Ranking System: Cars are given a score based on a 0-10 scale. A car can score as low as a 0 or as high as 10. Points are awarded across four different categories. Three points each are given for the following categories: Heritage and History, describes the pedigree of the car, it's role in automotive history, and the backstory of the 1/1 and or the 1/64. Production and Finishing, describes how well the car was produced and its overall execution on paint, printing, assembly, and quality. Cool Factor, describes how eye catching and unique the car is. Lastly, one final 'Price Point' is given if the car is worth the MSRP. *This does not take into account the second-hand market price.*  2+2 and Hachi-Roku: The GR86
 Production and Finishing (2/3) Reviewing a Hot Wheels mainline car that retails for $2 USD is always a bit trivial, but hey, that's the fun of it. I noticed this little casting on a grocery store peg near the register, and while it is a fictitious paint scheme, with the 'HWRT' no doubt an acronym for 'Hot Wheels Racing Team,' the car is painted in a much more realistic, Solar Shift Orange. The car also is true to it's name. This isn't your standard GR86. This is a specially designed Cup edition that is meant to be utilized by amateur race car drivers and car collectors. This car has a base code of T47, meaning it's a 2024 model produced in December. It is 1/10 from the mainline series, 'Compact Kings.'  Proof of that is visualized. The customized roll cage has been molded into the internal plastic casting of the car's chassis. This internal molding has been done well, and is only mildly toy-like. The other production details are really good. The main body of the car is well cast, and that's what spurred me to collect the model in the first place. The car sits level on the table and rolls well with no wobbling. The plastic wheels are nicely detailed, and the rims were an appropriate choice for this model.  The best features of this 1/64 Hot Wheels car is the sharp orange paint. A nice, even coat was generously applied, and the car has a variety of interesting printed graphics. The racing number is another nod to the car's intended use, and the 'Bridgestone' logo is another dash of realism. (3/3)  Cool Factor (2/3) Personally, when I'm looking for Hot Wheels, I'm looking for cars that are as real to their 1/1 counterparts as possible. When you subtract the 'HWRT' logos, this car is nearly there. The GR86 is truly a driver's car. It's small and nimble stance makes it a competitor to cars like the Mazda MX-5. The GR86 stock version is many a young man's dream car, and the retro-fitted Cup version is that dream on steroids. But the modified version is essentially the same on the outside, so it maintains all the little features that make it appealing without being superfluous.  The 1/64 version does have a few drawbacks. While there is some great detailing on the front of the car, the rear potion is void of any detail whatsoever. A quick print including tail light logos, a racing logo, or even some kind of license plate would put this little car over the top. (2/3).
Price Point (1/1) This was an easy point to give. In today's day of rising costs and inflation, value is paramount. There are few things worth two dollars in this life that give me as much joy as this little two door speedster. Cars like these make it more than worth it to hunt around for. You get a good casting, with nice paint work, good detailing, and a few extra easter eggs, and you can't ask for much more. Throw on top of that an interesting racing pedigree and you've got a good one. 
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InspirationA few months ago, I was home. While sorting though some old things, there it was, under the bed, my old collection of Hot Wheels.. Archives
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