Datsun Sports 2000 that became Hot Wheels is for sale

It is not uncommon to see enthusiasts looking for miniatures of their cars. Matt Gabe, owner of this Datsun Sports 2000, got something better, his car inspired a miniature Hot Wheels.

The owner works for Mattel, the company that owns Hot Wheels. In 2013 he decided to buy a fun convertible old car, the choice fell on the little-known Datsun Sports 2000 1967.

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This model was the predecessor of the 240Z and served as a Japanese alternative to British roadsters. Matt Gabe’s model is from the first year of the last series, with a 2.0-liter engine with 137 hp and a five-speed gearbox.

The little blue roadster turned heads in the Mattel parking lot and Gabe was invited to attend the Hot Wheels collectors’ convention in 2024. He can choose a car to become miniature and opted for Datsun himself.

Hot Wheels already had a roadster body, which made the process easier. Matt Gabe’s Datsun Sports 2000 replica is from the most detailed line, featuring wheels similar to the Panasport of the real model with rubber tires.

A limited edition of 4 thousand units of the miniature was made, which should already be disputed by collectors. The real car is advertised on the auction site Cars and Bids, the buyer will take along the Hot Wheels.

Until the closing of the article, bids were at US$10 thousand, equivalent to R$ 51.054 in direct conversion. It’s a very salty value for a miniature, but in compensation it comes with a real sports car with it.