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In April 2006, Mattel began releasing 1:55-scale die-cast models of characters from the Disney/Pixar film Cars. Mattel has released these toys in a number of series. In May 2011, most of these cars were taken out of stores and replaced with the Cars 2 Die-Cast Line.

Series 1[]

While not the official name for the series, the initial wave in the Cars line has come to be known by many collectors as the "daytime", "desert", "original", or "classic" series.[1] This series was the first to be released in 2006.

Mainline Singles, Wave 1[]

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"Desert" Series singles packaging

Mainline Singles, Wave 1.5[]

"Movie Moments" multi-car packs[]

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"Desert" Series "Movie Moments" packaging

"Character Packs"[]

"2006 Factory Sealed Set"[]

Desert-factory-set

2006 Factory Sealed set packaging

This was a Hot Wheels Red Line Club exclusive.

Playsets[]

These playsets included die-cast vehicles from the Cars line.

"Supercharged" Series (Series 2)[]

Due to their wide popularity, Mattel continued to release cars inspired by the film in a new series, widely referred to among collectors as the "Supercharged" series. This series was released at the end of 2006, and all through 2007.

Mainline Singles, Wave 2[]

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"Supercharged" Series Singles packaging

Mainline Singles, Wave 3[]

This is the first release of each of these vehicles, except for RPM #64, Snot Rod and Ferrari F430 (first release as singles for these three).

"Movie Moments" multi-car packs[]

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"Supercharged" Series "Movie Moments" packaging with Mia and Tia

Toys "R" Us Exclusive "Movie Doubles" packs[]

Target Exclusive "Easter Egg" singles[]

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"Supercharged" Series "Easter Egg" packaging

Target Exclusive "Halloween package" singles[]

Target Exclusive "Christmas ornament globe" singles[]

"Christmas Bulbs" Two-packs[]

The "Dinoco 400" Target-exclusive set[]

Dinoco-400

"Dinoco 400" set.

Mattel released an eight-car set exclusively to Target in the "Supercharged" packaging style that featured three new cars that would eventually see release elsewhere as well. Entitled the "Dinoco 400" set, it included:

The Walmart-exclusives[]

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"Supercharged" Series Walmart-exclusives packaging.

In October 2007, Mattel released a series of singles exclusive to Walmart in a unique style of packaging showing a direct image from the movie much like the Supercharged and World of Cars "Movie Moments." These singles are commonly referred to as the "Walmart 8" or "WM8." This was also the first release of each of these cars.

Sam's Club "10-Car Value Pack"[]

Value Pack image is here: (image)

3-Car Box Sets[]

4-Car Box Sets[]

5-Car Box Sets[]

6-Car Box Sets[]

7-Car Box Sets[]

Playsets[]

These playsets included die-cast vehicles from the Cars line.

"The World of Cars" Series (Series 3)[]

In December 2007, Mattel continued the die-cast line with a new series entitled "The World of Cars." This series then continued to be released throughout 2008.

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"The World of Cars" series packaging.

Mainline Singles[]

Kmart Cars Collector's Event[]

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"The World of Cars" Series "Piston Cup" packaging as seen on the Piston Cup Racer Cars released at the first Kmart Cars Collector's Event.

On October 18, 2008, Kmart stores all over the USA held the 1st Cars Collector's Event where a number of new Cars characters were available to the public for the first time. These singles in the World of Cars Series packaging were exclusive to Kmart. Contrary to many people's beliefs, the "Fred with Bumper Stickers" vehicle was not exclusive to Kmart, and was actually released many weeks prior to this event, even though this vehicle was indeed included in the cases opened at the Kmart event. The singles released for the first time at this event include:

Over-sized Cars[]

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"The World of Cars" series "Over-sized" line.

  • Al Oft the Lightyear Blimp (larger than regular single) (First release of this vehicle) (image)
  • Barney Stormin (1st non-exclusive release, metal wings, same size as Walmart exclusive single) (First release of this vehicle) (image)
  • Dinoco Helicopter (larger than regular single) (First release of this vehicle) (image)
  • Lightning Storm Lightning McQueen (non-metallic, no top rockets, less bottom rockets than SDCC version) (First release of this vehicle) (image)
  • Mack (new release) (First release of this vehicle) (image)
  • Marco (new release) (First release of this vehicle) (image)

"Short Card" Singles (a.k.a. "Lane Mates")[]

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"The World of Cars" series "Lane Mates" packaging.

