The Hot Wheels Legends Tour returns to the UK in 2024 in search of the next car to transform into a 1:64 die-cast model (for sale around the world) and be inducted into the Hot Wheels Garage of Legends. New for this year is a partnership with the Gravity Show, the UK’s largest modified and supercar show. To be held from August 24-25 at the NEC, Birmingham, the show will host the three UK finalists and they will be judged by a team led by Hot Wheels’ designer Craig Callum. The winner will then compete against car builders from around the world at the Global Semi-Final on November 2 and the Global Grand Finale on November 11.
For the third consecutive year, the 2023 UK winner – Michael Wallhead’s MG Beast – beat a record number of entries to reach the Global Finale. Alongside the 2021 winner – Lee Johnstone’s 1969 Volvo P1800 gasser – which was the first non-US car to win, it highlights the UK’s place and standing in worldwide car culture.
Hot Wheels’ judging criteria for the UK contestants include authenticity, creativity and ‘garage spirit.’ The judges will look for extreme, on-trend, relevant vehicles while also considering the builder’s overall creativity and how the project stands out from the crowd. Evidence of early mornings, late nights and determination will also earn extra points.
Sharing his thoughts on the Legends Tour, Ted Wu, Senior VP and Global Head of Design for Vehicles at Mattel said, “The dedication and enthusiasm we see at Hot Wheels Legends Tour events around the world keep us motivated to build on the tour every year to find more ways to celebrate custom car builders and their drive to become legendary. The UK always blows us away with unique cars that are worthy of being recreated as Hot Wheels. From sleeper classics from the 60s and 70s, wild one-off customs, iconic race cars to the latest dramatic modified supercars, the sheer diversity and quality make the UK final a tough judgement but always offer true legends.”
To participate, entrants just need to upload a short video and brief description of their vehicle, highlighting its creativity, authenticity and ‘garage spirit’ at the official Legends Tour UK website before July 5. A participating vehicle can belong to the new, classic, road, or track category.