Hot Wheels Convention Code 3 collector cars

What is a code 3 custom hot wheel?
Code 3 cars are customized Hot Wheels cars done by a third party with no licensing by Mattel. They start as a stock Hot Wheels model off the shelf. Then, the third party disassembles the cars for repainting, graphics, and new packaging.

What are Code 1 Diecast Cars?
Code 1: Any diecast produced by the manufacturer. It could be a mainstream toy or model, a limited edition, or an ordered promotional. The important thing is that it has been produced totally by the manufacturer.

What are Code 2 Diecast Cars?
Code 2: Any diecast that has been finished by a second party, with the knowledge and agreement of the manufacturer. Examples could be a batch of plain white or colored models that have had their decals added by another company, with the manufacturer's consent. It could be castings ordered unpainted, finished, and presentation boxed under license. Two companies have been involved in the finishing process, where usually there would be one.

What are Code 3 Diecast Cars?
Code 3: This is the refinishing or alteration of a model without the manufacturer's consent. This description sounds almost dodgy, but Code 3 is now a recognized collectible in its own right, and there is nothing illegal or unscrupulous in these singular alternative models.

Code 3 covers a broad spectrum and can mean simply a wheel swap by adding Real Rider to mainline basic. To change the vehicle's color and look with new graphics.

Any model intentionally altered in appearance from its original manufactured look without the manufacturer's consent above.