MUNCLE MIKES · CASTING GUIDE
Fat Fendered ’40A familiar Ford with several wheel stories
Fat Fendered ’40 gives the graphics plenty of room on its rounded sides. The blue Weise Brothers car shown here makes good use of that space. Earlier flame cars have a different look, and their wheels deserve as much attention as the paint.
The early black Ford
The 1983 casting was sold as ’40s Ford 2-Door. Black flame-decorated cars are recorded with blackwalls and with Real Riders. The Real Riders version has a tan interior and unpainted Malaysia base, with gray or white hubs.
Metallic red appears under the Fat Fendered ’40 name in 1985. The 1993 purple #216 and chrome 25th Anniversary five-pack car are separate releases. A seller’s broad year label should not replace those visible differences.
Read the circus lettering
The blue 2000 Circus on Wheels version is series number 3, collector #027. It carries The Weise Brothers decoration, a tan interior and an unpainted Malaysia base. Sawblade and wire-spoke wheels are documented; the photograph shows sawblades.
The small lettering and figures are worth a clear side view. Look along the bottom of the door and running board too. In this photo, the worn spot on the running board is visible rather than hidden by the crop.
Flames do not automatically mean Treasure Hunt
The 2002 Treasure Hunt is flat black with flame graphics, number 2 on the sides, a rear TH logo and Real Riders. It is a different comparison from the original black Ford.
Inspect the complete decoration and all four wheels before accepting an identification. Ask about disassembly, repainting and wheel swaps; an attractive finished custom should be described as one.
On any loose example, check the fender edges, bumpers and glazing. For a carded car, make sure the blister lets you see the far side. Compare current loose Hot Wheels by the individual car and its disclosed wear.