"Movie Moments" multi-car packs[]

Note: Target has released some "Value 2 Packs" which contain two of the Movie Moments packages.

Woc-gasprin-tow-cap-mm

"The World of Cars" Series "Movie Moments" packaging.

Toys "R" Us Exclusive "Movie Doubles" packs[]

"Holiday Special!" 2-Car packs[]

"Pit Row Race-Off" car and launcher sets[]

Note: Target has released some "Value 2 Packs" which contain two of the Pit Row Race-Off packages. (image)

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"The World of Cars" series "Pit Row Race-Off" launcher packaging.

3-Car "Gift Packs"[]

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"The World of Cars" Series 3-Car "Gift Pack" packaging.

5-Car Box Sets[]

Target Exclusive "Race & Chase" Gift Set[]

In May 2008, Mattel and Target signed another deal to release a new gift set with one new exclusive character.

Playsets[]

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"The World of Cars" Series "Mack Transporter" with Nitroade, Bob Cutlass and Bumper Save.

These playsets included die-cast vehicles from the Cars line.

Toys "R" Us Exclusive Sidewall Shine[]

Woc-n20-cola-&-sidewall-shine

"The World of Cars" Series "Sidewall Shine" and "N2O Cola" Toys "R" Us exclusives.

In 2008, Toys "R" Us offered a mail-in offer to receive an exclusive Cars character, Sidewall Shine, in special packaging. The offer was to buy 5 Cars at a participating Toys "R" Us, from the approved list of UPCs, between August 18th, 2008 and September 30th, 2008, and mail in the original receipt along with the 5 cardbacks and UPCs from the bought cars, and $5.00 (US). The car was packaged in a clear display case, with a black base, "Sidewall Shine" sticker on the front, and the "World of Cars" emblem sticker on the right side.

Toys "R" Us Exclusive N2O Cola[]

In late 2008, Toys "R" Us offered a second mail-in offer to receive another exclusive Cars character, N2O Cola, in special packaging.[2] The offer was to buy 5 Cars at a participating Toys "R" Us, from the approved list of UPCs, between October 26th, 2008 and December 31st, 2008, and mail in the original receipt along with the 5 cardbacks and UPCs from the bought cars, and $5.00 (US). Like the Sidewall Shine car, N2O Cola came packaged in a clear display case, with a black base, "N2O Cola" sticker on the front, and the "World of Cars" emblem sticker on the right side.

UK Faux Wheel Drive Promotion[]

In late 2008, Mattel UK offered a free collector car by submitting codes from 6 Cars with a special sticker on front, the same as last year's UK Promotion. From October 1st, 2008 through February 28th, 2009, the codes from the 6 Cars' packages could be submitted via the Cars UK website or via phone, and in return the customer received a die-cast Faux Wheel Drive car. This is Faux Wheel Drive's first appearance outside of the Motor Speedway of the South set.

"The World of Cars - Race O Rama" Series (Series 4)[]

In late September 2008, Mattel released yet another series to keep the Cars line going. These Cars (singles) have tickets with the name of the car as the label for their packaging. And on the back, there are codes for the former World of Cars online game, where you can receive power-ups, new parts, new paint jobs, new collectibles and 10 "Car-Coins".

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"The World of Cars: Race O Rama" Series packaging.

Mainline Singles[]

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"The World of Cars: Race O Rama" Series Night Vision Lightning McQueen.

Kmart Cars Collector's Event #2[]

On June 20, 2009, Kmart stores all over the USA held the 2nd Cars Collector's Event where a number of new Cars characters were available to the public for the first time, outside of the Motor Speedway of the South set. These new releases included new Piston Cup Racers, along with previously released Piston Cup Racers, however in this release all of the Piston Cup Racers had synthetic rubber tires (with the exception of Lightning McQueen). The singles released at this event were included in Case K. Vehicles included at this event were:

Kmart Cars Collector's Event #3[]

On October 17, 2009, Kmart stores all over the USA held the 3rd Cars Collector's Event where a number of Cars characters were released in a new format. These new releases included Piston Cup Racers with synthetic rubber tires (with the exception of Lightning McQueen and Chick Hicks), and a couple new releases to the "lenticular" eyes lineup. Vehicles included at this event were:

Short Card "Lenticular Line" Singles[]

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"The World of Cars: Race O Rama" Series Short Card "Lenticular Eyes" packaging.

