Collector: Bruce Pascal
Country: United States of America

I started collecting Hot Wheels in 1968 when I was just a kid. I’d visit the local toy store and grab a car or two every time I could. In 1999, I got a phone call from my mum to say that she was tidying up the house and including my old room and found a box of Hot Heels from when I was little. She asked to come over to see what I wanted to keep, which I did. Unsurprisingly, I wanted to keep all of it although a friend of mine got wind and offered me a sum of $200 for the entire box. That got me thinking.

How did you get into collecting?

How did your collection get to roughly 3,000 cars today?

How? I did what I did as a kid, grabbing them whenever I had a chance. Over the years, my collection grew, and in the early 2000s, I stumbled upon the legendary Pink Beachbomb. That was a pivotal moment really, as it set the course for my passion, leading me to focus on the most rare and unique Hot Wheels, and eventually, building the collection I have today. If it weren't for the odd reporter, I would have stopped counting.

That is a touch question for a collector as I love all the items I have. Otherwise I would not have them in my collection but I do have couple of stand out Hot Wheel Diecasts:

1. Out of all my Hot Wheels the Pink Beachbomb is definitely my crown jewel.

   I first discovered it in the early 2000s while attending a Hot Wheels convention. It’s one of the rarest and most sought-after Hot Wheels in the world, with only two known to exist in pink. I remember the thrill of acquiring mine—it’s a true piece of history for any collector. Having this in my collection is like having a piece of Hot Wheels' legacy.

2. My Red Baron
   "The Red Baron is another one of my favourites. It was one of the first Hot Wheels cars that really caught my attention as a kid and I really was looking out to get my hands on it. I loved the sleek design and the fact that it was based on a famous historical figure. As I continued collecting, I made sure to find one in mint condition, and it holds a special place in my memory and my collection."

3. Chocolate Thunder has to be up there among the top.
   "Chocolate Thunder is a unique piece for me. It was a prototype made in the 1970s that never made it to full production. I came across it by pure chance at an auction, and at first, I couldn’t believe it was real. The colour and design are just so distinctive, and having a piece of Hot Wheels history like that is something special that I could not pass on."

4. Custom Mustang
   "The Custom Mustang was another early Hot Wheels car that really stood out to me. It was part of the first-ever batch released in 1968, and I’ve been after one in mint condition for years. Any collector can tell you how frustrating it is to be after one specific Diecast and just not coming across it. The fact that it was part of the original series makes it one of my personal favourites. I remember the feeling of finally, finally finding one in perfect condition—it felt like a big win! A thrill I know I share with collectors world wide."

5. Mantis
   "The Mantis is a more obscure piece, but I love it because of its unusual design. It's one of the Hot Wheels cars that really stands out with its futuristic look. I remember seeing it in an old catalogue and immediately knowing I had to track one down. When I finally found it, it was like finding a hidden gem in the world of Hot Wheels."

What are your most favored items in your collection?

What sources are you relying on in your hunt?

Some people think I have secret sources but I truly don't. I do what everybody does or can do.

Would you share with us what you do?

Sure, I do go to Hot Wheels Conventions for example: Attending Hot Wheels conventions is actually one of my favourite ways to find rare Hot Wheels. These events bring together collectors, enthusiasts, and sellers from all over, and I’ve made some of my best acquisitions at these gatherings. It's a great place to network and trade with others who share the same passion.

After that, eBay is a treasure trove for collectors like me and again, I am not talking about a big secret here since secrets are meant not to be known. eBay is an open secret if anything. While there’s a lot of competition, I’ve had great success in finding rare and unique Hot Wheels cars, including some pieces I never thought I’d own. It’s all about watching the listings and timing your bids right.

Again, like so many collectors, I’m also active in online Hot Wheels communities and forums where collectors share information, trade cars, and give advice. Websites like the Diecast Forums and social media platforms are great for connecting with other collectors and staying informed about upcoming releases or auctions.

I also used various Hot Wheels price guides and catalogues over the years, such as the Hot Wheels Collectors Guide like the one Mike Zarnock is creating. These resources help me keep track of values, rarity, and trends, which is crucial when building a collection. It helps me understand what’s out there and what I should be looking for. Without these i might have needed longer to get to the collection I have today.

Last but not least, Auction houses, both online and in-person, have also been a valuable resource for me. Some of the rarest Hot Wheels come up for bidding, and the excitement of competing with other collectors for a prized item is something I love. Unsurprisingly, it’s where I found my Pink Beachbomb, and a few other special pieces.

And once everything is said and done, thanks to my comprehensive collection and various media pieces, I am in the position that I sometimes get private DM's that open up private sales. That however is not something I can rely on, even if it is a nice sentiment to add.