(THE 2008 UPDATE & REFRESH post is HERE)

It might be too early to call it but I think we have reached a point of normalcy in this line! Mattel is actually shipping in right quantities and boxes are packed 50% with the NEWEST CARS and the box that follows is also 50-75% of the last month releases so finally, things are normalizing! No more crazy paying $40 for a new CAR or waiting 5-6 MONTHS for something new to appear on the shelves … one bit of strong evidence – none of the new CARS are over $10 on eBay because the math is like this – most large stores are ordering 5-10 cases of A, B & C – add to the fact that most places have a ratio of 4 WM to 3 Targets to 1 TRU plus a few other stores in the mix, now within a 20-miles radius, in theory, you might be able to find 60-150 of EACH of the new CARS – way too many for scalpers to suck up. I think the Movie Moments are still in slight short supply as retailers are not ordering as many of those (and why is Mike & Sulley still being packed?) but since the Movie Moment boxes pretty much repeat themselves, don’t worry – eventually you will find them.

Plus stores are anxious to get EVERYTHING out the back room and onto the floor so if you see someone from the department stocking or milling about – ASK!

But in any case, as if you need to be told – get out your wallets and start looking around your house – whatever is not nailed down should go on eBay to feed the monster that is the Mattel Pixar CARS.

Build a new edition to your house because we are losing track of how many releases and in what configurations are coming for 2008.

All of the 2007 & late 2007 post info is still here. And every CAR photographed below (except for Flea & Flik in the US are out)

In case you want to review all the other cards.

So anyway, we’ll pretty much close the books on 2007 and move onto 2008 except for a few new stragglers …

I wish us all luck and and may you find room in your house …

THE FIRST “TREASURE HUNT”

While not officially a treasure hunt/chase car in the normal scheme of things. On November, with the release of the Blu-Ray CARS DVD, for $3.50 (plus tax), you get a “free” CAR. It is limited to 15,000 and you have to sign up with Disney Movie Rewards.

ALL the info is available at our other post on signup tips, etc, etc.

These are starting to ship. I received mine but the good news is there are still a few thousand left plus there is now a rebate also. Click on the link above to get all the details.

EXCLUSIVES

The Target MOCK CARS “ornaments” – note the word MOCK. They are not actual ornaments. They come on a clear “snow” tray and while the artwork makes it appears they are ornaments – they so not something you can hang on a tree.

Also note: KB is closing and liquidating stock at 156 stores on 11/8 out of their 600 stores. I would venture the remaining 450 stores are not long for this world and would not be surprised if after Christmas, they too are closed. Our update & details are here.

INDIVIDUAL CARS – 2008

Keep in mind that this list below is a projection and only accurate as of now – things may and will change so don’t plan too far ahead. A couple things seem certain, it looks like we have plenty of McQueen variants in stock all year and Mattel freakin’ loves helicopters!

If you wish to plot out what CAR will make its first appearance & in what box in 2008, a friend of 2-A-Day has thoughtfully provided a spreadsheet you can download or it’s also been added to our online checklist/spreadsheet.

One of thing to keep in mind for completists or people just starting out and want a “full set” of the WOC cards – there are some CARS that are scheduled for one box or just a few boxes (including some old standbys) for 2008 so be sure and check the new addition to our spreadsheet or download the above EXCEL file.

If the CAR was displayed at Comic Con, it is shown below in the first sealed box that it appears in. If it was not shown there, we tried to go a screen grab from the film though it’s noted where we are guessing.

CARS that are already in the stores are not shown.

End of 2007, early 2008

HWM1054-A NOW SHIPPING!
Bob Cutlass
Brand New Mater
Bug Mouth Lightning McQueen
Crusin’ Lightning McQueen
Darrell Cartrip
Dinoco Helicopter (2)
Dinoco Lightning McQueen
Mario Andretti
Pit Crew Member Fillmore (2)
Pit Crew Member Fabulous Hudson Hornet (2)
Radiator Springs Lightning McQueen
Ramone – Green
RPM #64 (2)

2

More Photos HERE.

COMPLETISTS might be interested to know that the “new” CARS of each shipment (at least for Box A & B both) come in a version with the SNIPE new on the front and like the WM exclusives, some do not. Presumably, this is an aberration as someone at Mattel woke up with the bright idea of adding NEW and they already had cards printed up – so presumably by Box C, there won’t be a split of NEW CARS with both cards – all (truly) new CARS will get the NEW snipe.

