Hotwheels Ford Model A Custom ’31 – Rod Squad 9/10

Product Description

The Hotwheels Ford Model A Custom ’31 brings classic American hot-rod culture to the 2026 Rod Squad series with a distinctive vintage-inspired design and an aggressive custom stance. This 1:64 die-cast model is part of the 2026 Mainline collection as Rod Squad 9/10 and 229/250, and it is also a Regular Treasure Hunt, making it an especially interesting release for collectors.

Based on the iconic 1931 Ford Model A, this miniature represents the customized hot-rod style that helped shape American car culture. The casting itself was designed by Craig Callum and originally debuted in 2025 before returning in 2026 with a new matte moody-blue finish and unique graphics.

Classic Ford Model A Heritage

The real Ford Model A was produced by Ford from 1927 through 1931 and became the company's major successor to the Model T. More than 4.8 million Model A vehicles were produced during its production run, with the car available in numerous body styles.

Hotwheels takes this historic platform and transforms it into a traditional custom hot rod. The miniature is based on “Old Red,” a real 1931 Ford Model A owned by Hotwheels Design Manager Craig Callum. Callum uses the full-size car as an occasional racing vehicle, giving the casting a direct connection to real-world hot-rodding rather than being simply a fictional design.

2026 Rod Squad Edition

For 2026, the Ford Model A Custom ’31 joins the Rod Squad lineup as 9/10 and carries collector number 229/250. Its toy number is JJM11, and the model was produced in Malaysia.

The standout feature of this release is its matte moody-blue finish. Instead of a glossy modern appearance, the muted color gives the miniature the weathered, traditional hot-rod character associated with custom-built vintage cars.

The body is complemented by detailed side graphics featuring a pale green cartoon wolf, along with “LICKERY SPLIT,” “VENICE CALIF,” “’FAULTY FREE’,” and “43” markings. The Hotwheels and Treasure Hunt logos are also incorporated into the graphics.

Traditional Hot Rod Styling

The Ford Model A Custom ’31 is designed around the traditional hot-rod philosophy of modifying an older car for improved performance and a more aggressive appearance. The casting features a stripped-down look with exposed mechanical elements, a low stance and custom body treatment.

Its design includes removed fenders, an exposed engine area and a distinctive side-exit exhaust arrangement. These details give the model a raw and mechanical personality that separates it from conventional classic-car castings. The original product description specifically presents the customized Model A as a traditional hot rod prepared for racing on beach, tarmac and dirt tracks.

Detailed 1:64 Die-Cast Model

Despite its compact 1:64 scale, this Ford Model A offers a surprising amount of visual detail. The clear windows allow collectors to see the grey interior, where a small racing helmet and goggles can be seen on the bench seat. This tiny interior detail is a particularly interesting feature of the casting.

The model uses WWIM wheels, a wheel type introduced with this casting. The black base works naturally with the muted blue body and helps maintain the rugged appearance of this custom hot rod die-cast.

Regular Treasure Hunt Edition

One of the biggest attractions of the 2026 release is its Treasure Hunt status. The Ford Model A Custom ’31 is officially listed as a Regular Treasure Hunt within the 2026 Rod Squad series. Its toy number is JJM11, while the Treasure Hunt identification is also reflected in the model's graphics and packaging.

For collectors who enjoy hunting for special Mainline releases, this makes the blue Ford Model A Custom ’31 more interesting than an ordinary standard assortment vehicle. It combines the appeal of a classic Ford hot rod with the added collector interest of a Treasure Hunt Hotwheels release.

A Collector-Friendly Hot Rod

The Hotwheels Ford Model A Custom ’31 is an excellent addition to collections focused on classic Ford cars, rat rods, custom hot rods, or the Rod Squad series. Its vintage-inspired shape gives it a completely different personality from modern sports cars and supercars commonly found in die-cast collections.

The unusual graphics also give this release plenty of character. The pale green wolf artwork, vintage-style lettering and weathered-looking blue finish make the model feel like a custom-built street machine with its own story.

For collectors building the complete 2026 Rod Squad collection, this model occupies the 9/10 position, sitting between the Custom ’62 Chevy Pickup at 8/10 and Uncertain-T at 10/10.

Why Collectors Will Love It

The Hotwheels Ford Model A Custom ’31 combines several elements that make a die-cast model memorable: authentic classic-car inspiration, custom hot-rod styling, detailed graphics and Regular Treasure Hunt status.

Its connection to Craig Callum’s “Old Red” gives the casting an additional layer of authenticity. Rather than simply recreating a generic 1931 Ford, the Hotwheels model is inspired by an actual customized vehicle associated with the designer.

The result is a 1:64 Ford Model A die-cast that looks particularly strong when displayed alongside other traditional hot rods, classic American cars and Rod Squad releases.

Product Specifications

The 2026 catalog information identifies JJM11 as the 229/250 Rod Squad Treasure Hunt, while the casting's original 2025 release was HYW24, also designed by Craig Callum.

Final Thoughts

The Hotwheels Ford Model A Custom ’31 Rod Squad is a character-packed classic hot rod that combines vintage Ford heritage with the creativity of modern die-cast design. Its matte blue finish, custom graphics, exposed mechanical styling and detailed interior make it visually distinctive, while its Regular Treasure Hunt status adds another reason for collectors to seek it out.

With its roots in Craig Callum’s real “Old Red” 1931 Ford Model A, this release has a genuine hot-rodding story behind the miniature. For fans of Hotwheels Rod Squad, classic American cars, custom builds and Treasure Hunts, the 2026 Ford Model A Custom ’31 is a standout addition to a 1:64 collection.
Hotwheels Ford Model A Custom ’31 Rod Squad 2026 – Treasure Hunt