Model: Datsun 200SX
Release: Mainline/The Hot Ones
eBay link: Hot Wheels Datsun 200SX
Why I am featuring it: This piece of 80s nostalgia was a recent find. It’s easy to forget that Japanese cars were modeled by Hot Wheels way before the current JDM boom. A couple of months ago I showcased a Blackwall Toyota Supra from my collection; here’s a two-door contemporary from Datsun.
The Larry Wood-designed 200SX – Hot Wheels’ second Datsun after the Z-Whiz – joined the lineup a year before the Supra, in 1982. It was initially released in yellow and made in Hong Kong.
I believe my gold metalflake Hot Ones issue is from a year later, by which time production had switched to Malaysia (it was also made in Mexico and India). To my knowledge the model was not issued beyond 1985, but I don’t have much info on this model please comment below if you know more!
Sold in Japan as the S110-generation Silvia, the real car wasn’t a great looker in my eyes but even so, I’m not sure that Hot Wheels did the 200SX justice. The model does however have a ton of period charm, which is why I bought it. There should be an opening hood, but mine refuses to cooperate, as you can see in the picture.
To finish, I put it with the Supra and the 300ZX, which was first issued in 1985. They make a nice trio!
I remember when this car was released. The casting was around for only about 3 years. It also came in white, yellow (set car), and maroon (Canada). Love the ‘82 Supra. This was JDM a good 15-20 years before the F&F phenomenon. Oh, how I miss the days of metal bases in the HW mainline….
I have all 3 US releases in this gold, yellow and white.
Interesting. I had no knowledge of this model. Looks like it would fit right in with the current line of Flying Customs at Target. I agree, that Hot Wheels didn’t do this car justice. It doesn’t look too bad from the side, but one person’s nostalgic charm is another’s gaudy excess. I’m not sure I could get past that paint job and deco to bring this one into my collection.
This model has actually been used as recently as 1998. It was an India release in metal flake green.
Thanks for the info!