Who has the whole collection? The Datsun 510 Wagon has achieved icon status in the Hot Wheels world, joining the likes of the ‘67 Camaro, ‘55 Bel Air Gasser and VW Drag Bus as some of the most collectable Hot Wheels.
It was a bit of an unlikely choice, considering the real car was more “utility grocery-getter” than automotive legend. But its impact on the Hot Wheels Collector world has been undeniable, and its influence on the collector experience widespread. The story of how the wagon achieved Icon status is involved to say the least. It was a perfect storm of circumstances. Jun Imai, a Hot Wheels designer at the time, had established himself as a Hot Wheels trendmaker, and his replica of his very own wagon was an instant hit. Being almost impossible to find, its elusiveness quickly elevated it to the must-have of 2013. Follow that the next year with the model going full “Super Treasure Hunt”, the ultimate HW Chase, and a legend was born. The fact that the Wagon’s rise in popularity coincided with the car world finally taking notice of classic Japanese cars didn’t hurt it either.
It has become the godfather of Hot Wheels’ JDM Era, the anchor of the collecting world, and a model that should sit in every small car collection.
Want to be the envy of the collecting world? Complete the entire Datsun 510 Wagon collection.
