1980 - The Hi-Rakers (rear axles could be raised or lowered to increase the rake of the car) & Workhorses series were introduced.
1981 - The Hot Ones - "fastest non-powered metal cars" were introduced. The first collector's handbook was issued.
1982 - This was the first time Hot Wheels were issued at Mc Donald's. Mattel moved the production plant to Malaysia.
1983 - The 15th Anniversary of Hot Wheels. Real Riders were introduced and became a very popular series. Cars were now being made in Mexico, sold to it's domestic market, and France, sold to the European market ONLY!
1984 - Ultra Hot wheels were introduced as the fastest Hot Wheels ever made.
1985 - The first cereal cars were offered by Kellogg's.
1986 - Two more series were introduced - Speed Demons and Flip-Outs This was also the end of the Real Riders series until 1995.
1987 - The first price guide was issued. Also, the first collector's convention was held in Toledo, OH.
1988 - The 20th anniversary of Hot Wheels. Special gold and silver chrome cars were produced for the occasion.
1989 - Park-n-Plates were introduced - special cars in plastic "garages".
