A question about the 1959 Cadillac hearse funny car...

[Charles E Snyder, II]

I didn't want to completely hijack the flower car thread with my question, so I brought this picture and quote from the other thread to start this one. Hope that you don't mind me using your picture Dwayne.
...along with a new arrival in the mail from an ebay battle to aquire the 1959 cadillac hearse "funny car"

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2436/3940071846_d27c96a67f.jpgNice find on the flower car and the funny car.

What can anyone tell me about the funny car? I have seen it on eBay many times over for a range of prices. I have also seen it in 3(?) different colors I think. Is this out now? If it is, how hard is it to find? I usually don't check out the HW Classics, because there isn't much that I collect in that series. I would like to find one or two of these for my personal collection. It's not a bad looking car for being a funny car.

[Dwayne Brooks]

Charles, the funny car is going to be available in 5 colors this year:
1. Spectraflame pale pink
2. Spectraflame light green
3. Spectraflame dark magenta
4. Spectraflame dark gold
5. Spectraflame ice blue

Not sure how many colors are released so far, but the ice blue was the first color to be released. Bought mine through a regular ebay auction & it was like $12.00 with shipping. The trick right now is winning an auction since demand is much higher than the supply it seems. Haven't seen any of the funny cars in any store yet, only online.

[Attila Bethlenfalvy]

Any store recommendations for the HW CLassics line other than Toys-R-Us? Target and Wal-Mart do not carry them.

[Charles E Snyder, II]

Wal-Mart used to carry the HW Classics, but I have been looking for the past couple of weeks and have not seen them in the two WMs that I frequent.

[Attila Bethlenfalvy]

I've turned up a spare in ice blue available for a pink, green, or magenta trade. :)

[Dwayne Brooks]

Was walking through an antique mall this weekend, a guy had Hot Wheels for sale. I bought 2 more of the ice blue funny car from him... and THERE it was laying there... GOLD Spectraflame funny car WITH "Real Rider" rubber tires. This one he said is from a special 30 car Spectraflame set. I cried a little inside, looked past the price... & bought it :D

http://www.flickr.com/photos/hotroddwayne/4044099297/

[Attila Bethlenfalvy]

Correct. The 30 car sets were $100 Walmart exclusives. Stores were limited to 5 sets each and they sold immediately.

Snagged my Gold from a local vendor for $9.

http://img8.imageshack.us/img8/7320/dsc02329la.jpg

[Attila Bethlenfalvy]

Last weekend the 2nd Annual Mexican Hot Wheels Convention took place. This casting was used as the collector car. Not only does it look great but commanding $$$ too:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=180442996345

[Attila Bethlenfalvy]

Took a month after release for me to snag these...

http://img5.imageshack.us/img5/7502/dsc03305z.jpg

Part of the '10 Hot Wheels Slick Rides delivery series. Crower Cams logos, two tone metallic paint, and Real Riders rubber tires. Pretty sharp. Stamping on reverse is 2929A1, UPC is 27084 80147.

http://img5.imageshack.us/img5/7502/dsc03305z.jpg

Also, as an update on the original 5 Spectraflame colors in the Classics line: A toy dealer relayed this morning that although the Classics line is not being produced for '10, the '09s will ship through May, '10 - which means the remaining 2 colors should still come out.

[Attila Bethlenfalvy]

Spectraflame Light Green has dropped. How long will this one take to find on the pegs...

http://i.ebayimg.com/12/!Bjqpso!BGk~$(KGrHqMH-C0Es-ZkrfpLBLUi2gN7fQ~~_12.JPG

[Attila Bethlenfalvy]

Way home from work I stopped at the grocery store and dumbfoundedly stumbled into 2!

http://img138.imageshack.us/img138/2324/dsc03398qn.jpg

If you're near 1 of the 310 HEB stores - you may want to look. :thumb:

[Rocky Fluegge]

Thats a pretty cool car i guess the hunt is on " Where did you find it i was not following" :stupid:

[Attila Bethlenfalvy]

H-E-B Foods. Happy hunting!

[John Royark JR]

Have not had any luck finding this one yet. How many people know it was actually based off a real car? Here is a pic.
1137

[Charles E Snyder, II]

John, I haven't found one yet either. I do find it cool that it was based off a real car. I didn't know that until you posted the picture. Thanks!