All vehicles released with this card have lenticular eyes for the first time, with the exception of the Chase cars. These are sometimes referred to as the "Look" line.

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"The World of Cars: Race O Rama" Series Short Card "Chase" packaging.

"Check Lane" Singles[]

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"The World of Cars: Race O Rama" Series "Check Lane" singles packaging.

"Check Lane" lenticular eyes singles[]

Target Exclusive Easter Egg "Holiday Special!" singles[]

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"The World of Cars: Race O Rama" Series Easter Egg "Holiday Special!" packaging.

These were a Target-exclusive.

"Mega Size" singles[]

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"The World of Cars: Race O Rama" Series "Mega Size" packaging.

"Pit Race-Off" car and launcher sets[]

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"The World of Cars: Race O Rama" Series "Pit Race-Off" packaging.

"Lightyear Launchers" car and launcher sets[]

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"The World of Cars: Race O Rama" Series "Lightyear Launchers" packaging.

"Movie Moments" multi car packs[]

"3-Car Gift Packs"[]

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"The World of Cars: Race O Rama" Series "3-Car Gift Pack" packaging.

"Speedway 4-Packs"[]

Lenticular "Speedway 4-Packs"[]

These all have lenticular eyes.

Other Gift Packs[]

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"The World of Cars: Race O Rama" Series "Sarge's Boot Camp" packaging.

"Piston Cup Nights" "Crew" Packs[]

These were exclusive to Target.

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"The World of Cars: Race O Rama" Series Piston Cup "Crew" Pack packaging

"Haulers"[]

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"The World of Cars: Race O Rama" Series Hauler packaging.

These die-cast rigs with trailers were available for the first time in "World of Cars: Race O Rama;" packaging.

Piston Cup Racer "Team" Packs[]

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"The World of Cars: Race O Rama" Series "Team" packs packaging.

These Target-exclusive packs consist of a Piston Cup Racer, his hauler, and a pitty.

Piston Cup Racer "Piston Cup Nights" "Team" Packs[]

These Target-exclusive packs consist of a Piston Cup Racer, his hauler, and a pitty.

Playsets[]

France Gask-its Promotion[]

In 2009, Mattel France offered a free collector car by submitting bar codes from 4 Cars. From January 1st, 2009 through August 31st, 2009, the bar codes from the 4 Cars' packages could be submitted via mail, along with receipts for the Cars within 7 days of submittal, return address, and return postage, and in return the customer received a die-cast Gask-its car. This is Gask-its' first appearance outside of the Motor Speedway of the South set.

"Final Lap Collection" Series (Series 5)[]

In October 2009, Mattel released a 5th series.

Mainline Singles[]

These were all released at Target only.

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"The Final Lap Collection" Series singles packaging.

Short Card "Lenticular Line" Singles[]

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"The Final Lap Collection" Series Short Card packaging.

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"The Final Lap Collection" Series Short Card "Chase" packaging.

"Check Lane" Singles[]

Kmart Cars Collector's Event #4[]

On June 12, 2010, Kmart stores all over the USA held the 4th Cars Collector's Event where a number of Cars characters were released in a new format. These new releases included Piston Cup Racers with synthetic rubber tires (with the exception of Lightning McQueen) in special packaging, along with some re-releases to the "lenticular" eyes lineup of vehicles. Vehicles included at this event were:

Fl-kmart-dale-jr

Kmart Cars Collector's Event #4 special packaging for racers with synthetic rubber tires.

Kmart Cars Collector's Event #5[]

On October 23, 2010, Kmart stores all over the USA held the 5th Cars Collector's Event where a number of Cars characters were released in a new format. These new releases included Piston Cup Racers with synthetic rubber tires (with the exception of Lightning McQueen) in special packaging, along with some new and re-releases to the "lenticular" eyes lineup of vehicles. Vehicles included at this event were:

The racers were released with synthetic rubber tires (with the exception of Paint Mask Lightning McQueen and Radiator Springs Lightning McQueen).

