Larry Wood is a name so synonymous with the Hot Wheels® brand that he is widely known as “Mr. Hot Wheels.” He is also widely known as the designer of such collector favorites as the Purple Passion®, the Bone Shaker®, the Olds™ 442™... the list is nearly endless.

Larry is also known as a real car guy. So it just made sense to throw his retirement party at the Automobile Driving Museum, located right next door to Mattel’s Design Center in El Segundo, California (watch for more about this fantastic place in an upcoming story here at HWC™). The celebration of a wondrous 40-year career was held on Friday, May 29 among some of the most rare and stunning automobiles ever created, including a few owned by past celebrities such as Howard Hughes and Eleanor Roosevelt!

On hand were many legends from the Hot Wheels® galaxy. Current Mattel designers such as Phil Riehlman and Mark Jones dropped in, as well as a few familiar faces from the past such as Bob Rosas and Carson Lev (aka “redphin”). Attendees were treated to the rockin’ stylings of the all-Mattel-employee band known as The Toys. A good time was had by all, and Larry received a fitting sendoff. Enjoy the pics!

But don’t worry -- we haven’t seen the last of Larry Wood. Hot Wheels® marketing manager Chris Bouman said, “I would like to say ‘Happy Retirement,’ but we have a few more cool things planned with Larry... and a few more cars. I… can't wait to see the COE and trailer rolling through El Segundo!”

Sounds like Larry will be enjoying his retirement by keeping busy... which is great news for Hot Wheels® collectors and car fans alike!