Hi
Most Hot Wheels models are produced in very large numbers. However, some are made in much smaller quantities (but still in the tens of thousands world-wide), making them harder to find. These are called Treasure Hunt models.
They were introduced in 1995, and initially comprised a separate series within the Mainline, on special cards. They were more elaborately decorated than regular Mainlines. Some collectors specialise in Treasure Hunts.
Later, the idea of having a separate series was dropped, and Treasure Hunts (and even harder to find Super Treasure Hunts) were scattered throughout the Mainline sets. That made completing some sets very difficult, if one of the models was a TH.
Modern TH are harder to identify, but there is usually (not always) a circle printed somewhere on the model itself, containing a Hot Wheels flame. This is also usually printed on the card, but hidden behind the model, making it hard to see.
In the last few days I have found two Treasure Hunts, without even trying. Most unusual.
The 2022 Batman sub-series within the HW Mainline began arriving in the shops in late 2021. The series includes five models, of which the first, numbered 1/5, is The Dark Knight Batmobile, or Tumbler.
This is a TH model, and is gloss dark blue overall. It looks as though it has lighter blue stripes over it, although these could just be thin paint around the panel details. There are matt dark grey 'mud splatters' over the vehicle.
The TH circle is printed on the roof in silver. just ahead of the tail, offset to the left. While the model itself is dark blue, the vehicle on the card looks closer to purple.
From the Hot Wheels Wiki site, is this history of the TH line.
Paul Adams from New Zealand
Never heard of Treasure Hunts Paul. very educational that! Thanks.
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