Tuesday, September 22, 2026

Question: Which Southern California toy company introduced its now-iconic Hot Wheels die-cast cars in 1968?

Answer: Mattel. The El Segundo-based company, also known for Barbie, introduced Hot Wheels in 1968. The die-cast cars could be raced on interlocking orange plastic tracks and quickly became a hit, with sales skyrocketing among young boys. Decades later, Hot Wheels remains one of Mattel’s signature brands.