The man who created the most influential automotive toy of all time, the Hot Wheels brand of cars has died in California at the age of 95. Launched in 1968, it is estimated that more than 41 million kids have played with Hot Wheels. We’re sure that number includes virtually every person that reads BangShift. 

The cars have inspired hot rodders and designers from nearly the moment they hit the market with life size versions of some more memorable models being created along the way. Amongst the first 16 Hot Wheels released in 1968 were the Deora, the Ed Roth designed “Beatnik Bandit”, the Ford “J-Car” which was the prototype for the GT40, and the “Hot Heap” Ford T-bucket. 

Known for their durable construction, Hot Wheels have been passed from generation to generation of gear head since the late 1960s. Our own boys play with the ones we did and our fathers did along with the new models they are adding to their collection.

Handler and his wife also invented the Barbie doll and founded Mattel toys. This guy truly was big stuff!

While we personally are not collectors, we know lots of you are, and it is neat to see a brand that has remained true to its roots and original vision. The cars are still wild and still survive being rolled, jumped, blown up, runover, and generally thrashed by kiddos!

Next time you sneak into the toy aisle at the local department store to see if there’s a cool new Hot Wheels car (For the kids man, for the kids!) think of Elliot Handler. The dude’s creation has had a profound influence on the gearhead scene for more than 40 years.