rakers and Workhorses series were also present in 1981. Quoted values are for LOOSE, NM examples. Cars less than NM will obviously command a lesser value than listed, depending on overall condition. Unless otherwise stated, the country of origin for all listed models is Hong Kong. Different countries will be listed second, and bolded. Note that the NCHWA utilizes a pricing method called "Star Value©." Instead of specific dollar values, each car will be assigned a Star Value© to indicate rarity and potential price range. There are simply too many variables to place a "set" value on any model, so a range will be used instead to indicate where that particular model may fall on the secondary price scale. A +/- indicates where on that scale the value is approximated, while a number by itself would indicate the value falls in the middle of the Star Value. This is also an easy quick-glance method to determine rarity; the higher the number, the rarer the car. The value chart will be placed at the bottom of each page. |
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Option: Click the button to the left to download a printable copy of the Star Chart for easy reference (Microsoft Word or equivalent program required for viewing or download). It beats scrolling up and down when you're pricing your cars! |
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| a) Orange body with green plastic fenders and a white top b) Green body with green plastic fenders, tan top & yellow side tampo c) Same as "b", light green side tampo d) Same as "c", Malaysia chassis |
BW BW BW |
1+ 2- 2- |
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| Black body with red tampo on the sides. Blue windows and chrome plastic chassis |  | ||||
| Orange body with faux brown "wood" panels on the sides. Black roof (Hi-Rakers) |  | ||||
| Yellow body with orange and black "Airport Rescue Fire Dept" tampo on sides (Workhorses) |  | ||||
| a) Dark red body with dark red fenders, with red/yellow/black "Early Times" tampo on sides b) Same as "a", but with burgandy fenders c) Same as "b", but with grey GoodYear Real Riders (GYG) |
BW GYG |
2 9 |
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| a) Yellow body with dark brown plastic fenders and interior b) Same as "a", reddish-brown fenders and interior |
BW |
2- |
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| a) Black body with red, orange and yellow stripe tampo on the sides. Black plastic shell & blue windows b) Same as "a", clear windows |
BW |
2 |
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| Red body with yellow and white stripe tampo on the sides with number "3" |  | ||||
| a) White body with red stripe and "X11" on the sides. Red interior b) Same as "a", red body. (Never issued in blisterpack--only in a 3-pack w/HW book) |
BW |
2+ |
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| White body with "Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey Circus" and tiger tampo on the sides |  | ||||
| Orange body with Rebel flag tampo on roof and "Dixie Challenger" on the hood |  | ||||
| White body with yellow/black "The Invincible Iron Man" and character tampo on the side (Heroes) |  | ||||
| Tan/brown body with orange and yellow stripe tampo on the sides |  | ||||
| Red body with black, yellow and red racing tampos on sides and hood, number "10" |  | ||||
| a) Red body with yellow and black "No. 5" and "Fire Dept" tampo on hood b) Same as "a", but with louvres on the hood |
BW |
1+ |
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| Silver body with black and orange stripe and "024 Omni" tampo on the sides |  | ||||
| a) Orange cab with metal tank and "California Construction Company" on sides (Workhorses) b) Same as "a", Malaysia chassis |
BW |
2- |
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| Yellow body with red HW logo, black "Racing Team" and various sponsor tampos (Scene Machines) |  | ||||
| Red body, clear windows, chrome plastic chassis (Scene Machines) |  | ||||
| Chrome body with red and black "Silver Surfer" and character tampo on sides (Heroes) |  | ||||
| a) White body with red and orange flame tampo on the sides b) Same as "a", Malaysia chassis |
BW |
2 |
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| Orange body with "Cobra" on sides/hood. (Never in blisterpack--only in a 3-pack w/HW book) |  | ||||
| a) Red body with yellow and black stripe and number "10" tampo on the sides b) Same as "a", Malaysia chassis |
BW |
1 |
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 What Events Defined 1981? |
to return to the 1978-1989 Guide