You #lamleyhype critics, I'm gonna give you some fodder today.
Let's just start with it. The Subaru BRAT from the Hot Wheels Trucks Assortment is the best Car Culture model so far, and that includes Japan Historics.
Yikes! That's quite a statement, and Lamley is at his hyping best again!
I guess I am. The Japan Historics as a set is a gem. Homages to historic racing liveries, a creative police car, and a fantastic new model in the RX-3. A VERY popular new wheel too. It really can't be beat. The models on their own are great, with the Toyota 2000GT probably my favorite.
The Trucks Series is up there as well, but not at the same level as the Historics. But there isn't a weal model in the bunch. AND, throw all 15 Car Culture models released so far into a Best-to-Worst list, and guess which, to me, comes out on top? Well, let's do the list, shall we?
(Cringing as I write this. Darts preparing to come...)
Subaru BRAT
Toyota 2000GT
Nissan Skyline H/T 2000GT-X
BMW E30 M3
Mazda RX-3
Porsche 993 GT2
Ford F-250
Chevy Silverado
Nissan Skyline H/T 2000GT-R
Ford Ranchero
Datsun Bluebird 510 Wagon
Datsun 620
Fiat 500
VW Golf MK7
Porsche 911 GT3 RS
Yeah, explaining that list is a post for another time. But some are at the bottom because I am just not fond of the liveries. All great castings though. The fact is the series has been stellar so far, and there isn't one model I actually dislike. Just some I like more than others.
And that speaks to how much I like the Brat. I have been so fond of that casting since it was released. Such a great choice for a Hot Wheels (while doing a stock Brat would be perfect for Matchbox), and the casting is executed perfectly. Seats in the back, seats in the back!
I just haven't been really into the decos. They are nice, but nothing stands out. Until this simple zamac version comes out. It's essentially a black-and-white Brat, with more stock cues deco-wise. And while I would have been singing its praises if it had this deco over a white or gray base, zamac takes it to the next level. The model is just so damn sharp. And I haven't even gone into the perfect choice for wheels. Oh, and tail lights, which seem to be having a hard time showing up on other Car Culture models.
Yes, the criticism that everything is Lamley's favorite is legitimate - I just get too excited about models sometime - but count the Brat as one. It always will be. As long as I have display space for Hot Wheels, the Car Culture Brat will be there.
The rest of the Trucks are no slouches either. I mentioned in my video that this is the first Silverado going in the collection, and the more I look at it with those wheels and raked stance, I am all in. Best Ranchero so far as well, great vintage Ford, and I won't turn away a 620.
Trucks is rad.