Thanks to a lucky stop at my local Target earlier this month, I was able to find the first Super #Treasure Hunt of 2019, the #HW Speed Graphics Series #’90 Honda Civic EF. It was the first time in a very long time that I found an actual super pegged at Target so it came as a shock, and was followed by a brief happy dance. It was one super treasure hunt that I probably wouldn’t have bought, had I not found it at retail, so I was certainly glad that I did!

Once in my hand, I couldn’t but help notice some of the differences. It does closely resemble the common white variant of the #HW Speed Graphics Series #’90 Honda Civic EF so the cynical side of me thinks that is how this one actually got pegged. Either way, its in my collection now and I am happy to explain the obvious (and not so obvious) differences to you.

Hot Wheels ’90 Honda Civic EF from the 2019 HW Speed Graphics series (both variants, head to head)

First, the most glaring difference to me was the wheels. Thats how I spotted it several cars deep. The #Real Riders LW5 Wheels make a comeback of sorts here as I can’t remember that last time I saw them used, and its the first time they have been used on a Super #Treasure Hunt since the ’80 El Camino super in 2011. Regardless of what you think of that #Real Rider, you have to agree they look far superior to the #Japanese 5-Spoke Wheel used on the common white variant.

If you are at the pegs and are looking for that infamous “TH” logo on this #Civic, you’re not going to spot it when looking at the car as it sits in the package. Rather, you’ll have to check the rear-end license plate spot for the “TH” where it replaces the #GReddy logo from the common variant. Aside from that, there is no additional tampo disparity between the two.

Hot Wheels ’90 Honda Civic EF from the 2019 HW Speed Graphics series (both variants, rear view)

How about that paint? Visually, can you tell the difference? Isn’t there always a different paint used for the super?

Please allow for me to back track a little before I answer that.

Several months ago, it was announced by a couple people at Mattel that the 2019 Super #Treasure Hunts would feature a new #Spectraflame Paint. This was around the time the #HW 50th Originals Collection came out as it was stated the 2019 super THs would go through a similar application of spectraflame. When this #Civic was announced at the Hot Wheels Nationals Convention back in April, it was stated that the plant was testing a new “spectraflame white” … something that had not been met with success in the past. A few “spy shots” confirmed the effort as the paint had looked almost like a silver when applied over the ZAMAC body.

Ultimately, that decision was scrapped — or changed — as the super #Variation now wears more of a pearlescent white paint compared to the enamel white body of the common variant. The difference is very minimal, but very apparent when you get the two together up close. Below is my attempt to photograph the difference.

Hot Wheels ’90 Honda Civic EF from the 2019 HW Speed Graphics series (both variants, white paint comparison on hood)

So between the wheels, TH logo and the paint, the differences between common variant and Super #Treasure Hunt are obviously less apparent than we are used to. I obviously attribute the subtlety to the reasoning behind me finding one, so I am thankful for that.

Speaking of subtlety, check out the differences in the blister cards below. You’ll notice that the 2019 Super THs are no longer “unnumbered” as this one has the same mainline number (#4/250) as the common variant — and any additional colors that come along later in the year. So, with that said, the only card differences are: a) the artwork of the car has more of a silver color to it, and b) the #Flame Logo that hides behind the Hot Wheels car itself.

Hot Wheels ’90 Honda Civic EF from the 2019 HW Speed Graphics series (both variants, in package)

Hot Wheels ’90 Honda Civic EF from the 2019 HW Speed Graphics series (both variants, orange track)

Hot Wheels ’90 Honda Civic EF from the 2019 HW Speed Graphics series (super treasure hunt variant, open package)

As for the release in itself, we’ve seen that the #HW Speed Graphics Series has been the perfect place to infuse a little car culture into the mainline, incorporating real-world brands like #Greddy.

RELEASE DETAILS: White Enamel Body (metal). Tinted Windows. Dark Gray Interior. Chrome-Rim, Black Japanese 5-Spoke Wheels. Black Base (plastic). Made in Malaysia. Toy# FYC51. Released in 2019 as #8 of 10 in the HW Speed Graphics series (#4/250 in the 2019 mainline).

These two variants should fit in well with the growing family of #GReddy Hot Wheels cars that have been done the last several years in the mainline and premium lines.

What do you think of the Super #Treasure Hunt #’90 Honda Civic EF? Not enough differences from the common variant for you? … OR, do you like your THs to be more discrete?

RELEASE DETAILS: Pearl White Body (metal). Tinted Windows. Dark Gray Interior. Chrome-Rim, Black Real Riders LW5 Wheels. Black Base (plastic). Made in Malaysia. Toy# FYG11. Released in 2019 as #8 of 10 in the HW Speed Graphics series (#4/250 in the 2019 mainline).