1985 Proton Saga Hot Wheels Toy is Coming in 2023!

Image Credit: Harian Metro

The original Proton Saga is Malaysia’s first-ever production car, launched in 1985 by then Prime Minister, Tun Dr Mahathir. Ever since its inception, the first-gen Saga remains a local automotive icon, being a trailblazer that sets the path for other Malaysian-made models to follow. Such legendary status truly deserves a special homage, and the folks at Mattel Malaysia know this.

In conjunction with Mattel Malaysia’s 40th anniversary, its Hot Wheels toy cars brand are collaborating with national automaker Proton in producing the 1985 Proton Saga scale model. Being the first-ever Proton model to be made as a die-casted Hot Wheels offering at a 1:64 scale, and this is set for a special debut later in 2023.

Speaking at the aforementioned anniversary event is Steve Totzke, president and COO of Mattel Inc. “This is an exciting licence partnership as we join to develop a Hot Wheels car, modelled after the original Proton Saga, the first model manufactured by Proton, which will now become a part of the Hot Wheels singles collection,” said the exec.

“This licence partnership aims to uphold the proud legacies of both Mattel and Proton to continue to provide high-quality vehicles to fans of all ages worldwide,” Totzke added.

Also present during said event was Proton’s Deputy CEO, Roslan Abdullah.

Aside from the Proton-Hot Wheels collaboration, the event also sees Mattel Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. (MMSB) announced an expansion plan for its manufacturing plant in Seberang Perai, Penang. Set for completion in Jan 2023, it’s poised to transform MMSB’s Perai plant to the world’s largest Hot Wheels manufacturing plant, thus increasing its production capacity by about 20% by 2025.

Based on the 1983 Mitsubishi Lancer Fiore, the first-gen Saga is the Proton’s longest production model, having been produced for over 20 years since its 1985 debut. Throughout the two-decade span, a total of more than 1.2 million units of Saga were sold, thus making it the marque’s most successful model, ever.

As mentioned earlier, the 1:64 scale model of the 1985 Proton Saga is poised for its global launch later in 2023.

Keen on getting your hands on the iconic Proton Saga Hot Wheels model? What other Proton models should Hot Wheels produce next? Leave your answers in the comments down below…