In a move that blends cinematic nostalgia with high-end collectibles, Mattel’s Hot Wheels division has unveiled a limited-edition Back to the Future 40th Anniversary Set, timed to the cult classic’s original release on July 3, 1985.
The $32 collector’s pack — launched at San Diego Comic-Con 2025 — features two meticulously detailed 1:64 scale die-cast vehicles: the iconic DeLorean DMC-12 time machine and, for the first time ever, Doc Brown’s GMC Value Van.
The set is more than a toy — it’s a cinematic diorama. Packaged in a display box modeled after the Twin Pines Mall parking lot scene, the DeLorean slides out of the van via a fold-out ramp, mimicking the film’s legendary time-travel debut. Both vehicles feature Real Riders wheels and authentic graphics, with the DeLorean sporting the OUTATIME license plate and detailed interior wiring. The van, meanwhile, bears the “Dr. E. Brown Enterprises” logo and weathered detailing for screen-accurate realism.
For global luxury collectors, this release is part of Mattel’s broader “Nostalgic Film Favourites” series, which also includes the Jaws 50th Anniversary set. According to Mattel Creations SVP Nick Karamanos, the goal is to “celebrate the spirit of these iconic moments” and connect fans with the stories that shaped their childhoods. The Back to the Future set is available at SDCC booth #2945 and online at MattelCreations.com.
For investors in luxury IP and collectibles, the set underscores the enduring value of cross-generational storytelling and limited-run merchandising. With demand for nostalgia-fuelled assets rising — especially those tied to iconic franchises — Mattel’s strategy taps into a lucrative blend of fandom, scarcity, and cinematic heritage. As pop culture collectibles increasingly intersect with luxury investment portfolios, this release is a reminder: time travel may be fiction, but brand equity is very real.
