Casting Info · Complete Collector’s Guide
1996 / 1997 Hot Wheels Avus Quattro · Red · DW3 — Casting Info & Complete Collector’s Guide
This red Avus is the three-spoke wheel version. Collector catalogs differ on whether it belongs with the 1996 or 1997 red release records. The DW3 hubs are the strongest identifier; keep packaging context with any date attribution.
1996 / 1997 DW3 release identity
| Manufacturer | Mattel |
|---|---|
| Brand | Hot Wheels |
| Model | Avus Quattro |
| Toy release year | 1996 / 1997 |
| Finish | Red |
| Wheel style | DW3 |
| Toy code | 13868 |
| Series / package | Red mainline records · DW3 wheels |
| Casting number | 5260 |
| Scale | 1:64 |
Physical details
This red Avus is the three-spoke wheel version. Collector catalogs differ on whether it belongs with the 1996 or 1997 red release records. The DW3 hubs are the strongest identifier; keep packaging context with any date attribution.
Compare both axles, window tint, interior and base markings. The Avus silhouette stays the same across the family, so the wheel face, finish and release graphics are the details that separate this version.
Date records
The red DW3 version is listed in both 1996 and 1997 release contexts. Its wheel style identifies the car more clearly than color alone; note the original package when documenting the year.
Packaging and condition
Record loose-car condition separately from its card or multipack. On this release, the best identification comes from matching the color, wheel pattern and graphics; packaging can help settle an uncertain year or distribution record.
Check the canopy for scratches and the body for paint wear. For chrome or metallic finishes, inspect in neutral light so reflections do not hide surface marks.
All Avus Quattro releases
Compare this version with the complete family. The same toy number or body color can appear on more than one wheel variation.
1993 · Silver · Ultra Hots1993 Mainline · #208/262 · 5260
1995 / 1996 · Silver · Black WallSilver mainline; Canada-only Black Wall record · Black-wall wheels · 5260
1995 · Silver · 5-Spoke1995 Mainline · 5SP · 52601996 / 1997 · Red · DW3 · This guideRed mainline records · DW3 wheels · 5260
1996 · Red · 5-SpokeMainline; also documented in Super Show Cars 5-Pack · #453 · 5SP · 138681996 · Red · 7-Spoke1996 Mainline · #453 · 7SP · 13868
1997 · Metalflake gold · Treasure Hunt1997 Treasure Hunt · 11/12 · #588/714 · 16686
1998 · Unpainted ZAMAC · Convention edition12th Annual Hot Wheels Collectors Convention · Limited edition · 500 reported · 187891997 / 1998 · Silver · Toys “R” Us MultipackToys “R” Us multipack · 7SP · 13868
1998 · Black · Dash 4 CashDash 4 Cash · 3/4 · #723/908 · 18789
1998 · Black · Tech TonesTech Tones · 4/4 · #748/908 · 18814
1999 · Chrome · Mainline1999 Mainline · #1096/1121 · 24110
2001 · Metalflake purple · Mainline2001 Mainline · #104/240 · PR5 · 50634
Value Research
Compare the exact 1996 / 1997 Hot Wheels Avus Quattro · Red · DW3 record by finish, wheel design, release code, and original series or package. The shared Avus Quattro casting number 5260 does not identify a specific version. Where collector catalogs disagree on date attribution, keep the competing record context visible and use the package and wheel details to identify an example.
Assess loose-car condition separately from card or package condition. This guide assigns no unsupported price range.
Collector FAQs
What identifies this version?
Red finish, DW3 wheels and the release or package context shown above.
Does toy code 5260 identify the wheel version?
Use the year, finish and wheel pattern with the code. Several Avus Quattro releases share casting or toy-code families.