Yesterday, we looked at the Hot Wheels Sho-Stopper/Seared Tuner casting which was also designed by former Hot Wheels Designer Eric Tscherne. Today, we look at the Hot Wheels Switchback. First released as part of the 2003 First Editions, the Switchback represents the Hot Wheels brand today just as much as it represents the early years.
The Switchback casting is a true “California Custom” as it is something you would probably see driving down the Pacific Coast Highway. Dropped & Lowered, with Surfboards on the back tonneau cover, this Switchback screams Surfin’ Safari. If there was ever a modern casting that encompassed that California Custom mentality, this is it! One can only imagine what the Switchback would look like with Real-Rider tires and a two-tone Spectraflame paint job…
Since 2003, the Switchback has come out in 9 versions with some very neat variations. The last version of the Switchback to appear was the one shown above which was released in 2011. The “Surf’s Up Rig” was part of what is commonly known as the Truckin’ Transporters–a line that features a hauler/rig/semi paired with a 1:64 scale Hot Wheels casting. This Switchback looks great in yellow with “fresh” blue waves on the sides and two racing stripes on the hood that resemble a surfboard. Only time will tell if this Neo-California-Custom will show up again.
Wheel Close 
