Hot Wheels RLC x Daniel Arsham Porsche 356 "Bonsai" Speedster #1

The Hot Wheels Porsche 356 Speedster, catalog number HPJ29, is a collectible model released in the Mattel Creations Collaboratory series in collaboration with Daniel Arsham, titled Arsham Porsche 356 Bonsai. This 1:64 scale replica is aimed at adult collectors—fans of classic Porsches and art model enthusiasts—and distinguishes itself from a standard toy car with its raw body finish, metal base, and rubber tires.

The Porsche 356 Speedster casting was designed by Mark Jones and made its debut in 2017 in the Replica Entertainment: Forza Motorsport series under number CFR09. The base of the casting is labeled "Porsche Speedster." The 2023 HPJ29 version features a "Weathered ZAMAC" body—a raw, unpainted zinc alloy treated to create a natural worn effect. Decorations include a light green bonsai tree and peach-colored graphics on the passenger side, along with a rear license plate reading "BONSA1." The base is also made of ZAMAC, the windows are clear, and the interior is finished in indigo. The model rolls on DDRR wheels, known as Real Riders with rubber tires. It is manufactured in China.

The model was created in collaboration with Daniel Arsham, an American contemporary artist working in a style he calls "fictional archaeology": presenting modern objects as weathered, excavated artifacts from the future. The bonsai tree motif and the raw, aged surface of the body directly reference his aesthetic, where the passage of time and nature reclaiming human creations are central themes. This makes the HPJ29 more of an art object than a classic car replica.

The original vehicle is the Porsche 356 Speedster—a stripped-down, open-top variant of the brand's first production model, introduced in the mid-1950s for the American market. It was characterized by a very low windshield, simplified equipment, and a lightweight folding roof, powered by a rear-mounted, air-cooled boxer engine driving the rear wheels. Its simple construction and low weight made the Speedster a favorite among American amateur racers, and today it is one of the most sought-after classic Porsches.

For collectors, the HPJ29 is one of the most distinctive releases in the entire Arsham series. The weathered ZAMAC, indigo interior, bonsai motif, and very limited distribution through Mattel Creations ensure the model has no equal among other versions of this casting—and it consistently commands high prices on the secondary market.

FAQ

What does "Weathered ZAMAC" mean for this model?
It is a raw, unpainted zinc alloy treated to create the effect of natural wear and aging on the surface, instead of a traditional paint finish.

Does the Hot Wheels Porsche 356 Speedster HPJ29 have rubber tires?
Yes. The model rolls on DDRR wheels (Real Riders with rubber tires) and features a ZAMAC base.

What graphics are on this model?
A light green bonsai tree and peach-colored graphic motifs are placed on the passenger side, with the text "BONSA1" on the rear license plate.