HWM1054-B NOW SHIPPING

(replacement for V & W canceled shipments)

Bling-Bling Lightning McQueen
Chick Hicks
Crusin’ Lightning McQueen
Dale Earnhardt Jr
Darrell Cartrip
Dinoco Chick Hicks
Dinoco Helicopter
Dinoco Lightning McQueen
Doc Hudson
Fred (2)
Lightning McQueen
Mario Andretti
Old School Ramone (formerly Crusin’ Ramone)
Pit Crew Member Fabulous Hudson Hornet
Pit Crew Member Fillmore
Snot Rod
+ Other Car

HWM1054-C NOW SHIPPING
Bling Bling Lightning McQueen
Boost
Crusin’ Lightning McQueen
Dinoco Chick Hicks
Dinoco Helicopter
Dinoco Lightning McQueen
Dirt Track McQueen
DJ
Fred
Pit Crew Member Fillmore
Pit Crew Member Fabulous Hornet
Radiator Springs Lightning McQueen
Ramone – Green
Ramone – Yellow
RPM #64
Sally
Tex Dinoco
Yeti

HWM1054-D PROJECTED SHIP DATE – DECEMBER

Bug Mouth Lightning McQueen
Darrell Cartrip
Dirt Track Lightning McQueen
Doc Hudson
Ferrari 430
Fred
King
Pit Crew Member Fabulous Hornet
Pit Crew Member Fillmore
Pit Crew Member Guido (2)
Radiator Springs Lightning McQueen
Ramone – Purple
Tom Race Official (2)
Tongue Lightning McQueen
Wingo

Based on the one-of-a-kind-case created for the CAAF charity auction (which includes CARS not yet available publically), Tom Race official looks like it is the sedan checking the instant-replay slo-mo review monitor.

Also Pit Crew Guido looks like he comes with 4 tires & a tool kit … to add a little value to his tiny size.

2008 …

(yes, that’s what my garage looks like, why do you ask? Just kidding … 🙂 )

HWM1054-E

Bling Bling Lightning McQueen
Dinoco Chick Hicks
Dirt Track Lightning McQueen
Fred
Lightning McQueen
Mario Andretti
Mater
Not Chuck (2)
Pit Crew Member Fabulous Hudson Hornet
Pit Crew Member Sarge
Race Tow Truck (2)
Ramone – Red
Richard Clayton Kensington (Security Van) (2)
Snot Rod
Tom Race Official

Not Chuck looks like he comes with Pit Crew Tools to justify his small size & cost plus it’s nice he’ll be in scale …

Here are tiny photos of the Tow Truck & Richard Clayton, Security SUV

You can see larger versions of this preview guide by following the link from our post here.

HWM1054-F

Bling Bling Lightning McQueen
Chick Hicks Pit Crew
Chief Trunk Fresh (2)
Dinoco Crew Chief (2)
Dinoco Helicopter
Dinoco Lightning McQueen
Dirt Track Lightning McQueen
Doc Hudson
Lightning McQueen
Not Chuck
Octane Gain Pitty (2)
Race Tow Truck
Ramone – Green
Richard Clayton Kensington (Security Van)
Tom Race Official

Not sure if it’s the Piston Cup Racer TRUNK FRESH or his Pit Crew Chief – most of the pit crew chiefs seem to be pickups or SUV’s so it might look something like below …

Well, OCTANE GAIN looks like this so his Pit Crew will look like NOT CHUCK only in this orange & black paint scheme (Or the CHICK HICKS pit crew without mustache plate).