Kmart Cars Collector Day #6[]

On June 25, 2011, Kmart stores all over the USA held the 6th Cars Collector's Event where a number of Cars characters were released in a new format. These new releases were Piston Cup Racers with synthetic rubber tires in special packaging, along with a number of Cars 2 die-cast vehicles. Vehicles from Cars included at this event with synthetic rubber tires were:

Easter Egg "Holiday Edition" Singles[]

"Stocking Stuffer" Singles[]

These are Target exclusives.

"Mega Size"/"Deluxe" singles[]

Fl-richard-clayton-kensington-mega-size

"The Final Lap Collection" Series "Mega Size" packaging.

"Lightyear Launchers" car and launcher sets[]

"Pit Race-Off" car and launcher sets[]

These sets are at Target only.

Haulers[]

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"The Final Lap Collection" Series Hauler packaging.

"Movie Moments" multi car packs[]

These are available in international countries only.

Lenticular "3-Car Gift Packs"[]

These vehicles all have lenticular eyes.

Other Gift Packs[]

4-Car Packs[]

"Speedway 4-Packs"[]

Piston Cup Racer "Piston Cup Nights" "Team" Packs[]

These Target-exclusive packs consist of a Piston Cup Racer, his hauler and a pitty.

"Piston Cup Nights" "Crew" Packs[]

"Barry Diesel"[]

This vehicle was an exclusive from MattyCollector.com.

Playsets[]

"Radiator Springs Classic" Series (Series 6)[]

In July 2012, Mattel re-released 14 cars from the first movie over a period of two case assortments. They were exclusive to Toys "R" Us, before being released with the Cars 2 die-casts, mixed in with them and as a separate line.

Mainline Singles[]

Gift Packs[]

Playsets[]

Beyond Series 6[]

In November 2012, Mattel began releasing vehicles from Cars and Cars 2 together. Please see Series 2 of the Cars 2 die-cast Line for this series.

Expanded Universe[]

"Story Tellers Collection"[]

"Showstoppers" Story Tellers Collection[]

Series 1 & 2 Singles[]
Series 2 Singles[]
  • Laverne (First release of this car) (image)
  • Rhonda (First release of this car) (image)
  • Sheila (First release of this car) (image)
Series 1 3-Pack[]
Series 2 3-Packs[]

"Hoodwinked" Story Tellers Collection[]

Series 1 & 2 Singles[]
Series 2 Singles[]
  • Cousin Buford (First release of this car) (image)
  • Cousin Cletus (First release of this car) (image)
  • Cousin Jud (First release of this car) (image)
Series 1 3-Pack[]
Series 2 3-Packs[]
Series 2 2-Pack[]

"Ciao, America!" Story Tellers Collection[]

Series 1 & 2 Singles[]
  • Guido (First release of this car as a single)
  • Luigi (First release of this car as a single)
Series 1 3-Pack[]

"Banged Up" Story Tellers Collection[]

Series 1 & 2 Singles[]
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"Story Tellers Collection" Singles packaging.

Series 1 & 2 3-Pack[]
Series 1 Playsets[]

These playsets included die-cast vehicles from the Cars Storytellers Collection line.

"And Now A Word From Our Sponsor" Story Tellers Collection[]

Series 1 & 2 Singles[]
Series 1 & 2 3-Pack[]
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"Story Tellers Collection" 3-Pack packaging.

"Mater Saves Christmas" Story Tellers Collection[]

These are based on a book that was released in September 2009.

Singles[]

These were released in November 2009. In addition to the singles shown in the images, these singles were each also released packaged in a clear Christmas ornament ball.

These were released in November 2010. These singles were each released packaged in a clear Christmas ornament ball.

These were released in 2011. These singles were each released packaged in a clear Christmas ornament ball.

Gift Packs[]

These were released in November 2009.

  • A 6-pack of the above 2009 Singles Cars plus Reindeer Mater (image)

These were released in 2010.

These were released in 2011.

Disneyland and Disney World Exclusives[]

PirateMater-GoofyMickeyMaterMcQueenDiecast

These were released in spring 2011.

"Cars Toons"[]

These vehicles are based on the animated short series by Pixar that airs on the Disney Channel, Toon Disney, and ABC Family. Its first broadcast was on October 27, 2008. The last new short to be broadcast was Monster Truck Mater that first aired on July 30, 2010. The vehicles released in this line are shown here.

Other[]

Mattel exclusives[]

Here are some Mattel exclusives.

