Hot Wheels cars inventor Elliot Handler dies

Elliot Handler,the inventor of Hot Wheels die-cast toy cars, died July 21 at his home in Southern California. He was 95 years old.

Handler and his wife, Ruth, and family friend Matt Matson founded the Mattel toy company in 1945. The company had a huge hit with the Barbie doll in 1959.

Seeking a popular toy for young boys, the company launched Hot Wheels cars in 1968. Hot Wheels cars were noted for their eye-catching designs and paint schemes. In nearly 43 years, there have been more than 10,000 designs of Hot Wheels cars.

By Dale Jewett