Story by Jody Spear and Kelly Meyer
The Top of Iowa Hot Wheels Club held their Christmas Show Saturday at Great Country Motors in Mason City.
They typically hold four shows each year.
David Robles and Jeff Hansen (pictured, right) are Co-Presidents of the Top of Iowa Hot Wheels Club. Hansen owns Great Country Motors, making it a convenient place to hold the show. “We probably have about 40 tables here and the people are from all over,” says Robles.
There are 25 members to this Club and Robles has been with them since 2009. He started collecting Hot Wheels 16-17 years ago. “I was buying Hot Wheels for my son, who is now 19 years old. I saw how neat some of them were, so I started collecting. Hot Wheels were first made in 1968. I know that because that’s when I was born,” he said, with a smile.
Roble and his wife, Barb, are also members of All Iowa Hot Wheels Club out of Des Moines, which has around 100-120 members. “We are also part of a Newsletter Club,” explains David, “We do conventions in a lot of different places, such as Chicago, St. Louis, Washington DC, Detroit and California. California, that’s the Big One. That’s where Mattel is.”
“We have auctions and all the profit goes to charity,” Barb added. “The charities we give to are Make-a-Wish and Children’s Miracle Network. One year we raised $86,000 in 4 day for Children’s Miracle Network.”
The shows are a social event enjoyed by the regulars. “These Clubs and Conventions are just like going to a family reunion. We have lots of fun. I met my friend Ellie Marchant at one of these shows,” says Barb. “We met and developed a strong friendship.”
Marchant gave some collecting advice. “Some of the people are awesome and from all walks of life. If I were to give advice, I would say, ‘If you’re buying Hot Wheels for your kids, buy two. Let them play with one, and keep one in the package. One day it could be college tuition.”
“I think the most I’ve seen one go for is $66,000,” said Barb.
There were also other toy collectibles there like Barbie, Tonka, John Deere tractors, sports trading cards and tv show cards, and Nascar cards.
If you are interested in buying, selling, trading Hot Wheels, you can call Dave Robles at his home phone 641-424-2532 or his cell phone 641-425-4739.
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