Mattel unveiled the production version of the Proton Saga Hot Wheels model during the Art of Speed (AOS) Malaysia expo last weekend. This is the first Malaysian car to join the Hot Wheels collection in 55 years of its existence.
Mattel’s intention to release the Proton Saga Hot Wheels 1:64 scale model was first announced last December to mark the 40th anniversary of Mattel Malaysia as well as Proton itself. The company showed off several prototypes in the form of 3D-printed models during the announcement.
It goes without saying that the production version certainly looked way better than the prototypes. Draped in red similar to the real-life 1985 Proton Saga at the booth that Mattel has loaned from the national carmaker for the event, you can now spot plenty of details on the model including the Saga logo on the model’s rear doors.
Other than that, you can also notice the door handles alongside the black stipe decals on both sides of the model too. In addition to that, there is also the original Proton logo in the centre of the front grille although the wheels deviate a little bit from the real-life car since Hot Wheels decided to use AeroDisc-style wheels for its Saga.
Aside from being the first national car to be made into a Hot Wheels model, another thing that makes it rather special is that Mattel will be releasing a limited-run version that features a blister card with artwork from the winner of Hot Wheels x Proton Kids Design Competition, Saw Jane Harn.
The hand-drawn design incorporated plenty of Malaysian elements in it such as Jalur Gemilang, Petronas Twin Towers, National Monument, hibiscus, hornbill, and Malayan tiger. The artwork by the 9-year-old Penangite was chosen from more than 300 submissions that Mattel received across the country.
This limited edition variant of Proton Saga Hot Wheels will be released only in Malaysia sometime in 2024. However, the vehicle is still available as part of the Mainline release and will be sold throughout the world at the end of this year.
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