For many, Hot Wheels are nostalgic toys from childhood. For West Chicago Community High School senior Edwin Camacho, they’re a source of inspiration, a creative outlet, and a stepping stone toward a future in automotive engineering.
Camacho’s passion for cars ignited at a young age.
“Jordans have ‘OG’ shoes from the ’80s and ’90s. What if they made that with cars? I want to do that,” Camacho said, envisioning a fusion of retro design and modern innovation.
To prepare for this ambitious goal, Camacho enrolled in advanced math courses, including Calculus I and II, aiming to gain a competitive edge in college.
“If I didn’t pass one of the classes, let’s say Calculus I or II, I’d already have experience when I go to college,” he said. “I’ll already know what they’re talking about. I have to be ahead of it.”
Balancing academics with work, Camacho has been assisting his father since he was 11. This experience has instilled in him a strong sense of responsibility.
“Eventually, when I go to college I’ll have to work and do school,” Camacho said. “You’re a functioning adult. You’re going to have different responsibilities, and you have to know how to manage them and get them all done.”
Beyond his academic and work commitments, Camacho dedicates time to his passion for cars. Over the past three years, he has amassed a substantial collection of Hot Wheels, focusing primarily on Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) models like the Nissan Silvia.
“I draw out the Hot Wheels and I try different wheels and see how they look,” Camacho said. “That’s how I’d modify it later.”
His creativity does not stop at miniature models. Camacho has been customizing his 1999 Toyota Camry, upgrading its sound system and adding personal touches.
“One of my proudest projects is my car,” Camacho said. “It was a very well-kept car. I changed out everything—the radio and the speakers, which I’m most proud of. It sounds so much better now, and the bass is so loud.”
Camacho’s story ties into a growing national trend: the rise of Hot Wheels collecting as both hobby and investment. Since their introduction in 1968, Hot Wheels have become far more than toys. The launch of the Treasure Hunt series in 1995, and later Super Treasure Hunts – with their Spectraflame paint, Real Riders tires, and limited production numbers – helped elevate the brand’s status among adult collectors.
Rare finds now hold real value. As Carscoops reports, limited-edition models like the RLC-exclusive Dodge Tiki Van sell out quickly once collectors catch wind of them. Meanwhile, a Utah collector featured by The Salt Lake Tribune stores thousands of Hot Wheels in a climate-controlled garage, underscoring the level of care and commitment collectors invest in their collections.
The appeal is more than just nostalgia: many collectors, like Camacho, use Hot Wheels as a starting point for custom builds. Mattel recently partnered with Brick Shop to launch a line of customizable Hot Wheels collector builds, bringing even more legitimacy to the DIY and design angle of the hobby.
Camacho’s journey reflects how even the smallest cars can steer big dreams.
“I believe everything you want must be earned,” he said. “You can cut corners, but you won’t be guaranteed what you want.”