HWM1054-G

Brand New Mater
Bug Mouth Lightning McQueen
Chief Trunk Fresh
Dinoco Crew Chief
Dinoco Helicopter
Marco Super FAV18 (Jet)
Not Chuck
Octane Gain Pitty
Pit Crew Member Fillmore
Pit Crew Member Guido
Pit Crew Member Sarge
Race Tow Truck
Radiator Springs Lightning McQueen
Ramone – Purple
Richard Clayton Kensington (Security Van)
Tom Race Official
Tongue Lightning McQueen

HWM1054-H

Anime Chuki (2)
Bling Bling Lightning McQueen
Crusin’ Lightning McQueen
Darrell Cartrip
Dinoco Chick Hicks
Dinoco Crew Chief
Dinoco Helicopter
Dinoco Lightning McQueen
Doc Hudson
Fillmore
Marco Super FAV18 (Jet)
Octane Gain Crew Chief (2)
Pit Crew Member Sarge
Ramone – Lightning (2)
Sarge

Well, OCTANE GAIN looks like this so his Crew Chief presumably is either a Pickup Truck or SUV with this matching motif.

HWM1054-J

Anime Chuki
Chick Hicks
Chief Trunk Fresh
Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Dinoco Crew Chief
Dinoco Helicopter
Dirt Track Lightning McQueen
Doc Hudson
Lightning McQueen
Mater
Octane Gain Crew Chief
Octane Gain Pitty
Pit Crew Member Fillmore
Pit Crew Member Sarge
Radiator Springs Lightning McQueen
Ramone – Hydraulic
Ramone – Lightning
Richard Clayton Kensington (Security Van)

HWM1054-K

Anime Chuki
Bug Mouth Lightning McQueen
Chick Hicks Crew Chief (2)
Chief Trunk Fresh
Crusin’ Lightning McQueen
Dinoco Crew Chief
Dinoco Helicopter
Dinoco Pitty (Luke) (2)
Octane Gain Crew Chief
Octane Gain Pitty
Pit Crew Member Fabulous Hudson Hornet
Ramone – Lightning
Tom Race Official
Tongue Lightning McQueen
Van (2)

Chick Hicks Crew Chief

Dinoco Pitty (Luke)

Van

HWM1054-L

Bling Bling Lightning McQueen
Bob Cutlass
Chick Hicks Crew Chief
Dinoco Chick Hicks
Dinoco Lightning McQueen
Dinoco Pitty
Dirt Track Lightning McQueen
Hamm
Mater
Not Chuck
Pit Crew Member Fillmore
Pit Crew Member Sarge
Race Tow Truck
Ramone – Purple
Ramone – Yellow
Sally
Tex Dinoco
Van

HWM1054-M

Al Oft Blimp
Barney Stormin’ (Bi-Plane)
Bug Mouth Lightning McQueen
Crusin’ Lightning McQueen
Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Doc Hudson
Kori
Lightning Storm McQueen (2)
Mini (2)
Pace Car Official (Charlie Checker)
Pit Crew Member Guido
Radiator Springs Lightning McQueen
Ramone – Green
Ramone – Hydraulic
Yellow Pitty Leak Less (2)

WOC card completist collectors, NOTE – this is the only listed appearance of 3 of the “WM CARS.”

HWM1054-N

Bling Bling Lightning McQueen
Brand New Mater
Chick Hicks
Chick Hicks Crew Chief
Dinoco Helicopter
Dinoco Pitty
Dirt Track Lightning McQueen
Ferrari 430
Lightning McQueen
Lightning Storm McQueen
Mini
Octane Gain Crew Chief
Pit Crew Member Fillmore
Pit Crew Member Sarge
Ramone – Red
Sarge
Tex Dinoco
Yellow Pitty Leak Less

HWM1054-P

Boost
Bug Mouth Lightning McQueen
Cora/Kathy Copter* (2)
Dinoco Crew Chief
Doc Hudson
Fillmore
Jay Limo (2)
Mario Andretti
Pit Crew Member Fabulous Hudson Hornet
Radiator Springs Lightning McQueen
Ramone – Lightning
Ron Hover (2)
Tom Race Official
Tongue Lightning McQueen
Van

Cora/Kathy Copter presumably since it’s a woman’s voice that shouts, “We found McQueen!” in Radiator Springs.

*Note, the “revised” Blu Ray CARS Finder now says her name is “Kathy.”

From the Blu-Ray CAR Finder, we know know this is Ron Hover

WM1054-Q

Bling Bling Lightning McQueen
Chick Hicks Crew Chief
Cora/Kathy Copter*
Crusin’ Lightning McQueen
Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Dinoco Chick Hicks
Dinoco Helicopter
Dinoco Lightning McQueen
Jay Limo
Lightning Storm McQueen
Marco Super FAV18 (Jet)
Mater
Pit Crew Member Fillmore
Ramone – Green
Ramone – Yellow
Ron Hover
Sarge
Tex Dinoco

*Note, the “revised” Blu Ray CARS Finder now says her name is “Kathy.”

