The Most Valuable Collectors' Items in History

158. Beatnik Bandit Hot Wheels

Manufacturer: Mattel
Original price: $0.98*
Current value: $15.000*

Beatnik Bandit was released in 1968 (there was a reissue in 1993 too, but those aren't worth that much money). Designed by Ed Roth, the Beatnik Bandit was part of the Sweet Sixteen, also known as the Original 16. These cars were part of the first generation of Hot Wheels. Due to their connection to the first generation, Beatnik Bandits can fetch up to $15,000 at auction.

The real Beatnik was a hot rod car, built on a 1950 Oldsmobile chassis that had been shortened. It had a fiberglass body with a bubble roof. The original car still exists at the National Automobile Museum in Reno, Nevada.