This Classic Hot Wheels Volkswagen Microbus Is Worth A Fortune

Described by a specialist appraiser as the 'Holy Grail' of Hot Wheels merchandise, this unassuming-looking Volkswagen Microbus, known as the Transporter in the UK, is among the most valuable Hot Wheels models in the world

Matt Kimberley

12 Apr 2017

Check out the ‘Holy Grail’ of Hot Wheels toys; a prototype of the early Volkswagen Microbus called the Beach Bomb that has been valued at £120,000.

The model featured on the American version of the Antiques Roadshow (I had no idea that was a thing) on PBS. Its owner was the son of a foreman who worked at the Mattel corporation in the late 1960s. He took the top-heavy prototype and told his son to hide it until it was worth something.

Worth something it most definitely is. The full production Beach Bomb is not uncommon, but the prototypes are much rarer. They were top-heavy and used to fly right off the famous Hot Wheels tracks in corners. But even rarer still is this colour, and in combination with its good condition and a business card proving the direct Mattel connection, this little model is worth a fortune.

Comments

One small Holy Grail.

Yes, but only ONE.

You could buy a few REAL VW buses in pristine condition for that

“A few”

More like: one

you could just buy a few ten thousand Hot wheels cars…

With £120000, you could afford a project car and some car parts.

Or just get a small, 1:54 scale Volkswagen Beach Bomb prototype from Hot Wheels.

I think we all know which option we’re going for…

Ya id go for the hot wheels because it will NEVER break down

It cant break down if it doesnt have an engine ya know?

Wow, 120 000 Pounds for that little thingy. Some people are just crazy :D

Who ever buys this for 120,000 is a moron

Agreed. As much as I love old Hot Wheels, who would buy it for 120000?!

What’s next? Toy cars going to be garaged queened like the real cars and then demand ridiculous sum of money for it because no one played much with it? :/

Boom! One of our team had a brother that did just that. Never enjoyed playing with them. Has problems as an adult. Moral? Play with your cars…of all sizes!