1968: The year Mattel launched the Redline Era

[1968rt]

Mattel is a Corporate Company and any official new or release dates are made on Tuesdays by all Corporations.

The date September 7th falls on a Saturday in 1968. This was the weekend for Mattel employees.

Mind you Saturdays in the 60's and 70's especially in September were great days to launch new Cartoon Shows. However to launch a new produce line, I don't think so.

Wiki just took a random day in 1968 and ran with it. Since nobody questioned this then heck, it has to be right. Let's go make or rewrite history....nobody is paying attention anyway...

The Hot Wheels line was launched in Feb '68 at NY Toy Show. Three months after this it was launched to retailers. Probably the first week in May, May 7th falls on a Corporate Tuesday.

May 7th makes a lot of sense. Back in 68 I used to visit my grandparents a few times a year. We would go to their house on my grandfathers birthday, which was July 15th. This is most likely the time my grandmother gave me my first two Hotwheels! Like I explained earlier, on my birthday, August 26th I have documented proof (8mm movie) of me receiving a few more.

[RED BEACHBOMB]

The Hot Wheels line was launched in Feb '68 at NY Toy Show.

Maybe this is why i feel so connected to the early cars as i was born in Feb 1967

[mymo]

I have Toy trade association paperwork which states that in July 1968, Hot Wheels was already the #3 top selling toy.

[1968rt]

I have Toy trade association paperwork which states that in July 1968, Hot Wheels was already the #3 top selling toy.

That date makes perfect sense with me. as I said before I have a home 8mm movie of my 10th birthday and you can clearly see me holding up various Hotwheels including an open hood Mustang which I still have!!!

[ToyLister]

Brian X (?) did some research and claims... well just read it for yourself: linky

But if his research is correct then Hot Wheels were in stores as early as June 13th.