With the recent announcement of Ferrari’s return to Hot Wheels, it seemed like a perfect time to take a look back at one of the best and most overlooked of the Hot Wheels Ferraris: the California. Though, if we’re being honest, it’s not just this diecast version of the California that gets frequently overlooked, as the 1:1 scale Ferrari California is also largely forgotten by enthusiasts. Perhaps that’s because it was the baby Ferrari, much like the Boxster is to Porsche, or because it was the first Ferrari to have a dual clutch automatic, or because of the compromises that come with a folding metal roof. Sure, it may not be as hardcore as a 430 Scuderia, but it’s still a Ferrari with a naturally aspirated V8 that sounds properly exotic! As a lover of GT cars like the LC500 or Aston Martin DBS, the California has always been one of my favorite Ferraris.
Likewise, it’s also one of my favorite Hot Wheels Ferraris. Given that it came out in 2009, it’s truly amazing that the proportions of this casting are as great as they are. Where many of the castings from this era look chunky and ill-proportioned, the California looks modern enough to be released today. Plus, it’s fully detailed – something we take for granted on premium models today but wasn’t a given at the time.
Gray may not be the most iconic Ferrari color (sadly there was never a premium version in red), but I think this combination of metallic gray paint with gray CM6 wheels really works. The wheel fitment looks absolutely perfect, and the yellow center caps add a wonderful pop of realism. Check out that bodyline that runs from the vents on the fender across the door and onto the quarter panel. Even the California’s funky door handle design is replicated here!
One of the advantages of this casting coming from an older era is that it benefits from some older, more complicated construction techniques, including using the window piece to form clear headlight lenses. Perhaps as a result of not having to print headlights, Hot Wheels included printed silver detailing around the windshield, which makes this model feel a lot more premium and accurate.
The rear detailing is definitely the star of the show here, though. While the mainline versions of this casting had relatively simple rear detailing (often omitting brake lights!), this Speed Machines version got the works. Ferrari’s distinctive circular brake lights wrap all the way onto the decklid and are complimented by a third brake light – something I’d be impressed to see on a current premium model! All versions of the California had black detailing around the license plate, but only the premium versions had silver exhaust tips. All that detailing combines to make this feel like the most complete version of the Ferrari California that Hot Wheels ever released!
There’s even a little Ferrari logo on top of the trunk!
One of the other benefits of this being an older casting is a much more detailed interior than you would expect on most modern castings. The steering wheel sticks out from the dashboard rather than being attached to the floor, the seats have their correct shape without being cut off at the bottom, and even the swooping center console with the drive buttons is represented here! Kudos to Hot Wheels for nailing the shade of red leather Ferrari uses in their interiors.
For all the attention that castings like the Enzo, LaFerrari, and 458 get among Hot Wheels collectors, I’m amazed to see the California discussed so rarely. To me, it is truly one of the great Ferrari castings, and I hope that the return of the Ferrari license means Hot Wheels can make an updated version – perhaps a California T or a Portofino?
diecastleno.com 
I have been wondering for a long time when the following article about forgotten gem will come. Great content, as always.
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