The "Motor Speedway of the South" Set[]

This set was a Hot Wheels Red Line Club exclusive. Its release date was 20th May 2008, and it had every race car in the opening scene. There were only a limited number of 1,000 sets with a unique and random number on a letter that people that bought the set received. According to the information from the description of the set, each set had a unique and random number on the packaging. None of the sets did, and Mattel apologised for this problem and stated that the description of the set was incorrect. Mattel have also stated that some of the racers in this set will be exclusive to the set, but this could easily change. The sale for this set sold out in 2 hours and 26 minutes.

Contents[]

Other releases[]

A variety of additional items have been released by Mattel as part of the Cars die-cast line, including repacks of previously-released cars in new packaging configurations for exclusive release at retailers such as Best Buy and BJ's Wholesale Club.

Some of these include:

Best Buy Exclusive 2007 Cars Widescreen "DVD and 4-Car Gift Set"[]

2009 "Ultimate Cars Gift Pack" Blu-ray + DVD + 2 Exclusive Cars Set[]

This release included both the DVD and Blu-ray versions of the Cars movie, along with the following vehicles:

Image of this gift pack is shown here.

2013 D23 Expo Set[]

This boxed set was an exclusive release by Mattel at the 2013 D23 Expo:

Canceled releases[]

"Final Lap" Series[]

"Mega Size" singles[]

"Short Card" Singles Unknown Cases[]

Toys "R" Us Exclusive Gask-its[]

  • This promo has been canceled.

In March 2009, Toys "R" Us was to begin offering a third mail-in offer to receive another exclusive Cars character, Gask-its, in special packaging. The offer was going to be to buy 5 Cars at a participating Toys "R" Us, from the approved list of UPCs, between dates to be specified, and mail in the original receipt along with the 5 cardbacks and UPCs from the bought cars, and $5.00 (US).

Toys "R" Us Exclusive Tach-O-Mint[]

  • This promo has also been canceled.

In October 2009, Toys "R" Us was to begin offering a third mail-in offer (instead of the previously planned Gask-its offer) to receive another exclusive Cars character, Tach-O-Mint, in special packaging. The offer was to buy 5 Cars at a participating Toys "R" Us, from the approved list of UPCs and mail in the original receipt along with the 5 cardbacks and UPCs from the bought cars, and $5.00 (US).

"Haulers"[]

"Team" packs[]

These include the hauler, Piston Cup racer and a pitty.

Piston Cup "Crew" packs[]

These include the crew chief and 3 pitties.

Gift Packs[]

Recognized Variants[]

Note: To be considered a variant, it has to occur in sufficient quantity. Otherwise it is deemed an error.

Packaging Variants[]

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"World of Cars: Race O Rama" Series Impound Boost packaging variants with and without confetti.

  • The "Walmart 8" and 19 of the first new releases to the "World of Cars" series had packages with and without the "New" emblem.
  • Impound Boost - In the "World of Cars: Race O Rama" series, this Car was packaged with both confetti blister card bubbles and non-confetti blister card bubbles.
  • Impound Snot Rod - In the "World of Cars: Race O Rama" series, this Car was packaged with both confetti blister card bubbles and non-confetti blister card bubbles.
  • Fillmore - In the "Desert" series, there is a variant with Fillmore spelled wrong as "Filmore" on both the front and back of the card.
  • Fillmore - In the "Desert" series, there is a variant with Fillmore spelled wrong as "Filmore" just on the back of the card.
  • King, Finish Line Lightning McQueen, & Chick Hicks 3-Car Gift Pack - In the "World of Cars: Race O Rama;;" series, there is a version of the packaging in which the cars are facing to the left and another in which they are facing to the right.
  • Lizzie - In the "Desert" series, there are versions with and without "promotion information" on back of the card.
  • Sarge - In the "Desert" series, there are versions with and without "promotion information" on back of the card.
  • Wingo - In the "Desert" series, there are versions with and without "promotion information" on back of the card.
  • Gasprin & Tow Cap - In "The World of Cars" series, there are two versions of the "Movie Moments" with Gasprin and Tow Cap. One packaging version has the Gasprin car with his label on the left side of the package with Tow Cap on the right side (image). The other version is the reverse of this, with Tow Cap on the left and Gasprin on the right (image).
  • "The World of Cars" Series "Race and Chase Gift Pack" - One version is packaged with Lightning McQueen with a Rust-eze decal on the spoiler, and another version has Lightning McQueen without this decal.

