VINTAGE HOT WHEEL CARRY CASES Posted on May 31, 2019 (June 5, 2019) 1968 Carrying Cases The introduction of Hot Wheels in 1968 was accompanied by a variety of carrying case options for the new collector. Rally Case The 12 Car Rally Case The most common and dreaded case, the “Wheel Case” famous for its ability to mangle mint condition cars into beaters! Inside of the Rally Case The interior features as graphic showing twelve of the 16 cars released in 1968. This case initially came in a 12 car capacity and later in a 24 car capacity. 24 Car Collector’s Log Case 24 Car Collector’s Log Case (5138) Another option was the 24 car “Log” case. The graphics on this care are identical, front and rear. 24 Car Collector’s Log Case The compartment sizes were fixed in this case which did not do so well for the longer cars. The plastic curtains were provided to prevent the cars from bowing the cover and falling out. 24 Car Collector’s Log Case Collectors recorded their acquisitions on the inside of the cover. 12 Car Pop Up Grandstand Case 12 Car Pop Up Grandstand Case This case is feature by itself as part of the Pop Up Playsets. Click here to see it open. 1969 Carrying Cases 1969 saw the addition of the adjustable carrying cases. These remained available for a couple of years. A 24 car version of the Rally Case (wheel shaped case) was also released that year. Adjustable Flat Cases All three cases have adjustable compartment sizes to accommodate different lengths of the cars. 12 Car Case 24 Car Case 48 Car Case 1970 Carrying Cases All cases for 1970 had fixed sized compartments. 72 Car “Snake and Mongoose” Case 72 Car Case This is the largest capacity case ever made. This case was made with turnbuckle closure and snap closure lids. Snake and Mongoose Graphic 48 Car “Gran Prix” Case 48 Car Case This case was also made with turnbuckle closure and snap closure lids. Ferrari 312P and Porsche 917 Graphic Gear Box Otto Kuhni artwork on the Gear Box The vinyl covered cardboard Gear Box is the largest case made by Mattel for the Hot Wheels line. Open Gear Box in use The compartment on the left is adjustable storage for 12 cars. The long section in the back holds the orange track. Unfortunately, the handle is missing. 12 Car “Mantis” Case Mantis Case 1973 – 1976 Carrying Cases 1974 Flying Colors Case (8227) Only issued for one year, this case is harder to find, dated 1974 Porsche 917 – Heavy Chevy – Baja Bruiser 1976 Mustang and Camaro 24 Car Case in Grey Flying Colors Case This case came in 12 or 24 car capacities Photo Credits: Ted Gray & John Lee Used with permission onlineredlineguide.com