Mattel began this year with an overstock of earlier models. Since Hot Wheels cars had not been selling as fast as before, there was no desire to spend much money on new castings. Therefore, Mattel issued only seven new models in 1972. Three of the new models were issued in only one color.
The Hot Wheels buttons were discontinued, as were two popular series, Heavyweights and Spoilers. Instead of buttons, each model came with drive-wheel mounts that could be used with a Drivin’ Gear, one of the separately-purchased accessories. All of the new models from 1972 were only issued for one year and are very difficult to find.
Ferrari 512S – 70mm – 1972
This model was designed by Paul Tam. It has a metal base, lift-up hood over the rear engine, opening cockpit cover, blue windshield, black on the rear hood, black plastic interior, rsw, and was made in Hong Kong.
Similar casting: Ferrari 512S (1973 Shell Promo)
Funny Money – 65m – 1972
Based on an armored truck, this Hong Kong-made funny-car model designed by Larry Wood, it has a blue, yellow and white sticker with “Funny Money Truck,” an orange plastic bumper, black plastic interior, and rsw.
Similar casting: Funny Money (1974)
Mercedes-Benz C-111 – 75mm – 1972
Another Larry Wood design, this Hong Kong-made model has a black painted metal base, opening gull wing doors, blue windshield, plastic interior (assorted colors), and rsw.
Similar casting: Mercedes-Benz C-111 (1973)
Open Fire – 70mm – 1972
Designed by Paul Tam, this Hong Kong made model comes with a Gremlin-style body and has a metal base, exposed engine, blue windows, black plastic interior, and six rsw.
Rear Engine Mongoose – 107mm – 1972
Based on Tom McEwen’s rear-engine dragster, this model was designed by Larry Wood. It has a metal base, opening rear-engine cover, a red, white and blue sticker with “Tom McEwen” and “The Mongoose,” black plastic interior, two rsw wheels in back, two sw in front, and was made in Hong Kong.
Similar casting: Rear Engine Snake (1972)
Rear Engine Snake – 107mm – 1972
Based on Don Prudhomme’s rear-engine dragster, this model was designed by Larry Wood. It has a metal base, opening rear engine cover, a red, yellow and blue sticker with “Don Prudhomme” and “The Snake,” black plastic interior, two rsw in back, two sw in front, and was made in Hong Kong.
Similar casting: Rear Engine Mongoose (1972)
Side Kick® – 80mm – 1972
Designed by Larry Wood, this concept car has a metal base, exposed engine, slide-out cockpit, rear pipes, blue windshield, metal interior, rsw, and was made in Hong Kong.