Uh-oh! Is Hot Wheels killing off the Cool Classics line, leaving the Datsun 510, Subaru BRAT, and Honda S2000 in limbo?

If this is true, it is not a good development.

Today Mattel posted an article on HWC that highlights what they say are the remaining models in the 2014 Cool Classics line.  They state that they have the complete list of expected castings for 2014, divided up into four mixes.  Three of the mixes have already been released, leaving this final batch:

Mix 4

• '65 Ford Galaxie
• Astro Funk
• '84 Ford Mustang
• Volkswagen Drag Beetle
• 1955 Corvette

Yes, those are some nice models.  But if this is the complete list of 2014 Cool Classics, that means two batches slated for a 2014 release have been cut:

Mix 5

• '70 Mustang Boss 302
• 1984 Hurst Olds
• Honda S2000
• Ford GT
• '65 Volkswagen Fastback

Mix 6

• Datsun 240Z
• Datsun Bluebird 510
• 1976 Chevy Chevette
• Subaru Brat
• '10 Ford Shelby GT500 Super Snake

Looking at those last two batches, there is not a weak model in the bunch.  There are many that we at Lamley and many of you readers are really looking forward to.  Mattel previewed many of the Mix 5 and Mix 6 models at the Nationals Convention a few weeks ago, but are not listing them as part of the official list on HWC.  So what happened?

1. Maybe it is a mistake.  Someone just forgot to add the last two batches in the article.  Let's hope.
2. Maybe those last two batches will actually be the first two batches of 2015.

Both of those options are fine with us, but not seeing those last two batches leaves us worried that the Cool Classics is sharing the same fate of so many other premium Hot Wheels lines.  

Cool Classics unfortunately are clogging the pegs, just like 2012 Boulevard, Hot Ones, and Flying Customs did before them.  The big-box stores could now be saying no to stocking them moving forward, leaning to the cancelation of the final batches.  

That happens, and we collectors have to be prepared to see that happen to the lines we like.  But ONCE AGAIN Hot Wheels has left the most desirable models for the final batches, and it looks like they may never see the light of day.

Think about all the people that missed out on the Boulevard 510 Wagon and Porsche 993, the many still looking for the Flying Customs Nissan Skyline and Texas Drive 'Em, those that never found the Racing Greenwood Corvette and BMW M3, and finally, the sad fact that the final batch of Racing, which was never produced, included a Toyota 2000GT in Shelby livery, a Tokyo Auto Show Kenmeri Skyline, and a racing Datsun 510.  Those are a lot of highly desirable models that were either not made or dumped in certain discount stores.  

So is it happening again?  We sure hope not, and will happily accept that this is just an oversight by the person in charge of the article.  But if it is true, enjoy the pics below.  It is the only way you might ever see these models:

Our feelers are out on this bit of news, so if we hear anything otherwise, we will pass it along...