[Attila Bethlenfalvy]

Actual drag car perhaps John - 'real' is a stretch given that the entire body is built to scale. (4/5 is it?) ;)

[John Royark JR]

Actual drag car perhaps John - 'real' is a stretch given that the entire body is built to scale. (4/5 is it?) ;)

:blahblah: Ok, its a real drag car designed to look somewhat like a hearse :pee_smilie:

[Frances Bolton]

This is a really good friend of mine (Jason Wood-Wizard race cars) that has the actual steel body car. He made a fiberglass mold of every piece except for the roof that is the actual steel from the car narrowed down the center and the rear bumper is from the car. Also the lights and the trim are real from the car. The vinyl top is period correct. This car is the only one in existance but he can make more the molds are his. Check it out www.wizardracecars.com By the way the if you click on the S10 all the way to the right on the bottom that's our truck (Killer Pumpkin) he built it too.

[Frances Bolton]

By the way the cars named (Golgotha). I don't think they got permission to use the likeness. :pat:

[Attila Bethlenfalvy]

Heard a couple weeks back that Jason Wood completely totaled the actual '59 drag car.

Updates on this HW casting:

The final Classics have been released. Sadly, the 5th color (Spectraflame pale pink) is not among them. It has been skipped entirely. Rumor has it that the Classics line will return for '11 though.

Here is a sneak peak in the Delivery series of (surprisingly) a second color set though. Don't know exactly when these are dropping yet.

http://img263.imageshack.us/img263/6813/59hwfunny4b.jpg

Diggin' the red over black. Looks like same Crower Cams livery.

[Darren Bedford]

I found a couple more of the blue version yesterday.

Anyone wanting one just needs to let me know.
I will bring them to Albany.

Darren

[Attila Bethlenfalvy]

Took several months to find Chase versions with RR tires. Here are the 3 released:

http://a.imageshack.us/img716/4452/dsc02862a.jpg

Larry Reeves was instrumental in acquiring them. :thumb:

[Darren Bedford]

COOL UPDATE !

A friend of mine found a RED/FLAT BLACK/SILVER colored 59 Cadillac Funny Car and gave it to me last night.

This color is by far the coolest to date !

It has RealRiders as well. It has 7/34 for the number on the cover.

I don't know how to add pictures but I will see what I can do regarding a photo.

Darren

[Darren Bedford]

I took a photo with my camera phone and sent it to Jeremy Ledford asking him to post it here.

The photos not the clearest but at least it will be a picture of what Im talking about !

Thanks Jeremy !!!

Darren

:weneedpics_smi:

[Attila Bethlenfalvy]

Congrats on the score!

You nabbed the second color in the Slick Rides series - which is no easy task. This color doesn't seem to be in many cases. Larry Reeves managed to find a couple about a month ago, shortly after release.

http://a.imageshack.us/img409/6835/59funny.jpg

Wal-Mart has changed the Slick Rides and Garage cars to a "non-replenishable item", meaning: that they no longer have assigned space for them in the store, can not check status in computer, when they show up - they'll show up.

Translation: Best look for this version at Toys-R-Us or other hobby stores.

[Larry N Reeves II]

There are 9 known versions of this car to date. I have 8 of them. I'll send Atti a picture to post. :burp:

[Larry N Reeves II]

While Atti is out on the road, I'll just put this link here in case anyone is interested:

Variations (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Funeralracer/Trade%20and%20Sell/2010-08-30115127.jpg)

[Todd Merrifield]

Translation: Best look for this version at Toys-R-Us or other hobby stores.


Saw two of these on the pegs at K-Mart yesterday...

[Attila Bethlenfalvy]

Breaking toy news>>>>> This Target Halloween exclusive 5-pack just started hitting stores yesterday:

http://a.imageshack.us/img337/5057/dsc03664n.jpg

Well worth the cost of 5 for just 1, imho. Look at it this way - so far, this casting has been $4 and tough to find. For a very limited time, this 5 pack should be easy to find! Decent trade off.

http://a.imageshack.us/img256/7711/dsc03662j.jpg
http://a.imageshack.us/img820/2756/dsc03663l.jpg

Fingers crossed that Wal-Mart shadows this and releases their own exclusive individually packed version for $2...

[Attila Bethlenfalvy]

Larry's hunch was correct!!! Wal-Mart exclusive Halloween Hot Wheels shadowed those of Target. Started hitting stores nationwide last night in select areas.

http://img826.imageshack.us/img826/6224/dsc03752p.jpg
http://img85.imageshack.us/img85/3813/dsc03750y.jpg
http://img195.imageshack.us/img195/6717/dsc03751m.jpg

Good news: Opportunity to buy this heavy purple flake version individually.

Bad news: This is THE collectible HW of 6 cars in this series. 54 cars per sidekick; supposed to be 9 each. However, I have been finding only 6 of this hearse in them (compensated by 12 of another car). Look for this cardboard box on pallets:

http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/1721/dsc03748r.jpg

Also, you can have any employee check stock in person with UPC # 027084 953619. (Which also works calling customer service, btw.) The item is considered non-replenishable - meaning if they aren't in your store, at the stocking warehouse, or in transit between the two, nothing will come back.