Cars Variants[]

  • Bling Bling Lightning McQueen - The Bling Bling Lightning McQueen released in the Dinoco Dream Gift Pack has eyes that are shifted from that of the Bling Bling Lightning McQueen single. The version in the gift pack has teeth painted more like that of Dinoco Lightning McQueen.
  • Boost - There are versions of Boost that were made in Thailand that have a more lavender color, especially under bright lights, while the version made in China is more purple.
  • Bruiser Bukowski - There are brown-eyed and blue-eyed versions of Bruiser.
  • Dale Earnhardt Jr. - The single of this Car varies greatly from the version in the "Motor Speedway of the South" exclusive set. The set version has a different body (No Stall/Nitroade body), aggressive facial expression (both eyes and mouth) rather than smiling, "JR" logo on trunk area is larger and thicker, rivets on front of spoiler, and the taillights are triangular instead of rectangular.
  • Dale Earnhardt Jr. - There is a variant within the "Motor Speedway of the South" sets for this Car. The correct version has a white 2007 copyright and a Dale Earnhardt Jr. stamped signature on the bottom of the vehicle beneath the driver-side door area, with the date code stamped in white on the bottom beneath the front bumper area. The incorrect variant lacks the white copyright and signature, and instead only has the date code stamped in white on the bottom of the Car beneath the driver-side door area.
  • Darrell Cartrip - "Supercharged" series and the first "World of Cars" series versions of this Car have a white mouth with some red in the center. Newer versions have a normal looking black mouth with white teeth.
  • Fabulous Hudson Hornet - In the "Supercharged" series, this Car first was produced with gray/silver rims with white-walled tires (image), but eventually this was changed to red rims with no white-walls (image).
  • Fabulous Hudson Hornet - After switching to red rims, there are two versions of this vehicle. One has more pronounced eyelids and frame around the eye, and also deeper and more pronounced lines on the bottom of the Car. The other version has these features less pronounced.
  • Fred - There are versions of Fred with and without the "Fred" license plate.
  • Fred - In the "World of Cars" series, Fred was rescaled to a much smaller version.
  • King - The version of this Car made in Thailand have a differently shaped rear wheel-well than that made in China. On the version made in Thailand, the front section of the rear wheel-well is 1mm further away from the tire than the version made in China.
  • Kori Turbowitz - In the "Walmart 8" exclusives of the "Supercharged" series, Kori Turbowitz came in two versions: one with an angled press pass sticker, and one with a straight press pass sticker.
  • Leak Less - In the "Desert" and "Supercharged" series, Leak Less was more yellow, but sometime during the "World of Cars" series, Leak Less began to be painted with a green-tinted yellow.
  • Lightning McQueen - In the "World of Cars" series Lightning Fast Speedway Track Set, Lightning McQueen had a two-piece body, much like the other McQueens, such as Tongue Lightning McQueen. The two pieces are the main body and the mouth area. All other Lightning McQueens to this point were single-piece bodies.
  • Lightning McQueen - In the "World of Cars: Race O Rama" series, Lightning McQueen has been released for the first time as a single with the "Rust-eze" logo on his spoiler. However, the version without the logo on the spoiler has been released in this packaging as well.
  • Lightning McQueen - In the "lenticular eyes" version of Lightning McQueen in the "World of Cars: Race O Rama" series, there are two versions: one with plastic front bumper/mouth piece and one with a single metal body piece.
  • Mater - Sometime during the "Supercharged" series, Mater was changed so that his engine and truck bed are now plastic instead of metal.
  • Piston Cup Pace Car/Charlie Checker - This Car comes in two versions: one with red taillights and one with yellow taillights.
  • Sally - The version of this Car made in Thailand has a thicker font for the word "Carrera" on the back, than that of the version made in China.
  • Sarge - Sarge has the famous variant in which his paint contains lead.
  • TJ - In the "Walmart 8" exclusives of the "Supercharged" series, TJ came in two versions: one with a "TUF GUE" license plate, and one with a "TUF GUY" license plate.

Blu-ray Lightning McQueen[]

Blu ray mcqueen

"Blu-ray Lightning McQueen".

