In 1968, Mattel introduced Hot Wheels to the world with a single line known as the “Original 16” or “Sweet 16”. This inaugural series consisted of 16 die-cast cars that set the standard for Hot Wheels’ future designs. Here is the list of all the Hot Wheels models released in 1968:

1. Beatnik Bandit
2. Custom Barracuda
3. Custom Camaro
4. Custom Corvette
5. Custom Cougar
6. Custom Eldorado
7. Custom Firebird
8. Custom Fleetside
9. Custom Mustang
10. Custom T-Bird
11. Custom Volkswagen
12. Deora
13. Ford J-Car
14. Hot Heap
15. Python (originally called “Cheetah,” but renamed due to trademark issues)
16. Silhouette

These models featured “Spectraflame” paint and “Redline” wheels (red stripes on the tires), which became iconic features of early Hot Wheels cars. The success of the Original 16 paved the way for Hot Wheels to become a staple in toy car collections worldwide.