Cool model after cool model, and in this situation, even a car that we didn't see in the Batch N Case Report from Wheel Collectors we posted a week ago. Always interesting to see a little variety.
So, as always, when my N Case from A&J Toys came, I opened it on video. This one was fun to open.
The Matchbox H Case is out, and we have seen a couple of the models close up, but not all.
Well, my H Case from A&J Toys just showed up, so here is the unboxing video I posted today.
One tangent. Many of you have asked about ordering Matchbox cases, especially since finding the new stuff has been difficult. With the much-anticipated Nissan Skyline coming, some are worried it be treated like a Super Treasure Hunt at retail. The Skyline is slated for the L Case, so look for an opportunity to order the L Case at A&J soon. It is the best way to guarantee at least one Skyline, if not two.
Just posted to the Lamley YouTube Channel (Subscribe Here), the brand new Hot Wheels L Case.
The case arrived late last week from A&J Toys, and as always, I cut it open on the camera. There are some treats in this one, even besides the two pictured above.
Just added to the Lamley YouTube Channel, a Hot Wheels US J Case unboxing. We opened an International J Case a few weeks ago, so here is the US Case, which has been appearing at some Walmarts in the last couple of weeks. It is a case that I think has a lot of folk's attention.
(As always, the case was acquired at A&J Toys. Preorders for the Gran Turismo, Euro Style, and other Hot Wheels cases are now up...)
Fedex dropped off a nice box from A&J Toys yesterday, full of lots of Mattel goodies.
One of those goodies was the Hot Wheels Basic K Case, which I opened last night, and the unboxing can be found here:
Some definite highlights in this case. I forgot that the Gran Torino was part of this year's lineup, so that was a very nice surprise. And any case that has a Gran Torino, a Greenwood Vette, and a couple of extra BMW CSL's is a good case for me.
What were the highlights for you?
And don't forget, the K cases are available now at A&J Toys, as are preorders for the upcoming Gran Turismo line. Get them while you can...
Has there ever been a more talked-about series than the Japan Historics?
Whether it is how nice the models are, or how cool the new stretched-tire Real Rider wheel is, or how beautiful the card art is, or how jealous everyone was of our Canadian friends getting them first, you can't get through a day on social media without the Historics getting mentioned.
And they most certainly deserve the attention. Car Culture has started where Boulevard ended in 2013. Just as that series started showing a ton of promise, it was killed. Car Culture is fulfilling that, but even more so.
But there has been another topic surrounding the Historics as well. For many collectors, in order to guarantee they acquired the models, this has been the first time they have purchased cases, whether from dealers like A&J Toys or elsewhere. And it has been a learning experience for many.
Reports started surfacing that some of the 10-car assortments were not what they had hoped or expected. It is logical to think that with a 5-car set, a 10-count case would contain two of each model. Fortunately that was the case with most. But not all. Many reported getting zero of the Kenmeri Skyline and 1 or 2 extra of others.
Others reported getting cases that appeared to be resealed. The original Hot Wheels sticker over the tape was cut, the case retaped, and another Hot Wheels sticker placed over that. That of course made some nervous that some foul-play was involved.
We can start there. I can't speak for Mattel, but in case there is anyone wondering, cases aren't opened and resealed by hobby dealers. That just doesn't happen. If A&J or any other case seller were to do that, it would kill their business in seconds. No need to worry about that.
But clearly some cases were resealed at the factory. So what does that mean? I have no idea. And what about the different assortments? Mattel doesn't guarantee specific assortments, because they be modified, and we as collectors have to accept it, as frustrating as it is. Hopefully it doesn't happen that often.
But to dig in a little more, I ordered a Japan Historics case from A&J, and I asked them to send one of the resealed cases, just to see if anything was different. Here is how it went:
There you go. All I can say is it just happens.
A couple more things about the Historics, more on the fun side. It appears there are two variations being reported. The Hakosuka Skyline is coming with and without a roll cage, while the Datsun 510 Wagon is coming with a smooth and textured grill.
It would be interesting to get a sense of which of the variations is more common. So let us know what you found in your cases or on the pegs.
Roll cage or no?
Smooth or textured grill?
I am sure this isn't the last we talk about the Historics, but on to the next batch...
Aoshima GraChan (Grand Champions) Series 9 is out, and Part 1 of our coverage will be the box opening and model showcase on the Lamley YouTube Channel. You can see it below.
Part 2 will be later this week, with a full photo showcase straight from the Lamley studio.
This is easily the best series yet. Quality and detail have increased, and as always, the models look incredible in all their bosozoku stylings. These sets are totally worth having, and the time is now, considering how hard these sets are to acquire even a few months down the line. Series 9 is available now at Japan Booster.
