Collector Spotlight April 2013: David Flegler’s Camaro Collection
A.K.A. "67CamaroCollector" at HWC
by HWC Eve
04-23-13
From Rascal Flatts to Kings of Leon, it’s easy to find someone singing the praises of the American automotive icon, the Camaro. And one look at the HWC screen name “67CamaroCollector” belonging to David Flegler, a 45 year-old parts manager from Stillwater, OK, and you’d probably guess that he’s a fan, too. Well, make that “mega super über total fan” and you just might begin to understand the depth of his love for all things Camaro, especially when they’re Hot Wheels!
HWC Eve: First, tell us about the Camaro photos you submitted. Very cool!
David Flegler: My 1:64 diecast collection consists of over 3,500 cars, with 75% of them being Mattel Hot Wheels Camaro cars. I had over 5,000 Hot Wheels years ago and then sold some of them to make room for my wife. She said she needed a place to put her things! I hated to get rid of them, but realized I needed to narrow my collection down to just my favorites. I will purchase every 1:64 scale 1967-1969 Camaro I see in a store. I just can’t get enough! I love this body style of the Chevrolet Camaro.
HWC Eve:How did you get into collecting Hot Wheels cars?
DF: I received Hot Wheels as gifts from family and just fell in love with the little 1:64 cars. I remember as a child I would spend hours in the basement playing with my Hot Wheels cars. These little cars became part of me and I had one with me most of the time, either in my hands or stuffed in my pockets. I have no intentions of ever stopping collecting until I am six feet under, and hopefully someone will stuff my pockets full of them when I die!
HWC Eve: What’s the first Hot Wheels car you had?
DF: My first Hot Wheels that I can remember is my green Heavy Chevy and I still have it to this day. I am not sure who bought it for me, but it has been a part of me since I was around 3 years old.
HWC Eve: Best Hot Wheels car in your collection?
DF: My best and favorite Hot Wheels in my collection is my mail-in blue ‘67 Camaro, and yes, I have released it from the plastic wrapper. My other favorite is the reverse-base ’67 Camaro. I found my first (an X-Ray Cruiser Series) in a drug store hanging on a peg. I thought to myself, what is wrong with this? Then I looked it over hard, and realized the body had been installed on the base backwards. I have 22 different variations of the Hot Wheels ’67 Camaro with the reverse base.
HWC Eve: Latest, greatest Hot Wheels release?
DF: My favorite newer casting from Hot Wheels is the Bone Shaker. It is one I keep my eyes open for, as well as any Camaro cars. Larry Wood is an absolutely AMAZING artist!
HWC Eve: Best Hot Wheels casting of all time? Hmm… what could it be, what could it be? ;-)
DF: For me the ’67 Camaro is the all-time best Hot Wheels casting. I can’t get enough of them. I love the variations and, of course, the opening-hood feature.
HWC Eve: How do you display your cars? Do you open them?
DF: I display my Hot Wheels in an Oakley Sunglasses case and my Hot Wheels closet. I had them all out on the walls of my Hot Wheels room until my youngest son, Ben, decided to open some of my most sought after and most desirable ‘67 Camaro cars (’95 TH, ZAMAC and many, many others). My wife called me and I immediately left work and drove home to see the damage. Ben said, “Daddy, I just wanted to play with them.” I actually cried that day, but now realize they look so much better out of the package. Thanks, Ben!
HWC Eve: Okay, last question… what’s your fondest Hot Wheels memory?
DF: My fondest memory with Hot Wheels is when my mother called me to tell me she had found something of mine from my childhood. Mom and Dad were doing a remodel and addition to their existing home. While moving items in the attic, she came across my 48-car carry case that included 48 cars from my childhood collection. I still have it with the cars, and cherish it very much. I hope to someday pass it on to one of my sons who will cherish it as much as I do. Thanks, Mom!
COLLECTOR QUICKSTATS:
- 1:1 SCALE CAR: “My daily driver is a 2012 Toyota Tundra double cab in “magnetic grey” with the big 5.7 V8. This truck is a POWERHOUSE! I have also owned six different year model GM Camaro cars over my lifetime and truly miss my old “friends and companions.” However, I will own another in the future; I guarantee it!”
- OTHER CAR CLUBS: "I only belong to the Hot Wheels Redline Club. I have been a member since 10/14/01, member #2459. This is the club for me. It has so many great people and awesome diecast to feast my eyes on. I LOVE this club!”
- OTHER HOBBIES: “I enjoy my family time with wife Jeannine and our two sons, Evan and Ben. I have a passion for fishing, hunting, biking, and just about anything outdoors.”
We're always looking for our next collector, custom or club to spotlight. If you would like to be considered for the HWC Spotlight, we want to hear from you. You could be in the spotlight next! Here's how:
- First, answer the questions found here: Spotlight questionnaire.
- Include two or three good photos, including one of you. They should be JPG images, and 700 x 500 are best. If we choose your entry, we will ask for more later.
- E-mail your answers and images to us at gary.barnum@mattel.com.
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