• Photos of the first 10 semifinalists can be found HERE
• 14 global stops remain before the Global Semi-Final and Grand Finale where the winning vehicle will become the next Hot Wheels diecast
• Presented by Mobil 1 and in partnership with Walmart in the U.S., the world’s largest traveling car show heads to the United Kingdom next on Saturday, August 24
• As part of the Walmart partnership, North American car builders can also submit their passion projects digitally through August 24 at 11:59pm PT

EL SEGUNDO, Calif., August 20, 2024 — With events across four continents and 13 countries, the 2024 Hot Wheels™ Legends Tour provides car builders from around the world an opportunity to compete to make Hot Wheels history by having their car turned into the next Hot Wheels die-cast. With the first half of this year’s Tour in the rearview, Hot Wheels is celebrating their drive to become legendary by showcasing the regional event winners to date. One of these 10 passion projects could be the next Hot Wheels die-cast sold around the world.

The U.S. leg of the 2024 Tour kicked off in Miami, Florida on May 11, followed by nine more events around the world. Photos of the regional winners are available HERE and information about each vehicle can be found below:

North American Winners

• Miami, Florida: “Karma” is a custom 1965 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia built by Jorge Lazcano which has been fully restored and modified inside and out over two and a half years. Lazcano’s Karmann Ghia retains the classic styling but features tasteful exterior and interior modifications. For performance upgrades, he dropped the vehicle on a static suspension setup, and then swapped the original motor for a larger 1600 Dual Port single carb motor, giving the little VW the power to match the aesthetic.
• Atlanta, Georgia: Jose Retana spent the past seven years customizing his 1995 Nissan 240SX alongside his family and friends, almost entirely in his own garage. Retana’s passion project was transformed with a front and rear Boss Kit, as well as an Air Lift suspension to achieve the desired wide and low stance. He also improved the performance by adding a 6.0-liter LS2 V-8 engine and an updated Nissan 350Z differential.
• Charlotte, North Carolina: The famous post office vehicle of the 1970s, the AMC Postal Jeep, was Eric Wade’s inspiration for a functional dragster. Built to honor Wade’s late father, nearly all the bodywork modifications, and a completely custom-built suspension were done by Wade himself. The Postal Jeep is certainly capable of delivering mail quickly, with a nitrous-equipped big block Chevy motor under the massive hood cowl, an 8-inch drop, drag radial tires, a drag racing parachute, and a custom roll cage on the inside.
• Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: With the help of friends and family, Joseph Venero turned a 1927 Ford Model T into a proper hot rod over the course of six years. The Philadelphia tour stop winner impressed the judges with twin Chevy 350 small block motors, quad turbos, and a total of six carburetors. All this gets crammed into the tailor-made frame, which is near unrecognizable from the original Model T, but now embodies the true spirit of a hot rod.

International Winners:

• Dubai, UAE: The Middle East tour stop winner, Sameh Helal, impressed the judges with his 2016 Volkswagen Beetle sporting a completely custom wide body kit that he designed himself. The body kit is built from carbon fiber and includes an aerodynamic rear spoiler with retrofitted headlights and taillights to complete the transformation to hot rod. Under the aggressively-styled Beetle, is a tuned stage 2 motor producing almost 400-horsepower, thanks to the IS38 turbo upgrade. Inside the car, the upgrades continue with a full Alcantara upholstery and Recaro racing seats.
• Le Mans, France: Alexandre Claudin had always dreamt of owning a 1981 Delorean, the iconic car from Back to the Future. In 2018, he realized his dream by purchasing two Deloreans in Pennsylvania and importing them to France. After selling one to finance his dream build, he spent three years transforming the classic, replacing nearly every part outside of the body and upholstery. Not to mention, Claudin dropped a 500-horsepower corvette engine into the car, fully customizing nearly every detail of this one-off hot rod.
• Hannover, Germany: After trading his his Golf R32 for a 1987 Porsche 944, Benjamin Pflug spent countless hours making it his own unique build. The interior includes bespoke touches like a includes a gold painted rollbar and racing steering wheel. Lowered on white OZ racing wheels, this Porsche has an aggressive stance that passersby cannot miss. Additionally, a large rear spoiler and a custom shade of paint with racing inspired graphics were added to complete the look.

