32-Year-Old Finds Joy in Collecting Hot Wheels Cars

Spenser Hasak, a 32-year-old from Lynn, Massachusetts, has reignited a childhood passion for collecting Hot Wheels toy cars. What began as a nostalgic journey down memory lane has transformed into an exciting hobby that connects him with his love for automobiles.

Hasak reminisces about his youth, where G.I. Joes, LEGOs, and Hot Wheels dominated his playtime. He and his brother, Sam, would transform their basement into a miniature racetrack, where every rug became a roadway and each box transformed into imaginative structures. As life progressed, those days of creativity faded, and his collection of Hot Wheels was packed away and eventually donated when he moved out of his childhood home.

A chance encounter changed everything for Hasak. While covering an assignment in the winter, he discovered a black and white Toyota AE86 Sprinter Trueno buried in a snowbank. This moment marked a resurgence of his passion for both toy cars and real vehicles, particularly Japanese sports cars from the late 20th century. The allure of these cars, many of which are rare in the United States, has fueled his interest further.

His rekindled enthusiasm led Hasak to start collecting Hot Wheels again. What began as a casual visit to the toy aisle has escalated into a dedicated search for rare models. Hasak now spends his days off visiting various stores in pursuit of limited-edition Japanese cars. He has amassed a collection of 112 Hot Wheels, proudly displayed on his desk at work.

As Hasak delves deeper into the world of Hot Wheels, he has become aware of the different categories within the collection, including Treasure Hunts and Super Treasure Hunts, which are considered highly coveted. His approach has evolved from merely browsing the shelves to meticulously inspecting every package, hoping to find a treasure among the pegs.

The journey has not been without its challenges. Hasak has faced disappointment when visiting stores, often finding the pegs picked over by other collectors or scalpers. He recalls waiting “in line” on the Mattel website to purchase a remote-controlled Nissan Skyline R32, which sold out just moments after he secured his order.

Among his collection, several cars hold special significance. The Toyota AE86 Sprinter Trueno stands out as his favorite, serving as a reminder of his childhood. Other notable additions include the LB-ER34 Super Silhouette Nissan Skyline, which marked his first premium Hot Wheels purchase, and a Kodak Nascar that was a thoughtful gift from his wife, Casey.

Hasak’s collection is not just about the cars themselves but also the joy they bring. Each new acquisition evokes a sense of wonder akin to Christmas morning, reminding him of the simple pleasures of youth.

He encourages others to embrace their passions, regardless of age, stating, “You’re never too old to embrace the little things.” With his sights set on finding a Nissan Skyline R34, Hasak continues his quest, eager to dive back into the world of collecting. Should you pass by the Hot Wheels section in your local store, do not hesitate to say hello to the enthusiastic collector who is likely to be him.