Hot Wheels collectors often talk about TH, STH, and Chase cars—but what do these terms really mean? If you’re new to the diecast world or looking to upgrade your collection, here’s everything you need to know.
TH – Treasure Hunt
TH stands for Treasure Hunt. These are special cars randomly inserted into mainline cases. You can recognize a TH by:
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A flame logo (🔥) hidden somewhere on the car.
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A “Treasure Hunt” label on the packaging (usually near the name).
These cars may look like regular mainlines but are limited in number.
STH – Super Treasure Hunt
STH stands for Super Treasure Hunt, the premium version of TH. These are highly sought after and harder to find. Key differences:
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Spectraflame paint (shiny metallic finish).
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Real Riders tires (rubber).
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A TH logo on the car, not just the packaging.
Finding one in the wild is like hitting the jackpot!
Chase
“Chase” cars are exclusive or limited variants of premium lines (like Boulevard, Car Culture, etc.). They often have:
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Unique color variants.
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Black or raw finishes.
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No numbering, making them stand out.
They’re not always labeled as “Chase,” but collectors know their value.
Other Rare Hot Wheels Types
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ZAMAC (Zinc Alloy Metal Authentic Car): These come without paint—just raw metal with decals.
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Mail-In Exclusives: You get these by sending in proofs of purchase.
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RLC (Red Line Club): High-end, limited-edition cars only available through Mattel’s collector club.
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Convention Exclusives: Available only at events like Hot Wheels Nationals or Legends Tour.
Hot Wheels collecting goes beyond just buying cars—it’s about the thrill of the hunt and knowing what to look for. Keep these terms in mind and grow your collection smartly! Chase
Hot Wheels Treasure Hunt FAQ (Mattel Official Support):
https://service.mattel.com/
This link explains Treasure Hunts directly from Mattel, the creator of Hot Wheels.
Red Line Club (Hot Wheels Collectors Official Site):
https://www.hotwheelscollectors.com/
This is the official Red Line Club (RLC) page for exclusive and rare releases.