HWM1054-R

Axle Accelerator (2)
Cactus Lightning McQueen (2)
Chick Hicks Pit Crew (Bruiser Bukowski) (2)
Dirt Track Lightning McQueen
Doc Hudson
Dustin Mellows (2)
Ferrari 430
Lightning McQueen
Ramone – Ghostlight (2)
T.J. (Boot Camp Sarge Hummer) (2)
Tires Lightning McQueen (2)

Axle is the security escort car … presuming it’s the one leading Mack & LM out of the Dinooco 400 Raceway of the South at the begining of the movie … it’s these “Ford Taurus” like cop cars …

>

HWM1054-S

Axle Accelerator
Brand New Mater
Bug Mouth Lightning McQueen
Cactus Lightning McQueen (2)
Chick Hicks Pit Crew (Bruiser Bukowski)
Dustin Mellows
Lightning Storm McQueen
Mario Andretti
Pit Crew Member Fabulous Hudson Hornet
Pit Crew Member Fillmore
Pit Crew Member Guido
Ramone – Ghostlight (2)
Richard Clayton Kensington (Security Van)
T.J. (Boot Camp Sarge Hummer)
Tires Lightning McQueen
Tongue Lightning McQueen

HWM1054-T

Bling Bling Lightning McQueen
Brian Antenna Ball (2)
Cactus Lightning McQueen
Chick Hicks Pit Crew
Chick Hicks Pit Crew (Bruiser Bukowski)
Chief No Stall (2)
Doc Hudson
Ferrari 430
Fillmore
Lightning McQueen
Octane Gain Pitty
Octane Pitty Crew Chief
Ramone – Ghostlight
Sven Hummer (2)
T.J. (Boot Camp Sarge Hummer)

Is Brian Antenna Ball the vendor of antenna balls? Turns out I guessed correctly – the Blu Ray CAR FINDER feature confirms it. I hope the plastic molds are distinct and not just a mass of plastic …

Chief No Stall

HWM1054-U

Axle Accelerator
Brian Antenna Ball
Bug Mouth Lightning McQueen
Chick Hicks Crew Chief
Chick Hicks Pit Crew (Bruiser Bukowski)
Chief No Stall
Dinoco Lightning McQueen
Dustin Mellows
Jay Limo
Lightning McQueen
Mario Andretti
Mater
Mini
Pit Crew Member Fillmore
Ramone – Ghostlight
Sven Hummer
T.J. (Boot Camp Sarge Hummer)
Tires Lightning McQueen

HWM1054-V

Al Oft Blimp
Barney Stormin’ (Bi-Plane)
Bling Bling Lightning McQueen
Chick Hicks Pit Crew
Crusin’ Lightning McQueen
Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Doc Hudson
Greta (2)
Kori
Piston Cup Racer
Pit Crew Member Sarge
Radiator Springs Lightning McQueen
Ramone – Purple
RPM Pitty (Petrol Pulaski) (2)
Tar Lightning McQueen (2)

Greta (one of the CARS coming out of Ramone’s in the flashback Radiator Springs section).

RPM Pitty (Petrol Pulaski)

Tar McQueen? Why does me think it will be CACTUS MCQUEEN except the blotches will be black?

HWM1054-W

Axle Accelerator
Brand New Mater
Brian Antenna Ball
Cactus Lightning McQueen
Chick Hicks
Chief No Stall
Chief Truck Fresh
Dinoco Pitty
Dirt Track Lightning McQueen
Dustin Mellows
Greta
Lightning McQueen
Ramone – Green
RPM Pitty
Sven Hummer
Tar Lightning McQueen
Tires Lightning McQueen
Tongue Lightning McQueen

HWM1054-Y

Bling Bling Lightning McQueen
Bug Mouth Lightning McQueen
Chick Hicks Pit Crew (Bruiser Bukowski)
Crusin’ Lightning McQueen
Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Dexter Hover (2)
Doc Hudson
Elvis RV (2)
Lightning McQueen
Pit Crew Member Fabulous Hudson Hornet
Pit Crew Member Fillmore
Ramone – Red
Sarge
Timothy Truecoat or Timothy Twostroke? (2)
Yellow Pitty Leak Less

It is Truecoat or Twostroke? This is Truecoat …

This is Twostroke

Dexter Hover another copter? Brother of Ron?

