Forty years after Marty McFly first stepped into that full-metal DeLorean, Hot Wheels is finally addressing one of the most glaring omissions in die-cast film history. While countless manufacturers have produced miniature versions of the famed Back to the Future time machine over the decades, Doc Brown’s humble GMC Value Van — the unsung hero that transported the time-traveling DeLorean and set the stage for its silver screen debut — has yet to be miniaturized. Just in time for the 1985 movie’s 40th anniversary, Mattel has crafted an interactive homage to one of cinema’s most pivotal scenes.
The Van That Started It All
For a vehicle that helps set up the plot of Back to the Future, Doc’s GMC Value Van has received surprisingly little merchandising attention. This latest set is Hot Wheels’ first attempt at capturing the workhorse in 1:64 scale, and with the same level of execution it gave to the Orca boat from Jaws, which releases right alongside this at San Diego Comic Con.
Bringing a screen-accurate appearance to the vehicle, the brand opted to make the van just as weathered and lived-in as it appears in the film. They put faded “Dr. E. Brown Enterprises, 24 Hr. Scientific Services” graphics along the side of the van, while the dirt-streaked windshield is also included to add to the effect.
The obvious choice here would be to showcase the DeLorean front and center, but instead the van is intended to be the centerpiece of the set. Once you open up the back of the van, a mini DeLorean still pops out, just like it does in the parking lot of the fictional Twin Pines Mall. This is an awesome collector’s piece for true fans of the film.
Time Machine, Refined
This SDCC-exclusive features details specific to the set, with careful attention paid to the cable harnesses, time circuits, and that iconic “OUTATIME” license plate on back. Other authentic details include the DMC logo and Goodyear Eagle tires, which even some licensed replicas have left out in the past. The one thing that’s missing is the non-functioning gullwing doors that the original DeLorean most famously had. But again, the van is the focus here.
Both vehicles benefit from die-cast construction and Real Riders wheels, which give them heft and legit roll quality if you plan to take them out of the box.
Packaging as Theater
Inside the box, the van and DeLorean will rest on a recreation of the Twin Pines Mall parking lot with the mall’s sign and guardrail depicted on the window in front. Hardcore collectors can reasonably keep this displayed in the packaging without missing out on the experience of the set.
Hot Wheels has also engineered the outer box to unfold into a functional ramp, allowing the inner diorama to slide out exactly as the Time Machine emerged from Doc’s van in the film. It’s a welcomed bit of kinetic storytelling that transforms the unboxing into a miniature reenactment in a way that most die-cast sets don’t do.
Spec Sheet
Model Name: Hot Wheels Back to the Future 40th Anniversary Time Machine Set
Scale: 1:64
Construction: Die-cast with Real Riders wheels
Includes: DeLorean Time Machine, Doc’s GMC Value Van
Packaging: Interactive outer box with fold-out ramp, Twin Pines Mall diorama interior
Materials: Die-cast metal
Price: $32
Pricing & Availability
Priced at a very accessible $32, the Hot Wheels Back to the Future 40th Anniversary Set launches July 24 at 9:00 AM Pacific Time through Mattel Creations’ website. It will give an exclusive launch in person at San Diego Comic Con as well. Mattel has not said if this will have a limited edition size or not.
Recap
Mattel Hot Wheels Back to the Future 40th Anniversary Set
Mattel immortalizes Doc Brown’s GMC Value Van that reveals the iconic DeLorean in Back to the Future. Presented in a collectible display, the van has an opening rear door that reveals the time machine as well.
