Larry’s Garage: Remembering Hot Wheels’ First Modern Chase Era
In 2009, Hot Wheels handed the keys to Larry Wood and let the legend curate his own series, chases included. Larry’s Garage lasted barely two years, but it wrote the playbook every chase line still follows. A look back at a quiet milestone.
Quick answer: Larry's Garage: Remembering Hot Wheels' First Modern Chase Era – what it is, what to check before buying, typical SA prices in Rand and where to find one locally. Full details below.
Why Larry’s Garage mattered
- Designer-led — The first series built around one designer’s taste.
- Real chases — Variants that demanded actual hunting.
- Deep cuts — Castings only a 40-year veteran would pick.
- Signed energy — The Larry Wood name carried weight.
- The legacy — Every modern chase series borrows its formula.
Frequently asked questions
Who is Larry Wood?
A Hot Wheels designer since 1969, responsible for many of the brand’s most beloved castings across five decades.
What are Larry’s Garage cars worth in SA?
R100 to R400 for standard cars, with chase variants reaching R800 or more.
Is Larry’s Garage related to the Treasure Hunt?
Philosophically yes: it normalised dedicated chase cars two years after the Super Treasure Hunt debuted.
Keep reading
Last reviewed: 2 October 2026 by the Unnew team. Checked against official sources – Hot Wheels, Matchbox and hobbyDB – plus the South African collector community.
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