1973

In 1973 Mattel issues Hot Wheels in 11 enamel colors, gone are the chrome-like finishes of the Spectaflame years. 'Open hub' wheels are introduced, usually only on the front axle, replacing clip on, capped wheels. There were 24 castings issued, only three new ones were introduced this year: Double Header, Sweet 16, and the Superfine Turbine. The other 21 castings were modifications to previously issued cars. Along with a more spartan paint job, many of the reused castings were simplified from their previous incarnations, and many had new casting names. See an individual casting for what specific changes occurred.

Yet another 10 models were created this year for a Shell gas station promotion. Cars in this series were available in one of 7 colors. Since these cars were not available at retail stores in Hot Wheels packaging, the casting numbers associated with these 10 are not known. All of the Shell promotion cars retained their original casting names.

Interiors

1973 castings included the following interior colors: ivory, midtone (Hong Kong bronze), and black.

Exteriors

There were 12 colors that the main '73 castings could come in.

Wheels

In '73 open hub wheels were introduced by Mattel. All '73 castings came with open hub front, and capped wheel rear axles. Open hub wheels are permanently fixed to the axle. Once the chrome was worn off of an open hub wheel, it was not replaceable.

See the 1968 Wheels section for bearing and capped wheels.

Shell Promotion Cars

Shell promotional cars came in a slightly different 7 color palette. Note that light green fluorescent appears to be a variation on light green.

Casting Names and Part Numbers

Reissued castings were given new numbers this year to differentiate them from the previous version. In some cases the casting name has changed as well.

A nice regular block of casting numbers for the reissued castings. The new original castings have earlier and scattered numbers.