Produced and distributed by RadioShack from 2003 to 2010, XMODS are 1:28-scale electric radio-controlled cars that attract hobbyists in large part because they are fully customizable. XMOD upgrade accessories include body kits, motors, tires and wheels, light kits, and all-wheel drive.

Originally priced at around $40 to $50, XMODS were more affordable than most hobby-grade RCs, but with just as many, if not more, features. Each starter kit came with a car, a controller, extra parts, and tools. The first-generation cars even included miniature versions of Hot Rod magazine for American models and Super Street magazine for the Japanese cars.

First Generation XMODS

Retired in 2007, there are 11 models in the classic line, also known as Generation 1 or XMODS Custom RCs:

  • 1965 Ford Mustang - Pewter Blue1967 Chevrolet Camaro - Red1997 Toyota Supra - Red or White1999 Nissan Skyline GT-R V-Spec - Black or Yellow2000 Honda Civic Coupe - Black or Blue2003 Acura RSX - Silver2003 Chevrolet Corvette C5 - Silver2004 Acura NSX - Yellow2004 Nissan 350Z - Burnt Orange2004 Subaru Impreza WRX STi - Blue2004 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren - Silver

Evolution XMODS

Introduced in the Fall of 2005, the XMODS Evolution line features a new second generation chassis that can be used with bodies from the Generation 1 XMODS. There are eight models in the Evolution line— three trucks and five cars:

  • 1967 Pontiac Firebird - Purple2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VIII - Gray2004 Hummer H2 - Black2005 Nissan Infiniti G35 Sport Coupe - Red2005 Ford F-150 - Orange2006 Ford Mustang GT - Dark Blue2006 Toyota Scion tC - Silver2006 Nissan Titan - Red

Street Series XMODS

Making their debut in late 2008, the XMODS Street Series features seven body styles. Fixed crystals and the lack of additional body kits distinguish them from earlier XMODS:

  • 1965 Ford Mustang - Black2008 Nissan GTR - Silver2008 Audi R8 - Gun Metal2008 Corvette Z06 - Atomic Orange2009 Nissan 370Z - Red2009 Dodge Challenger SRT - Orange2010 Ford Mustang - Burgundy

Toy or Hobby?

Most RC vehicles are described as either toy-grade or hobby-grade.

Hobby-grade RCs usually have many more features and cost a lot more. However, with all the upgrades and modification possibilities, XMODS are more like hobby cars than toys. Just like hobby cars, XMODS have six different sets of crystals, allowing multiple vehicles to operate together. Each of the Evolution series has its own frequency (except for the Street Series, which has fixed crystals).

While young teens should be able to easily assemble XMODS and do some upgrades, younger children will need adult assistance with assembly and maintenance. Once they get the hang of it, though, operation of the XMODS is simple, and children ages eight and up should have little trouble driving them.

While some XMODS starter kits sell online at or near their original price—which is still less than most hobby-grade cars—rare or collectible models can cost much more. Still, RC enthusiasts wishing to expand their collection would do well to check out these vintage options.