Hot Wheels FYB42 and Fig Rig: The Real Story Behind Two of Mattel's Strangest Releases

If you have dug through Hot Wheels cases or scrolled through listings for a while, you have probably hit a few head scratchers. Two of the most confusing releases in recent memory are the FYB42 multipack and the Fig Rig. Both get collectors asking questions, and honestly, the questions make sense. These are not your typical mainline singles or store exclusives. Here is what they actually are, why they exist, and what to know if you come across one.

What Is Hot Wheels FYB42?

FYB42 is a Mattel product code, not a casting name. Start there. Mattel uses these codes to track assortments, and FYB42 happens to be a multipack. A 5 pack, to be exact, that showed up in some retail channels around 2022 and 2023. The contents can vary, and that is where the confusion starts. Some collectors have found a mix of fantasy castings and licensed models. Others have found completely different combinations.

The FYB42 code itself is not rare. These multipacks were made in large numbers and are still easy to find in some stores. But since the contents are not fixed, collectors have started treating certain FYB42 packs as variations. Find one with a desirable casting inside and it might be worth more than the standard pack. Just do not expect to retire on it.

Why Collectors Are Confused

The main problem is that Mattel does not publish a definitive list of what goes into each FYB42 pack. The assortment number stays the same even when the contents change. That is common with multipacks, but it gives collectors headaches when they want to know exactly what they are buying. Some sellers list FYB42 packs with specific castings, and those listings can be wrong, because the seller might not know the exact contents either.

Packaging adds to the confusion. FYB42 packs use a standard 5 pack box with a window. The artwork is generic, and nothing on the front says it is a special release. The only way to know what is inside is to look through the window or open the pack. That makes buying online a bit of a gamble.

Tip: If you are buying a FYB42 pack online, ask the seller for a photo of the actual item, not a stock image. That way you can see the castings through the window before you commit.

Should You Collect FYB42?

If you are a completist who collects every Mattel multipack, then yes, you probably want one. But if you are chasing rare or valuable pieces, FYB42 is not a priority. The packs are common, and the castings inside are usually available elsewhere. The exception is a pack with a hard to find color variant or a casting that never came out as a single. Those exist, but they are few and far between.

Our advice: treat FYB42 as a fun find, not a grail. See one at the store with a casting you like? Grab it. But do not pay a premium for a sealed pack online unless you can confirm the contents.

What Is the Fig Rig?

The Fig Rig is an actual Hot Wheels casting, and it is one of the strangest in recent years. It is a fantasy model that looks like a cross between a fig (the fruit) and a rig (the truck). Yes, you read that right. The casting has a large fig shaped body on a truck chassis, wheels and cab included. It came out in 2023 as part of the mainline segment series, specifically in the Food Trucks segment.

The Fig Rig is not a licensed model. It is a pure Hot Wheels design, sitting in the same category as other food themed castings like the Carbonator, the Fast Fish, and the Donut Drifter. These castings are meant to be fun and quirky, and they tend to appeal to kids and to collectors who appreciate the absurd.

Design and Variations

The Fig Rig has a metal body and a plastic base, standard for mainline castings. It features a purple fig body with a green stem, and the cab is painted to look like a leaf. The wheels are standard 5 spoke, and the details are minimal. No moving parts, and no special features beyond that unusual shape.

So far, the Fig Rig has come out in a few color variations. The first release was purple, and later versions have appeared in other colors, including a green variant. These variations are not hard to find, but they are popular with collectors who focus on food themed castings. There are also reports of a chase variant, but we have not been able to confirm that. Be cautious if someone claims to have a rare Fig Rig without solid evidence.

Why the Fig Rig Stands Out

The Fig Rig is memorable because it is so odd. Hot Wheels has a long history of weird castings, from the Toilet Truck to the Snot Rod, and the Fig Rig fits right in. It is the kind of casting that makes you do a double take when you see it on the pegs. For collectors who enjoy the lighter side of the hobby, it is a must have.

It also has a bit of a cult following. Some collectors are actively hunting all the color variants, and the Fig Rig has started showing up in trade lists. It is not valuable, but it is fun. And sometimes that is enough.

The Connection Between FYB42 and Fig Rig

Here is where things get interesting. The Fig Rig has been found inside some FYB42 multipacks. That is right: the two oddities are connected. Because FYB42 packs can contain a variety of castings, it is possible to find a Fig Rig inside one. That has led some collectors to seek out FYB42 packs specifically hoping to find the Fig Rig, especially if they are trying to complete a set of food themed castings.

But it is not a guarantee. Not every FYB42 pack contains a Fig Rig. Most do not, in fact. The packs are assorted, and the Fig Rig is just one of many possible castings. So if you are hunting for a Fig Rig, you are better off looking for the single release. The multipack is a bonus if you happen to find one.

Collector Tips for Finding and Evaluating These Releases

If you are on the hunt for either FYB42 or the Fig Rig, here are some practical tips from our years of peg hunting.

Check the case codes: FYB42 packs often ship in cases with a specific code. If you see a fresh case, take a look. The Fig Rig might be inside. But case codes are not always reliable, so do not assume.
Inspect the packaging: For FYB42, look through the window to see the actual castings. For the Fig Rig single, check the card for bends or creases, especially if you plan to keep it carded. A mint card is always more desirable.
Know the variations: The Fig Rig has at least 2 color variants (purple and green). If you are a variation hunter, keep an eye out for both. The purple one seems to be more common, but that could change.
Use our catalog: We maintain a detailed database of Hot Wheels releases, including multipack contents when known. Check our catalog to see if a particular FYB42 pack has been documented with a Fig Rig inside.
Do not overpay: Neither FYB42 nor the Fig Rig is rare. You should be able to find them at retail or for a few dollars online. If someone is asking a premium, walk away.

Tip: When buying multipacks, always ask for the actual photo. Stock photos will not show you the castings inside, and you might end up with a pack full of fantasy models you already have.

FAQ

Is the Fig Rig rare? No. The Fig Rig is a mainline casting and was produced in large numbers. It is not rare. Certain color variants might be harder to find, but none are considered rare at this time.

Can I find a Fig Rig in a FYB42 pack? Yes, it is possible. Some FYB42 packs have been found to contain the Fig Rig. But it is not guaranteed, and most packs do not include it. If you are specifically looking for a Fig Rig, buy the single release.

What does FYB42 stand for? FYB42 is an internal Mattel product code for a 5 pack assortment. It does not have a specific meaning beyond that. Mattel uses these codes for tracking and inventory purposes.