Hot Wheels honours Leonard Nimoy with Spock and 1964 Buick Riviera set
A special edition Hot Wheels model pairs Leonard Nimoy’s iconic Spock character with his personal 1964 Buick Riviera, recreating a classic image from Star Trek history.
Hot Wheels has released a collector’s set commemorating Leonard Nimoy’s portrayal of Spock, pairing a scale figure of the Star Trek character with a 1964 Buick Riviera. The set recreates a well-known photograph of Nimoy, in full Spock costume, leaning against his personal Riviera on the studio lot during the original Star Trek series.
Nimoy’s Riviera, finished in a subtle metallic shade, was acquired in 1966 after NBC picked up Star Trek for a full series. While the car was already two years old at the time, it made a striking pairing with Nimoy’s Vulcan persona. The Riviera’s long, low profile and understated design suited the character’s reserved image.
A collector’s edition for fans and car enthusiasts
The Hot Wheels set was first made available at the San Diego Comic-Con on 21 July 2016, targeting both Star Trek fans and die-cast collectors. The model is also sold online through MattyCollector.com for $20. The packaging and figures are designed to mirror the classic photograph, with Spock posed against the Riviera’s front wing.
The 1964 Buick Riviera itself is a notable classic, powered by a 7.0-litre V8 in Gran Sport specification. While not capable of warp speed, it delivered strong performance for its era and remains a respected collector’s car. The Hot Wheels tribute is not the first time the brand has celebrated pop culture icons with automotive links, but this set stands out for its direct connection to Nimoy’s own car and the Star Trek legacy.
- Leonard Nimoy’s own 1964 Buick Riviera featured in Star Trek lore.
- Hot Wheels set recreates a well-known studio lot image.
- Released at San Diego Comic-Con and online for collectors.
Availability and collector interest
The set’s release ties in with renewed interest in Star Trek’s original cast following the rebooted film series, in which Nimoy reprised his role as Spock in 2009 and 2013. The tribute comes after Nimoy’s death in 2015 at the age of 83, adding a layer of nostalgia for fans. With a limited run and a modest price, the Hot Wheels Spock and Riviera set is likely to appeal to collectors of both automotive and television memorabilia.
