Hi all. This time around, I'd like to explore the origin on the

Hot Wheels Overbored 454. This is one neat little car,

and popular opinion on the boards says it's based on a

Chevelle. So Let's Compare them.

The outward appearance of the Overbored 454 suggests a Chevelle. 

Visual cues such as the stripes and the name 454 makes one think 

that it is in fact based on a Chevelle. There is one other visual cue

that really makes that point. The shape of the rear side marker lights

on the Overbored 454 are an almost exact duplicate of the Chevelle.

 

Beyond the lights, stripes, and name, there is very little to suggest a Chevelle.

The front, back, and overall profile are nothing alike.

And that's not a bad thing. Both cars are pretty sharp looking.

The Chevelle is a very good likeness of the real car, and the Overbored 454

is a very nice stylized version of what looks like many cars.

The front end of the 454 appears to have a few Pontiac influences,

while the rear end looks sort of Corvette-like. 

The stance of both cars works well for each. The Chevelle has an aggressive

look, while the 454 combines a classic high rear end and 

sloped rear windshield with an updated slippery look. Well done design!!

So there you go. A quick look at two very nice cars from Mattel.

I don't know if this helps the argument on the origin of the

Overbored 454, but I still think the designer was looking at

a Chevelle when he was drawing up this new First Edition.

 

Be sure to check the Features and Reviews Archive to catch up

on any articles you may have missed.

 

Joe