2021 Nationals Convention April 7th - 11th

It looks like the convention is still on for April in Atlanta. With the past 2 conventions being cancelled due to Covid, this one is set to go. More people are getting vaccinated and Atlanta is starting to reopen, so Collectors Events Unlimited decided to keep this on. They have hit us with some great cars that collectors always ask for.

We have gotten our first looks at a couple of the convention cars.

Kool Kombi & 1983 Silverado 4x4

This is the second time each of these have made appearances as convention cars.

The Kool Kombi was the 2015 29th Annual LA convention car. You do not see these go up on eBay too often and the prices have skyrocketed over $500.

The Silverado was the 2016 16th Annual Nationals convention from Indianapolis. This also fetches over $100 but is not as rare as the Kombi.

Per the Collectors Events Unlimited:

Tony Martino designed the original Kool Kombi in 2013. This events version is in pearl white with pink and white flame deo. An open rear window with the surfboard sticking out the back. Ragtop style roof and exposed engine, with pink line real riders. Steve Vandervate created this special deco and Julian Koiles the 21stNationals logo on the card.

Jun Imai designed the original 83 Silverado in 2008 and the 4X4 conversion in 2012. This events version has a patriotic deco with Real Riders Off Road tires with 5 spoke slotted rims. With the Nationals tag on the tail gate. Steve Vandervate created this special deco and Julian Koiles the 21stNationals logo on the card.

 

We have heard all sorts of rumors for the Finale and the Pink Party car ranging from more Gassers to Exotics.

Personally we hope to someday see some Exotics at these shows, but it seems like we are the minority as most people just want Gassers… and more Gassers.

The dinner is in honor Leeway Chang and he has designed and worked on many cars.

Click Here for list of those.

He has designed the Lamborghini Sesto Elemento, Huracan, and Super Trofeo. We would love to see one of these as the dinner car!

Leeway was born in Taiwan and grew up in Latin America. He received an Associate of Arts degree in Communication and design from the International Fine Arts College (Miami) and his BA in Graphic Design from Cal State Fullertion (California). In 2007 he joined the team at Mattel. For 17 years prior to that, he designed graphics in the apparel, action sports, feature film, web and advertising industries. For Mattel he started as the lead Softline Designer for Boys Consumer products and held this position for 5 years. He then moved over to the Hot Wheels division as Staff Designer for the RLC, premium and Adult Collector toy lines. He currently designs the 5-packs, mystery packs and does work with the mainline basics.

On his Instagram, you often see him playing with RC cars and bike riding. He occasionally shows that “sneak peak” of a Hot Wheels that gets all collectors talking. It is a great to see him honored at the convention, unfortunately there is no formal dinner. In fact, we are unsure if he will attend as the Mattel team will not be present.

The convention should be fun, but the activities are limited.

Keep checking back and as we get more info, we will post it up.