Hot Wheels were originally conceived in 1968 by Elliot Handler, co-founder of Mattel, to reflect the Southern California custom car culture of the late 1960s. The idea was to create a line of toy cars that were far more flamboyant and exciting than the traditional small-scale models offered by Matchbox at the time. This concept was rooted in the "hot rod" culture, which involves customizing cars to improve their performance and appearance, often resulting in unique and eye-catching designs.

Characteristics of Hot Wheels:

• Enhanced Performance and Speed: Unlike their more realistic counterparts from Matchbox, Hot Wheels cars were designed for speed. They featured a "low-friction" wheel and axle assembly, which made them faster and more suited to racing down tracks.

• Bold Designs and Styling: Hot Wheels cars often boasted exaggerated features such as oversized engines, large rear tires, vibrant flame decals, hood blowers, and outlandish proportions. These features mirrored the real hot rods seen tearing down the streets and strips of Southern California.

• Fantasy Elements: As Hot Wheels evolved, the brand also began introducing fantasy elements into their designs. This included cars that might not exist in real life but captured the imagination of young minds, like cars with dragon-like designs or those shaped like animals or other objects.

• Collectibility and Variety: The distinctive designs and the sheer variety of Hot Wheels cars boosted their collectibility. Each year, new models and designs are released, often keeping collectors and enthusiasts eager for the latest ‘hot’ designs.