“For more than 50 years, Hot Wheels has driven automotive performance and design; driving car culture for fans of all ages. While there can only be one winner, these 10 vehicles embody the authenticity, creativity and garage spirit needed to make it to the semi-finals,” said Ted Wu, Senior Vice President, Global Head of Design, Hot Wheels, Vehicles and Building Sets at Mattel, Inc. “The Hot Wheels Legends Tour is an opportunity for custom car builders to showcase vehicles that push the boundaries in automotive design while maintaining purpose-built performance. We’re celebrating cars that are built not bought and, as car enthusiasts ourselves, we know the dedication and time involved in these projects.”

For North American car builders that unable to attend a Tour stop in-person, Walmart Digital Submissions will remain open until August 24. A team of Hot Wheels judges and Walmart representatives will select one digital entrant to advance to the 2024 Hot Wheels Legends Tour semi-finals. For those interested in entering their ride, please visit https://hotwheelslegends.com/events/walmart-virtual-entries-us-2024.

One of this year’s largest regional Tour events is held amidst Southern California’s legendary car culture at the Hot Wheels’ headquarters in El Segundo on Saturday, October 5. The stop will feature a variety of on-site experiences including kid-friendly activities, designer meet and greets, live music, limited-edition die-casts available exclusively on the Hot Wheels Legends Tour, along with Hot Wheels Garage of Legends life-size vehicles.

To submit a custom build for the El Segundo Tour stop, visit:

https://hotwheelslegends.com/events/el-segundo-us-2024

 

Additional upcoming global stops include:

• August 24-25: In-Person Event in the United Kingdom
• September 1: In-Person Event in Brazil
• September 1: In-Person Event in Chile
• September 7: In-Person Event at Walmart in Dallas, Texas
• September 7: In-Person Event in Mexico
• September 8: In-Person Event in Colombia
• September 21: In-Person Event in Spain
• September 22: In-Person Event in Poland
• September: In-Person Event in Italy
• September 14: In-Person Event at Walmart in Houston, Texas
• September 28: In-Person Event at Walmart in Phoenix, Arizona
• October 5: In-Person Event at Hot Wheels Headquarters in El Segundo, California
• October 7: In-Person Event in Poland
• November date not yet announced: Global Semi Finals (Virtual)
• November date not yet announced: Global Grand Finale (Virtual)

The Global Semi Finals and Global Grand Finale will happen virtually to allow all enthusiasts and builders to tune in simultaneously. The Global Semi Finals and the Global Grand Finale will both be held on November, dates to be announced soon. Fans can visit hotwheels.com for the latest information and tour updates.

To learn more about the Hot Wheels Legends Tour, visit www.HotWheels.com/Legends.

About Mattel

Mattel is a leading global toy and family entertainment company and owner of one of the most iconic brand portfolios in the world. We engage consumers and fans through our franchise brands, including Barbie®, Hot Wheels®, Fisher-Price®, American Girl®, Thomas & Friends™, UNO®, Masters of the Universe®, Matchbox®, Monster High®, MEGA® and Polly Pocket®, as well as other popular properties that we own or license in partnership with global entertainment companies. Our offerings include toys, content, consumer products, digital and live experiences. Our products are sold in collaboration with the world’s leading retail and ecommerce companies. Since its founding in 1945, Mattel is proud to be a trusted partner in empowering generations to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential. Visit us at mattel.com.

About Mobil 1

Mobil 1™ motor oil is the world’s leading brand of synthetic motor oil. Our advanced technology allows Mobil 1 motor oils to meet or exceed some of the industry’s toughest standards and to provide exceptional protection under even extreme driving conditions. Mobil 1 motor oil is designed to help protect critical engine parts, maximize engine performance, and extend engine life. For more information, visit us online at www.mobil1.us or and follow @Mobil1 on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.