Hot Wheels RLC 70s Dodge Tradesman Van #1

The Hot Wheels Dodge Tradesman with catalog number HGK78 is a collector's model released as an RLC Exclusive, available only through the Red Line Club. This 1:64 scale replica is aimed at adult collectors and fans of custom-era American vans, and it is distinguished from a standard toy car by its metal base, rubber tires, Spectraflame paint, and opening side and rear doors. The production run for this release was 30,000 units.

The Dodge Tradesman casting was designed by Brendon Vetuskey, and it made its debut in this very series in 2023—HGK78 is therefore the first release of this casting. The base of the casting is labeled "The Tradesman," the name used in Mattel's internal database; commercially, the model was marketed as the '70s Dodge Tradesman Van. The greatest design asset is the opening side and rear doors, which allow you to look into the cargo area.

The model is finished in Spectraflame dark purple, a translucent, dark purple finish applied directly over polished metal, reserved for the brand's most exclusive releases. The detailing includes refined headlights, taillights, trim, and license plates that read "ROCKN." The base is silver and metal, the windows have a medium smoke tint, and the interior is finished in purple, consistent with the body. The model rolls on RRMag wheels, which are Real Riders with rubber tires and rims in the style of classic magnesium discs. The country of origin is China.

The inspiration for the model is the Dodge Ram Van, officially designated as the B-series—a family of full-size vans produced for the Dodge division of Chrysler from 1971 to 2003. Despite three formal generations, the platform and most of the body panels remained virtually unchanged throughout the 32 years of production. The first generation replaced the A100 model and was offered in two basic versions: the Tradesman cargo van and the Sportsman passenger van, initially in two wheelbases, and from 1971 also in an extended Maxivan version. Production of this generation ended in 1978. B-series vans became a pillar of American custom culture in the 1970s—painted with elaborate murals and converted into mobile lounges—and it is this aesthetic that the casting references.

For a collector, the HGK78 is a very strong item: the debut of a new casting, a known production run of 30,000 units, opening side and rear doors, and Spectraflame paint with a matching purple interior. Red Line Club models are not available for standard retail sale and immediately become objects of collector trading.

FAQ

Does the Hot Wheels Dodge Tradesman HGK78 have opening doors?
Yes. The model has opening side and rear doors, revealing the cargo area.

How many units were produced?
The production run for this release was 30,000 units.

Does the model have rubber tires?
Yes. It rolls on RRMag wheels, which are Real Riders with rubber tires, and it has a silver, metal base.