Stock #28739
Collector #030

CB's Die Cast Review:  April 23, 2001

2001 First Editions™ #18
Outsider™

One of the more innovative cars to surface this year is Outsider, the first three-wheeler to appear in the Hot Wheels basic line.  The first of two 2001 First Editions motorcycles to debut, this streamlined bike and sidecar combination is all metal.  The die-cast body is zinc plated die-cast metal.  Interestingly, the wheels are not either of the current motorcycle types, but a modified version of the standard small-sized lace wheel.  The three wheels are individually mounted, asymmetrically from each other, on thicker axle rods in similar fashion to those on other recent First Editions bikes.

All of the decorations are colorfully tamped on the tops of both the main unit and the sidecar.  In another basic-line first, a driver and passenger are included.  Both figures are molded in a gray pliable rubber-like plastic, similar to the riders included with the old Rumblers and ChopCycles from the 1970s.  Both figures press fit into specific sections of the model.

This Malaysian-made model looks sharp once it is removed from the package.  Unfortunately, the worst viewing angle is the side visible in the blister pack, so the collectors who do not open their packages will not fully appreciate the design of this vehicle.  As with other First Editions motorcycles, Outsider doesn't roll that freely due to the high friction of the thick axles.  But it is a sharp looker, and should finish the year as one of the better releases of 2001.