HWM1054-Z

Brian Antenna Ball
Cactus Lightning McQueen
Chief No Stall
Dexter Hover
Dinoco Chick Hicks
Dinoco Lightning McQueen
Dirt Track Lightning McQueen
Dustin Mellows
Elvis RV
Greta
Mater
Radiator Springs Lightning McQueen
Ramone – Ghostlight
RPM Pitty
Sven Hummer
T.J. (Sarge Boot Camp Hummer)
Tar Lightning McQueen
Timothy Truecoat

HWM1054-9994

Axle Accelerator
Chick Hicks Pit Crew
Chick Hicks Pit Crew (Bruiser Bukowski)
Cora Copter
Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Dexter Hover
Doc Hudson
Elvis RV
Jay Limo
Lightning McQueen
Pit Crew Member Fillmore
Radiator Springs Lightning McQueen
Ramone – Lightning
Ron Hover
T.J. (Sarge Boot Camp Hummer)
Timothy Truecoat
Tires Lightning McQueen
Tongue Lightning McQueen

HWM1054-9995

Brand New Mater
Cactus Lightning McQueen
Chick Hicks Crew Chief
Dexter Hover
Dinoco Chick Hicks
Dinoco Lightning McQueen
Dirt Track Lightning McQueen
Elvis RV
Lightning McQueen
Lightning Storm McQueen
Marco Super FAV18 (Jet)
Mini
Octane Gain Crew Chief
Octane Gain Pitty
Ramone – Purple
Richard Clayton Kensington (Security Van)
Timothy Truecoat
Tom Race Official

HWM1054-9996

Bling Bling Lightning McQueen
Chick Hicks Pit Crew (Bruiser Bukowski)
Chief Trunk Fresh
Crusin’ Lightning McQueen
Dale Earnhardt Jr.
DJ
Doc Hudson
Leakless
Lightning McQueen
Not Chuck
Race Tow Truck
Ramone – Green
Sally
T.J. (Sarge Boot Camp Hummer)
Tongue Lightning McQueen
Van
Wingo
Yellow Pitty Leak Less

WAVE 4 MULTI-PACKS

World of Cars: Movie Moments. Seven multi-packs are featured on the back – the top area features a detailed description of the CARS from that multi-pack – and below, the other 6 multi-packs.

While it would appear there are only 7 WORLD OF CARS multi-packs, we know there are many repeats (okay, who raised their hand when Mattel asked if we needed Sally & Crusin’ McQueen on a WORLD OF CARS card?!)

So, this might be a new design direction as with the individual cards, just featuring the newest on the shelves …

NEW
Rusty & Dusty Rust-Eze

RELATIVELY NEW (Appearing briefly as Supercharged Movie Moments)
The King & Mrs. The King
Mia & Tia

FIRST TIME AVAILABLE TOGETHER AS A MULTI-PACK
Bob Cutlass & Darrell Cartrip
Luigi & Ferrari F430
Tex Dinoco & Dinoco Lightning McQueen

I’M NOT DEAD YET, I JUST PUT ON A NEW CARD. LIKE IT? BUY ME FOR THE FIRST TIME … AGAIN!

Boost & Snot Rod
Flo & Ramone (Purple)
Luigi, Guido & Tractor
Mike & Sculley
Red & Stanley
Sally & Crusin’ Lightning McQueen

NO SIGHTINGS YET

Flea & Flik

(yes, it’s in Europe (and maybe Canada) but not available in the US until Spring).

ALSO ANNOUNCED FOR 2008 as NEW MULTI-PACKS

(again, no older ones are retired – won’t rehash those)

(IN RELEASE ORDER – STARTING IN JANUARY/FEBRUARY)

Dinoco Mia & Tia

Tow Cap (#4 – Rusty Cornfuel) & Gasprin (#70 – Floyn Mulvihill)

Leakless & No Stall (#123 – Todd “The Shockster” Marcus)

Tumble Weed Lightning McQueen & Doc Hudson

Fillmore & “Whitewall” Lightning McQueen

(probably the Lightning McQueen at Luigi’s but before Ramone changed him into Crusin’ McQueen?)