Just like Target - when they're gone, they're gone! This is a popular casting and should prove more difficult to find than Target's version because of the cheaper price. So if you want one...don't delay!

[Todd Merrifield]

FYI: Wal-Mart Halloween cars are $1.97 each. Found 5 Halloween Dragsters today and 4 Ectos.

[Attila Bethlenfalvy]

That's a great collecting day Todd! 4 Ecto @ one store? Wow. :specool:

I've cleaned out most Wal-Marts here...

http://img291.imageshack.us/img291/1733/dsc03799z.jpg

[Attila Bethlenfalvy]

Well, took almost a year to acquire one made (#42 of 50) for the Mexico Hot Wheels Convention. It is actually a beautiful black-maroon-black Spectraflame fade that doesn't photograph well. KustomKon took place last weekend and the same casting was one of the official convention cars (unnumbered 1 of 25). Head to DiecastSpace (http://toycarconventions.com/diecastspace-store/#ecwid:category=410539&mode=product&product=1684427) with fingers crossed if you need one. Few left as of this writing. :thumb:

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4127/5173358654_3c1d280bda_b.jpg

[Attila Bethlenfalvy]

To date, this is the sole remaining version released on this casting that hasn't been shown here yet. 100 were made by Pope Designs for the Summer Smash event. Took me about 6 months to track down at a realistic price!

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5289/5323983047_385e4dd932_b.jpg

Although gray graphics are a little mundane, the finish is simply incredible - by far the most professionally customized of the Code 3 varieties.

[Todd Merrifield]

What kind of camera are you using to photograph these? Very few people can actually manage to photograph small diecasts correctly. Your shots look great...

[Attila Bethlenfalvy]

Thanks Todd.

Sony Cybershot DSC-TX5; 25mm lens with macro & 16:9 format used for diecast.

This is my third Sony touch screen; no buttons (1st 3" as the others have been 3.5"). Shutter burst (10 frames per second) and sweeping 180 degree panorama (which auto-corrects distortion) are among the more prominent features but my favorite is underwater capability. Yep - even touch screen works flawlessly underwater. Cliff diving with shutter burst on makes for amazing shots!

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5242/5326851553_4a15329139_b.jpg

Was a tough choice between this and the DSC-TX7 (3.5" touch screen) which has it's own perks (not waterproof).

[Darren Bedford]

Attila

I agree, great close-ups !

Too bad everyone selling cars on ebay couldn't have nice clear photos like you took.

Take it easy,
Darren

[Attila Bethlenfalvy]

Advance head's up~

Next release of this casting is slated for August as part of Hot Wheels' new Nostalgia collector line. 16 count cases, with 2 '59 Cadillac Funny Car per case in mix A. No picture released yet. These will be either $4 or $5 apiece. From Mattel:

This assortment captures the iconic art of legendary properties like Coca-Cola, General Mills, Masters of the Universe and DC Comics. Whether it’s the classic Coca-Cola Santa Claus, advertising great Count Chocula, or childhood heroes like He-Man or The Flash, these 1:64 scale vehicles will transport you to a time when you didn't have a care in the world! Cars feature die-cast bodies and chassis and come with Real Riders.

[Attila Bethlenfalvy]

Still no picture of this August Nostalgia release but Mattel has made public the themes for the first 2 cases. Mix A (unfortunately) is Masters of the Universe. :pat:

I foresee Mattel matching Skeletor graphics up to the hearse. :rolleyes:

[Attila Bethlenfalvy]

First sneak peek, albeit small:

http://img193.imageshack.us/img193/9807/11masters2b.jpg

[Attila Bethlenfalvy]

Here is the brand-spankin'-new Masters of the Universe release. Suggested retail is $4.25, inline with Mattel's 8-10% price increases. (Although @ TRU in Times Square it coast $5.99 - still cheaper than eBay.) Top tampo deters so a side shot instead:

http://img52.imageshack.us/img52/2818/dsc06627p.jpg

To check locally:

http://img42.imageshack.us/img42/2569/dsc06602al.jpg

[Attila Bethlenfalvy]

May seem like a lot of $$$ but this is a solid:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Hotwheels-2nd-Mexico-Convention-Cadillac-Funny-Car-4-50-/370535834723?pt=Diecast_Vehicles&hash=item5645a82463

VVHTF! Took me a year to acquire under $100. While infrequently turning up, they're usually $130-150. 1 of 50 made, numbered, and has the most incredible paint job.

[Attila Bethlenfalvy]

That Mexico Convention auction lasted 1/2 day. Anyone here snag it?

