Description[]
The What-4 is a Hot Wheels casting which debuted in the 1971 Hot Wheels range of vehicles. It's name is a play-on-words to what is likely a first reaction thought by viewers; "Four engines? What for?!". Although, pre-production artwork suggests its original name was 'Flat 8'.
It was made at the Hong Kong production facility and features a white plastic fin which can be raised or lowered by hand. Most cars have blue tinted glass but some can be found with clear glass. Interiors could be found in brown, white or black. It was packaged with a plastic 'collectors button'. In 1972 it was packaged on a "Drivin' Gear" card without a button.
The What-4 is known to have issues with a metal fatigue called 'Crumbling' where the body or chassis develops cracks and literally crumbles into pieces.
The What-4 has not been seen since its initial release, although an unrelated follow-up casting was created in 2004 called the What-4-2.
Versions[]
The What-4 has come out in the following 1/64 scale versions:
| Year | Series | Color | Stickers | Base Color / Type | Window Color | Interior Color | Wheel Type | Toy # | Country | Notes / Variations | Photo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1971 | 1971 Hot Wheels | Spectraflame Blue | None | Unpainted / Metal | Clear or Blue Tint | Black, Brown, or White | RL | 6001 | Hong Kong | 
| |
| 1971 | 1971 Hot Wheels | Spectraflame Aqua | None | Unpainted / Metal | Clear or Blue Tint | Black, Brown, or White | RL | 6001 | Hong Kong | 
| |
| 1971 | 1971 Hot Wheels | Spectraflame Green | None | Unpainted / Metal | Clear or Blue Tint | Black, Brown, or White | RL | 6001 | Hong Kong | 
| |
| 1971 | 1971 Hot Wheels | Spectraflame Light 'Apple' Green | None | Unpainted / Metal | Clear or Blue Tint | Black, Brown, or White | RL | 6001 | Hong Kong | 
| |
| 1971 | 1971 Hot Wheels | Spectraflame Yellow | None | Unpainted / Metal | Clear or Blue Tint | Black, Brown, or White | RL | 6001 | Hong Kong | 
| |
| 1971 | 1971 Hot Wheels | Spectraflame Red | None | Unpainted / Metal | Clear or Blue Tint | Black, Brown, or White | RL | 6001 | Hong Kong | 
| |
| 1971 | 1971 Hot Wheels | Spectraflame Rose | None | Unpainted / Metal | Clear or Blue Tint | Black, Brown, or White | RL | 6001 | Hong Kong | 
| |
| 1971 | 1971 Hot Wheels | Spectraflame Magenta | None | Unpainted / Metal | Clear or Blue Tint | Black, Brown, or White | RL | 6001 | Hong Kong | 
| |
| 1971 | 1971 Hot Wheels | Spectraflame Purple | None | Unpainted / Metal | Clear or Blue Tint | Black, Brown, or White | RL | 6001 | Hong Kong | 
|
See Also[]
Gallery[]
