Hot Wheels Modern Classics Sounds Like an Instant Winner With Three New Cars

Depending on who you ask, "Modern Classics" might ring a different bell for different people. Some older collectors might instantly think of the 2008 series of cars that featured Spectraflame or Chrome paint jobs but rolled around on entry-level wheels. Others will immediately think of Car Culture, as this is the most recent example.

You can trace the origins of the new Modern Classics sets to 2017, when four out of five collectibles were replicas of European cars. The '85 Honda CR-X was the least exciting model of the set, as it had to compete with the likes of the '92 BMW M3, Porsche 964, Renault 5 Turbo, and Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16 EVO II. The tables turned in Modern Classics 2, and Japanese cars outnumbered German ones three to two. Modern Classics 3 hinted that JDM machines are increasingly popular with collectors, with four against a single BMW M3. And now we're looking at Modern Classics 4, the fifth Car Culture release for 2023.

With three months left before the year ends, there are still three more sets on the horizon: HW Off-Road, Exotic Envy, and Slide Street. I have yet to see the complete list for the latter, but I know it will have another version of the RTR Mustang inside, alongside a Nissan 240 SX (S14) and a Lamborghini Huracan. But both of the other two sets feature several novelties, including a brand-new casting and two cars that are moving up from Mainline to Premium. But more on that in a future story!

Honda Civic EG

Honda is the only brand that has been a part of every Modern Classics set. And this is the second time Mattel has opted for the Civic EG casting. Ryu Asada designed this one and debuted in 2020 with Fast Tuners. It featured a simple yet effective design, with a yellow paint job and contrasting black hood and rims. In Modern Classics 2, it was the only collectible to feature a livery, and I wonder if going for Hello Kitty graphics was the best move.

There has been only one non-premium variation of this casting, as Mattel used it with the Honda Civic-themed Automotive Assortment in 2022. I prefer this casting over the drag-ready Civic Custom, which makes me reminiscent of the days I used to drive an EG6. While the new variation of the EG is also yellow, it features an iconic Spoon Sports livery to make it pop.

Any true Honda enthusiast will instantly recognize this design, and I can tell you it's still possible to buy one of these cars. Finding one for under $10K is still feasible; don't expect it to be in mint condition. As for the wheels on the tiny EG, Mattel went for the same 6-spoke design as most previous models. I'm not complaining, but I hope the following variation will change things up.

'98 Toyota Altezza

Collectors are always happy to see when Mattel introduces a new casting to the game. Every good Premium set of five cars should have one, but the diecast manufacturer has outdone itself this time. The '98 Toyota Altezza is one of three brand-new castings showcased in Modern Classics 4. And that can only mean that this mix will be in high demand as soon as it hits the market.

To make things even more interesting, this is the first Toyota to appear in Modern Classics, as the only other Japanese manufacturers to get this distinction so far were Honda, Nissan, Mitsubishi, and Subaru. Mark Jones designed this casting; some of you may know it as the Lexus IS instead. Hardcore D1GP fans might even remember that Nobuteru Taniguchi competed in the HKS Altezza back in the day.

The new Toyota casting features a simple Silver finish with matching 5-spoke Modern Real Riders wheels. Mattel wanted to debut this model with a bang so the luckiest collectors would find a second, black Chase version of the Altezza inside cases of 10 cars. Just make sure you order yours from some shop that will deliver them factory-sealed.

Fiat Abarth 131

The second new casting for Modern Classics 4 is the Fiat Abarth 131, which Mark Jones designed too. This is the first Italian vehicle featured in the series, and it's not likely the last one. If seeing this car alone doesn't get you all worked up, here are some key facts to get you going. Fiat won three WRC Manufacturers' Titles with the 131 Abarth in 1977, 1978 and 1980 respectively. Marku Allen won his only WRC title in 1978 with the help of the same car.

Meanwhile, Walter Rohrl won his first World Championship with the Italian race car in 1980! Now you have a clearer picture of why the Abarth 131 is iconic. The 1/64th-scale First Edition from Hot Wheels features a red finish and Mini Classic 4-spoke Real Riders wheels. It's certainly a must-have for any rally enthusiast, but also for collectors who have grown tired of the endless stream of American cars.

VW Corrado VR6

The VW Corrado VR6 is the third and final new casting in this new set of Premium vehicles. Phil Riehlman designed this one, and it's the second Modern Classics VW so far. The VW Jetta MK3 was one of the highlights of Modern Classics 2, and three years have passed since we've seen a new variation of this casting. As for the Corrado VR6, I remember seeing this as a proper bad-boy car growing up.

Most guys were driving around in Golfs or Jettas, but only a select few had Corrados, at least around my hometown. While the supercharged G60 model was exciting, most aspired to own a VR6-powered machine instead. It only makes sense that Mattel chose the latter for a 1/64th-scale appearance. Royal Violet looks spectacular on the Corrado, and I'm so happy the diecast manufacturer didn't ruin the car by using black wheels.

I don't think I've ever seen a Hot Wheels car that doesn't work well with the Real Riders 10-Spoke Modern wheel design. The Corrado VR6 should make it to the Mainline series in the future, and I'm sure I speak for other collectors as well when I say it would be great if Mattel made a Super Treasure Hunt version of it, too.

'91 Mazda Miata

The last item in Modern Classics 4 is the '91 Mazda Miata. It's the first premium variation of the casting that Ryu Asada designed about five years ago. A complete collection would require eight basic variations, one of which was a Treasure Hunt model in 2021. The Modern Classics version features an Artichoke Green finish and Real Riders 8-spoke wheels.

If you think about it, it's almost like this is an upgrade to the 2019 Dark Green variation, a GameStop-exclusive release. While I realize how immensely popular the Miata is, having sold millions and millions of units over the past three decades, Mattel will likely develop more iterations of the FC RX-7 soon. Judging by the sneak peek from Los Angeles, a non-premium version of the rotary-powered coupe is coming.

But I'm sure other premium variations are in the works as well. If you're as eager as I am for the release of this set, some online stores have already listed pre-order options for it. You'll have to pay under $70 for a case of 10 cars to get a chance at finding the ultra-rare Chase model or just under $40 for a set of five items. Happy hunting, everyone!