[Todd Merrifield]

Went into our Wal-Mart today and there were 6-8 pegs with the Masters Of The Universe price stickers on them. There was exactly ONE car left on them (one CAR, not one DRAG HEARSE). None of that was there two days ago, which tells me this series isn't going to last on the pegs long.

Also, whether intentional or not, some employee(s) unloaded A TON of new Hot Wheel stuff into the center aisle dump bins! I don't follow the idiosyncracies of the Hot Wheels line, but I do tend to notice something on the pegs I haven't seen before, and this bin was FULL of stuff I had never seen. It even had what was probably a case full of "Dale Earnhardt Jr." select cars, which must be a new series that is coming out. I'm not sure if they are supposed to sell for more than a dollar, as they only appeared to have special paint, but it didn't seem like they belonged in the dump bin.

They also had spaces for the "Hot Ones" new series of retro cars, which were also gone save for one or two cars.

What a difference a day makes.

P.S. Johnny Lightning series 16 was also out. Didn't see a hearse, but I don't know if one was included in that release. Just means that the silver one in series 15 is probably done.

[Attila Bethlenfalvy]

Silver/black JL hearse in R15 was one and done. No hearses in R16.

[Attila Bethlenfalvy]

Earlier this month there was an unannounced 'surprise' release in a Walmart exclusive DC Comics 4-pack:

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Hot-Wheels-Nostalgia-DC-Comics-4-Pack/17114368

You may recognize on above link that MOTU '59 Caddy was used in photoshoot for whatever reason. Here is the actual Catwoman '59:

http://img856.imageshack.us/img856/9613/dsc07565b.jpg

Six 4-packs come to a case. Not all stores received these and those that did sold out quickly.

http://img20.imageshack.us/img20/4549/dsc07568f.jpg
http://img845.imageshack.us/img845/1726/dsc07570p.jpg

Use this UPC to check in your local store:

http://img528.imageshack.us/img528/2923/dsc07566.jpg

[Attila Bethlenfalvy]

Next hearse release in Nostalgia is Hershey's, slated to be out "by 11/26".

Good news: Street date "by 11/26" proved accurate. Hershey's Nostalgia cases hit Walmarts within last couple nights. (Been on eBay for over a week already.)

Bad news: A couple popular cars in this assortment that were supposed to be 2 per case of 16 (via HW release announcement) were cut back to 1. Of course the '59 Caddy got shafted!

http://img818.imageshack.us/img818/1581/dsc07619.jpg

This Hershey lineup is one of the strongest HW has put out of late. Overall they nailed cars, graphics, and cards.

http://img696.imageshack.us/img696/5746/dsc07623j.jpg

Warm chocolate metallic brown with subtle wintery graphics looks great. 10x better than MOTU and flows better than Catwoman, the other two Nostalgia releases. (Reflection only on roof.)

http://img641.imageshack.us/img641/4904/dsc07620aq.jpg

Here's the card back and UPC to check. If calling locally and in-store count is over 16 - very good chance Hershey's has arrived.

http://img14.imageshack.us/img14/5030/dsc07622z.jpg

Really sucks for collectors that there is only 1 hearse per 16. Most of these will prove difficult to find I'm afraid. Dairy Delivery and '64 GMC Panel each have devout followings. '51 GMC COE has only been previously released in Nostalgia line and is still 'fresh'. Haulin' Gas, Smokin' Grill, and Dream Van XGW are all debut castings. (Demand for Smokin' Grill online has been bonkers, don't know why.) Usually 1 pr case castings don't last long. All this equates to maybe the '34 Ford being a peg warmer. Simply don't see Hershey's lasting in store long.....

Go get that hearse!

[Attila Bethlenfalvy]

First time finding Nostalgia boxes on pallets. 999D is the Hershey's case code to look for:

http://img689.imageshack.us/img689/8278/dsc07638rt.jpg

[Attila Bethlenfalvy]

HW has announced that the highly successful Nostalgia line returns for '12 (although renamed Nostalgic Brands). There will be 8 themes and we will see this '59 Caddy at least once in them. :D

No pics have been released yet.

[Charles E Snyder, II]

Thanks for the photos of this set Attila!

If anyone wants or needs this set, I have several on the shelf here locally.

http://img856.imageshack.us/img856/9613/dsc07565b.jpg

Unfortunately, I have not bought any because it is a $20 set. $5 per car. I really have no use for the other 3 cars, so it would basically be a $20 Catwoman Hearse. Haven't brought myself to pay that much for one car just yet. I will pick one the set for anyone that wants one at actual cost. Be about $22 including local taxes.

They don't seem to be going for much more than that on eBay. $20 - $25 for the set of 4 and anywhere from $4 - $10 for the hearse.

IM me or e-mail me and I will pick one up for you if they are still there.