Mario Andretti & his personal assistant Patti

(Presumably Patti …)

Race Damage King & Lightning McQueen

And for now, we’ll assume the following multi-packs are just re-packaging of the CARS we already have:

Lightning McQueen & Kori Turbowitz
Chick Pitty (Bruiser Bukowski) & Chick Hicks

As with the single blister card CARS, none of the multi-sets seem to have been retired and ones that people are paying crazy prices for now are scheduled to ship throughout 2008 – not to mention MORE shipments of Sally & CM plus MORE Mike & Scully. There is a mention of the return of the Sarge/Fillmore 2-fer – surprised it’s only in one shipment though.

16-CAR CARRYING CASE with LAUNCHER

The photo above is from Comic Con last summer so the final product might not match it exactly but Mattel also sells a Speed Racer version and a regular Hot Wheels version that essentially looks like that – it has a launcher and as Mattel says, “Just turn the hub to send vehicles rolling from the gravity launcher!” They also promise heart-stopping fun though I do not hope they mean that literally as I have eaten way too much bacon in my lifetime. 😉

I have not seen it in the stores but Amazon seems to have it in stock and ready to ship. It also comes with SNOT ROD.

NEW HANGING BLISTER MULTI-PACKS

Already in some stores …

PIT ROW RACE OFF

“Each includes a die-cast vehicle with launcher. It’s your favorite racers from the hit Disney/Pixar movie CARS, in the new Pit-Stop Racers Assortment. Each includes a die-cast vehicle with launcher. Connect the launchers to recreate Pit Crew Row, then send your character cars into high performance mode with a pow! Assortment includes Lightning McQueen, The King, Chick Hicks, Octane Gain, Leak Less and Nitroade.”

There are four shipments scheduled of six per box (Sealed boxes end in A-B-C-D). They will probably retail for around $7.99.

Here are some eBay photos …

3-PACK (HANGING BLISTERS)

There are at least 8 shipments versions available throughout the early part of 2008.

The 5 packs (not all are pictured above) will be:

#1 – Cactus Lightning McQueen, Charlie Checker the Piston Cup Pace Car & The King
#2 – Bling Bling McQueen (Car in photo is Dinoco McQueen), & Gold Twins Mia & Tia (NEW)
#3 – Flo, Lightning Ramone (NEW) & Lightning McQueen
#4 – Cactus McQueen, Sheriff & Dirt Track Hudson (NEW)
#5 – Dinoco Chick Hicks & Dinoco Mia & Tia

The retail price will probably be $9.99 to $12.99 – they have arrived on eBay.

PISTON CUP RACERS

While we have had about 10 of the Piston Cup Racers released so far, that leaves about 26 yet to be released (plus 7 mystery ones to total 43 as in NASCAR and as announced at the beginning of the movie).

Mattel has quasi announced a special set available online in June 2008 (more details at out post here) but my feeling is we will see smaller box sets (5 to 7 each) of the Piston Cup Racers before June 2008. Here are the protoypes they showed off at Comic Con.

Apple Mac (#84)

Bumper Save (#90)

Creme Filled Gask-its (#80)

Easy Idle (#51)

Gasprin (#70)

Lil’ Torque Pistons (#117)

Mood Springs (#33)

No Stall (#123)

Octane Gain (#58)

Retread (#79)

Rev-N-Go (#73)

Shifty Drug (#35)

Shiny Wax (#82)

Spare Mint (#93)

Sputter Stop (#92)

Tach-O-Mint (#101)

Tank Coat (#36)

Tow Cap (#4)

Transberry Juice (#63)

Vinyl Toupee (#76)

Vitoline (#61)

Some great photos here. (forward to view the 25 CARS photos, back to view the great Mattel Batman car coming).

And as usual, Figures.com has some great photos.

Some great closeups here.

You can check our SPEEDWAY OF THE SOUTH post to read all their character names.

OUR OTHER POSTS:

THE BASICS

If you want a recap of the Mattel Pixar CARS line from the beginning.

Mattel Pixar Cars Checklist: It’s What to Collect

Unlike other toys/hot items that stay hot for a few weeks or months – this Mattel Pixar CARS diecast line has pretty been SIZZLING for 16 months – not just rare but almost un-heard of.