In October 2007, Disney released a limited-edition Lightning McQueen free to purchasers of Cars on Blu-ray. The Car was metallic dark blue in color, and was dubbed "Blu-ray Lightning McQueen.." According to the Disney redemption website, there was a total of 15,000 units to be redeemed. This promotion finished on January 28, 2008. Note: This car never appears in the movie.

Lightning Storm Lightning McQueen (Comic-Con 2008)[]

Woc-lightning-storm-mcqueen-sdcc

San Diego Comic-Con 2008 "Lightning Storm Lightning McQueen".

At Comic-Con 2008, Mattel offered a specially packaged version of a metallic Dinoco Blue "Lightning Storm Lightning McQueen"., which was limited to 5,000 pieces. A version similar to this was released in stores, in "World of Cars" Series packaging, as an "oversized" vehicle. The version released in stores was not metallic, had no rockets on top, and had less rockets beneath Lightning McQueen than the Comic-Con version.

Darth Mater[]

Darth-mater

Darth Mater.

At Comic-Con 2008, a special "out of this world" car was shown, & that car was called "Darth Mater". On October 25th, 2008, this car was auctioned off for $10,000 to help Children Affected by AIDS (CAAF). The display case was signed by George Lucas and John Lasseter. Note: This car never appears in the movie.

2007 UK promotion[]

In the UK, Mattel placed stickers on some of its Cars merchandise as part of a promotional campaign that encouraged customers to purchase Cars items, collect stickers and redeem those stickers for free items:

  • 1 sticker = sticker book
  • 6 stickers = Vinyl Toupee (Exclusive single-car release previously only available as part of Target-exclusive "Dinoco 400" set in the U.S.)
  • 12 stickers = Race Case and Track

This promotion ended on December 31, 2007.

Red Ransburg Lightning McQueen[]

On October 27, 2007, the Children Affected by AIDS Foundation (CAAF) auctioned off many items as part of a fundraising effort, including a one-of-a-kind set of Cars die-casts in a specially-designed case signed by Cars creator John Lasseter. The set included a Blu-ray Lightning McQueen, the as-yet-unreleased Richard Clayton Kensington, and a unique metallic red Lightning McQueen, eventually dubbed "Red Ransburg Lightning McQueen." This car was made distinctive by its red metallic paintjob in the style of "Ransburg" paint application process. There is only 1 of this particular vehicle in the world, which was given away at this CAAF auction. The case was won for $13,000 by the president of Toys "R" Us. Another version of this Red Ransburg Lightning McQueen was given to the attendees of a "brainstorming" meeting in the Fall of 2007, which included employees of Mattel and Disney/Pixar. These vehicles are referred to as the "Cars Team '09" version, as they have this designation on the rear spoiler of the vehicle. Mattel only produced an extremely small number (possibly as low as 50) of this Red Ransburg Lightning McQueen die-cast. This version differed from the one created for the CAAF auction in that the color was a red-orange instead of having an actual red "Ransburg" look, white headlights, painted hood bolts, and the "Cars Team '09" on the rear spoiler as previously mentioned. Because of the small quantities produced and the internal distribution of the die-cast, authentic samples of the Red Ransburg Lightning McQueen have become highly sought-after collectibles and are quite unlikely to be found at present on the secondary market. There were no other authorized version of this car ever made, and many "fake" ones can be found for sale (there was not a group of 150 for any other meeting or any such event...these are either fakes or part of a group of some unauthorized vehicles that leaked out of Mattel). Note: This car never appears in the movie.

Sarge recall[]

On August 14, 2007, Mattel recalled Sarge die-casts released in the "Supercharged" series because of lead-based paint used in their production by the die-cast's Chinese manufacturer.[3] This was part of a major series of recalls for Mattel and one of numerous recalls of Chinese products in 2007.

Fillmore Popularity Shoot-Up[]

In June 2008, due to the death of actor George Carlin, the voice of Fillmore in Cars, people everywhere were looking for the Fillmore die-cast. This popularity shoot-up was similar to the Joker action figure from the Batman movie The Dark Knight, after the death of actor Heath Ledger.

1:55-Scale Die-Cast Singles Numbering[]

In late 2007, starting with the "World of Cars" Series, Mattel began to assign numbers to each of the Cars packaged as singles. The same system continued into the "World of Cars: Race O Rama" Series and "Final Lap Collection" Series. The numbering system is as follows:

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