We take a break from the usual news reporting to bring you a story we just had to share. We are big fans of scale models such as Hot Wheels, but one Malaysian has taken it a step further, amassing a colossal 10,000 pieces of the iconic die-cast toy cars over a period of more than 15 years.
Meet Chia Joon Hock, also known as Uncle Hot Wheels. He has the largest collection of Hot Wheels models in Malaysia, and it’s so vast that he has had to rent an entire house just to, um, house them all. Unlike other collectors, the 65-year-old former engineer keeps his cars not in box files, but in transparent display cases and custom-made racks akin to tile shops.
Chia’s obsession with scale models began in 2003, when his brother gifted him a 1:18-scale Ferrari model – a car he had displayed on his desk and spent many hours admiring the details that replicated the real deal. The bug bit him hard, and he then visited 7-Eleven stores to buy more pieces, and soon after that, the weekend flea market at Amcorp Mall as well.
All in all, Chia has spent over RM100,000 to purchase the Hot Wheels models from places as far-flung as Indonesia, Japan and even the United States, and his collection is currently estimated to be worth between RM200,000 and RM300,000. A Nissan Skyline model from the Sweet Rods Premium Series is his most valuable piece, valued at a staggering RM800.
Of course, such a collection will garner attention, and Chia was selected as one of four Hot Wheels collectors for the National Art Gallery’s “Re-inventing the Wheel” exhibition last September; around 600 of his pieces were showcased there. Even Hot Wheels lead designer Steve Vandervate, who was in town for the recent Art of Speed show, had to stop by to have a look at Chia’s vast array of collectibles.
Chia’s knowledge on Hot Wheels models is encyclopaedic, so much so that he can distinguish on the models and the year they were made based on slight variations in their design – even through small details such as the rims and tyres. When asked about what drives his obsession with these cars, he gave an answer us enthusiasts will be all too familiar with.
“Passion. That’s the only word. I love everything about these models,” Chia said. “I can spend hours just sitting and admiring these pieces. I love it all so much that I can never choose a favourite. Everytime I pick one, I find myself drawn to another, then another, and then another!”
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Epic, even the creator visited his home to see his collection.
Helps that we live in Malaysia. A country where Hot Wheels models are made. Allows for models that aren’t suppose to be sold to be sold.
but it’s harder to find rare cars in Malaysia compared to USA… never seen a treasure hunt car in general stores. also USA gets new models faster than here.
and some cars are made in Thailand.
Cekap lah Uncle Hot Wheels, RV naik 3x …
but some people don’t buy them to resell.
Do Hot Wheels make Proton models?
They won’t make crap brand product
Now that you have mentioned it… hmmm… any answers?
Now it is here, and it is not crap hehe
Does he have the uber expensive petronas hot wheels cars?
https://paultan.org/2019/07/24/ad-petronas-at-art-of-speed-2019-buy-custom-limited-edition-hot-wheels-and-more-with-mesra-card/
Never cared for Hot Wheels, felt it was a cheap copy of Lesney Matchbox cars. Only difference was they had wider, wilder looking wheels – not authentic at all
both are from same company Mattel. Hotwheels cost USD $1 (here rm10) in USA for normal cars. what do you expect?
should have collected tomica or matchbox….prolly worth more
fun fact. a hot wheels/tomica die cast value goes double if sealed and never opened. once opened value goes zero, unless you try to sell it again after 10 years. there are tons of die casts sold on ebay, but most of them remain unsold, and some unpopular models still remain unsold even after 10-20 years. i doubt this uncle can even recoup his so called rm100k investments if he plans to sell it all tomorrow.
Salute u uncle…
I totally agree on picking a favourite model….There is no such thing.
I collect mainly Tomica. Each model tickle the collector in a different way. Some model have significant story behind it. For example, a Komatsu bulldozer was bought one night where i drove from N9 to Mutiara Damansara just to buy that one model.
Once i fell in love with the blue R34, i recalled that i have a white NSX-R. Once i started to like the NSX-R the silver Evo-IV and black Evo-III lurks around….then the Gumpert Apollo…urghh stop asking which one is my favourite.
ok.. we won’t ask you..
Such dedication…
If HW made Proton, I think the market is pretty limited thus unprofitable.
Unker HW should have make free tours for his collection. Can collect money to upkeep or to expand his collections…
Free tour how to collect money?
how about if they made Geely cars, and rebadge to Proton for Malaysia market?
Now Proton Saga model is selling like hotcakes, plus scalpers!
I used to collect too, until one day I realized they have no side mirrors. They looked word to meet after that