The post below outlines why the line is so difficult and some solutions. There is a list of the main retailers, some online options and for international customers, some options.

Mattel Pixar Cars: I Want to Buy But Where?

BUYING CASES & WHAT’S NEXT

First, one way to skip the driving around is to buy sealed cases, here is a brief rundown on what that is AND what are the CARS coming this holiday season (the last two months of 2007):

Mattel Pixar Cars Checklist: New Sealed Boxes

And what’s coming in 2008 by the sealed case:

Mattel Pixar Cars Checklist: New Sealed Boxes Holiday 2007 & 2008

Or what’s the latest on the shelf cards & CARS look like?

Mattel Pixar: What’s in Stores Now

If you wish to plot out what CAR will make its first appearance & in what box in 2008, a friend of 2aDay has thoughtfully provided a spreadsheet you can download or it’s also been added to our online checklist/spreadsheet.

HOW TO COLLECT

For those on the intermediate & advanced stages of this obsession (yes, I has the fever! I has the fever 🙂 ) … you’ll want a “field guide” to spotting what’s what:

A Basic Checklist (in spreadsheet form)

The checklist offers a few versions on how you like your poison 😉

Then of course, a more indepth guideline on how to collect them – just one of each? one of each available on a different card?

Mattel Pixar Cars Checklist: How to Collect

As you progress further, you might need or want a guide to understanding what do the three different designs on the front indicate and how complete of a collector you want to be:

Mattel Pixar Cars Checklist: Card Backs

Info on the Blu-Ray Dinoco “Blu” CAR

The LIMITED & EXCLUSIVE Disney Blu-Ray “Blu” Dinoco McQueen

MORE INFORMATION THAN NORMAL

Of course, by now, you’ll want to know everything and plan your budget carefully … Mattel will definitely release 35/36 of the Piston Cup Racers in one massive collector’s set but will they release them in smaller sets? Our speculation on why rioting is probably not necessary:

Mattel Pixar Cars: All the Piston Cup CARS-Speedway of the South Box Set

If you prefer to see some of the cardbacks in a larger file size or to view the two posters for a visual look at the CARS to collect, our FLICKER page is here.

Did you know the Blu-Ray DVD (for HDTV’s) will include a “name-spotter” feature that will let you see the names of 217 CARS within the movie?

Mattel Pixar Cars Checklist: It’s What to Collect-Part II – 217 CARS?

And while we’re at it – pure speculation on our part as to what might be coming next?

Mattel Pixar Cars: What’s Coming in 2008 or 2009

Mattel Pixar Cars: What’s Coming in 2008 or 2009? Part II

Mattel Pixar Cars: Mia & Tia – All the Possible Variants

Whether you want a nice display case or a plastic box to keep it night and sealed/unopened, here are some links that should point you in the right direction.

How to best display your CARS?

Here’s what my collection looks like so far … just on a bookcase now because I’m too scared to look at another “easy assemly” instruction 🙂 though that Ikea glass case looks like nice and at a great price

Our Photo Blog

MORE USEFUL INFORMATION

Details on the Mattel sponsorship & CARS charity auction for CAAF (Children Affected by AIDS Foundation):

Mattel Pixar Cars & Children Affected by AIDS Charity Auction

While Frank the Combine on eBay seems enticing, you might want to know that he’s very small and all plastic but there are some other options …

Mattel Pixar CARS Movie: Frank the Combine – eBay Warning

The 2006 Mattel Factory Set …

The Scoop & Our opinion of it and thanks to Noel, some great unboxing photos …

Too much money in your bank account – starting collecting the other CARS line …

NEW Mini Adventures CARS & Playsets

The Sarge Recall:

Mattel Recalls Pixar CARS Sarge Diecast Metal Car

Nothing very insightful about what’s coming but still good to know that CARS is bringing in money and everything is looking smooth.

Mattel Pixar Cars: 3rd Quarter 2007 Earnings-Financial Numbers

CARS 2, THE SEQUEL?

Yes, more speculation & answers on our part but the stars and other things seem to be syncing up for a 2011 sequel:

Pixar CARS 2 Sequel: Rumors, Rumors, Rumors