A Nostalgic Ride: Stranger Things and the Rise of Retro Car Model Kits

If there’s one thing Stranger Things does better than terrifying monsters, it’s transporting us straight back to the dusty, neon-glowing nostalgia of the 1980s. From the synth soundtrack to the flannel shirts and arcade cabinets, the show nails the era so convincingly that you can almost smell the new-car vinyl of a wood-paneled station wagon.

So it’s no surprise that model kit makers have jumped on board—literally—with a wave of plastic car kits inspired by the vehicles seen cruising through Hawkins.

Hopper’s square-jawed Chevy Blazer has become something of a star itself: rugged, dependable, and a little rough around the edges—just like the Chief. Fans can now build scale replicas of the iconic SUV, piece by piece, right down to the chunky tires and old-school police light bar. There are also kits inspired by the Byers family’s earthy Ford Pinto wagon and Steve Harrington’s sleek, scene-stealing BMW, each one capturing a different slice of Hawkins life.

These kits are more than just collectables—they’re miniature time capsules. For veteran model builders, they offer all the satisfying fit, finish, and detail work you’d expect from classic automotive kits, with the added fun of customizing them to match their on-screen appearances. And for newcomers? They’re a welcoming, nostalgia-fueled entry into the hobby.

Much like the show, these model cars are built from love, memory, and a hint of eerie magic.

And luckily, unlike venturing into the Upside Down, the only danger here is getting glue on your fingers.