The start of the Redline era began in 1968 and ended in 1977.
In 1968 one of the first cars released was the Custom Mustang.
Featuring spectraflame paint, Redline mag wheels on bushing centers, independent torsion bar suspension and opening custom hood.
They would be billed as “fastest metal cars in the world”
As the years went on budget cuts and as the market started to flood with competition from Johnny Lightning, Matchbox, Playart, Muky, Zee Toys, husky, and several others the cars production and quality had to be reduced to stay in competition with how the market prices were changing.
Enter the 1977 second wind
Now using a cheaper enamel paint straight axel non-removable wheels with a metal body and plastic base to keep cost down. This would be one of the last models to have the pressed on Redline stripe wheels before they would just go to the black walls.
Even after all this the Hot Wheels brand has stayed around still owned by Mattel where not too many other toy brands can say that. Rumors did start mid 2017 that Hasbro wanted to buy Mattel out but nothing more has been reported on where that offer stands if they are still in talks or has been rejected. Only time will tell where Hot Wheels stands and if they will be around for another 50 years.