Many would no doubt argue that fancy cars are, in a ways, toys — just expensive, high-quality ones for rich grown people, rather than relatively cheap ones for children.
Regardless of which type of toy you have a preference for, however — the cheap children’s kind, or the expensive grown people kind — you can now have a Tesla Model S either way.
I’m gonna take a guess here that many people that read CleanTechnica have heard of the toy companies Hot Wheels and Matchbox, and some of you will be happy to hear that both companies are now offering miniatures of the Tesla Model S, in all it glory.
Interesting, huh? I admit, the fact that Tesla’s cars could end up becoming so culturally ubiquitous that toy companies would actually end up offering models of the acclaimed company’s electric vehicles never even crossed my mind.
It’s a good thing, I suppose, right? Get them started when their young! (Overall, though, I admit that I don’t have a great opinion of the masses-of-disposable-toys-from-China cultural wave of the last few decades. Most of these toys, after all, end up in a landfill after only a couple of years.)
Still, electric vehicle toys for children in 2015? I wonder what the kids that play with such toys will think of electric cars when they get older? Probably nothing at all I guess, it’ll just seem normal. (Though, of those who have ridden in a Tesla P85D, who would ever describe it as “normal?”)
Our sister site Gas2 provides some more information and some thoughts:
The Lamley Group, a diecast car enthusiast blog, revealed images of both the Matchbox and Hot Wheels versions of the Tesla Model S. I’m a bit of an enthusiast myself, and it doesn’t surprise me that Matchbox kept their Tesla well-detailed but totally stock. This is the one Model S owners themselves might buy, so they can have both a full-sized and mini version of America’s most-loved car.
Hot Wheels, however, went with a much more customized look, ditching any stock colors for a sparkle-laced silver hue. This toy Tesla also has flared wheel wells, an oversized spoiler, a low front lip, and sporty red-rimmed wheels. The Hot Wheels Tesla definitely seems more aimed at the kiddies, but I wouldn’t blame any adult for wanting either one, or both.
While the toys seem nice, what I’ve got my eye on personally (whenever the model does end up being released) is a Tesla Model 3.
Image Credit: Lamley Group
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