MATTEL BRICK SHOP LAUNCHES IN AUSTRALIA WITH RACING LEGEND CRAIG LOWNDES AT THE WHEEL

September 3, 2025
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MEDIA RELEASE/Mattel Brick Shop – Photo: supplied

With the popularity of collectible construction and nostalgic play surging across Australia, Mattel has officially launched the first-ever product collection under its new Mattel Brick Shop brand in collaboration with Hot Wheels®. Integrating the iconic Hot Wheels brand with Mattel’s expertise in the toy industry, Mattel Brick Shop offers fans a new way to build, customise and collect.

The campaign kicks off with a standout model of the iconic 1954 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL—personally built and customised by racing legend Craig Lowndes. While there’s only one Lowndes-built version in existence, fans can purchase the same Premium Series set for under $220. This launch model will be available for pre -sale alongside two other collector builds: the 1963 Corvette Grand Sport and the 1990 Honda NSX, before the full range rolls out nationally from late August.

“Growing up, I was obsessed with Hot Wheels, so being able to build and customise my own Mercedes-Benz 300 SL with Mattel Brick Shop was a full-circle moment,” says Lowndes. “This range isn’t just about putting bricks together—it’s about celebrating the cars we love, adding your own flair, and enjoying the craftsmanship that brings them to life. I’m proud to help launch something that car lovers of all ages can get behind.”

Mattel Brick Shop’s first Hot Wheels building sets are available in three series, giving fans multiple ways to build their favourite cars: Hot Wheels Speed Series™, Hot Wheels Elite Series™ and Hot Wheels™ Premium Series. Each set features authentic, display-worthy designs inspired by both real-life cars and Hot Wheels originals. Fans can build, customize and showcase high-performance racers and iconic classics with changeable wheels, decals and unique design elements, offering an exciting and creative experience for Hot Wheels collectors and building enthusiasts alike.

As part of this new collectible range, Mattel Brick Shop is introducing three distinct series to suit every type of fan:

Speed Series ($31.99): a collection of iconic Hot Wheels cars designed for customization. Each set allows fans to enhance their builds with additional wheel covers and licensed decals, while also including a matching 1:64 metal car for display and collection. Crafted with utmost attention to detail, the Speed Series faithfully recreates the unique features of each vehicle. Perfect for both building and displaying, these sets offer a new, exciting way to experience Hot Wheels like never before. Ages 10+
Elite Series ($79.99): a collection of iconic cars you can customize with extra parts, metal wheel covers, and licensed decals. All sets include a matching 1:64 metal car to collect and display. The Elite Series sets are built with maximum authenticity to faithfully recreate what makes each car unique. Ages 10+
Premium Series ($219.99 Build in luxury with the first entry in the Premium Series, built with metal parts, including extra metal wheel covers and licensed decals for customization, plus a matching 1:64 metal car to collect and display. The Premium Series is dedicated to maximum authenticity and showstopping, display-worthy details. Ages 17+

Speed Series($31.99) – A 1:32 scale entry-level build with customisable decals and diecast base. Within this series is the Maserati (JFR90) (Speed Series)and Cadillac (JFR89) (Speed Series)
Elite Series ($79.99) – Tuning components and Silver Series diecast in a 1:16 scale mid-tier model. Models within this series include; Corvette (JGR31) (Elite Series), Acura (JFT17) (Elite Series) and Chevvy (The Hot Ones)
Premium Series($219.99) – The flagship 1:12 collector’s model, with intricate details and display-worthy packaging. Premium models include the famous Mercedes.

The full collection is available for purchase at the Mattel Brick Shop website here.

From casual hobbyists to serious collectors, this launch marks the beginning of a new way to experience Hot Wheels, blending the fun of building with the thrill of collecting and racing.

New research commissioned by Mattel reveals that Australian adults are increasingly turning to nostalgic, screen-free ways to relax and reconnect. Among the findings:

79% of adults buy toys for themselves—not just their kids
62% of Australians actively collect toys
82% consider collectability a key factor in purchasing
24% spend over $500 annually on toys and collectibles
82% of households enjoy adult-friendly play

The growing “kidult” market makes Mattel Brick Shop a perfectly timed addition to Australian shelves—designed to be built, displayed and cherished.

“We know there is a passionate group of fans in the construction space that have been looking for Mattel to bring something new to the category,” says Paul Faulkner, SVP & Managing Director Asia Pacific, Mattel. “With our passion for cars, we feel Mattel Brick Shop brings something to collectible construction that continues to build on what we have always done; fuel imagination, inspire storytelling and create emotional connections. This launch is a bold step in how we extend our IP into new categories, and it’s a fresh way for fans to build with bricks and celebrate their passion for car culture.”

This is just the beginning. Mattel plans to expand the Mattel Brick Shop range with additional iconic brands, continuing to blend nostalgia, craftsmanship and collectability for builders across the globe.

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