Toy maker Hot Wheels gives car owners the chance to have their pride and joy recreated in miniature
The Hot Wheels Legends Tour is set to return this year, a competition searching for a real-life car to recreate as a 1:64 scale die-cast model by the famous toy brand.
Now in its fifth year in the UK and eighth globally, the tour invites entries from a wide range of automotive enthusiasts, including classic car restorers. For the first time in the competition’s history, the 2025 UK winner will also receive a trip to El Segundo, California, to attend the final stop of the American arm of the tour.
The UK competition is run in collaboration with Smyths Toys Superstores, Forge Motorsport and online auction site Collecting Cars. A panel of judges – Hot Wheels designer Craig Callum, YouTuber Mat Armstrong and presenter Nicola Hume – will evaluate submissions based on three core criteria: authenticity, creativity, and what the brand refers to as ‘garage spirit’, a nod to personal dedication and hands-on craftsmanship.
The entry process requires three images of the vehicle and a brief description to be submitted via the official website, hotwheelsuklegendstour.co.uk, by 4 July. All types of vehicles are eligible, including restomods, racing cars, custom classics, drag racers, off-roaders and trucks.
After an initial online selection process, three finalists will be invited to showcase their vehicles at the Gravity Show on 23–24 August at the NEC in Birmingham. The judges will select one UK finalist in front of a live audience at the event, with the finalist advancing to the European stage to fight for a chance to compete in the Global Grand Finale. The 2025 UK winner will also receive a merchandise package and a £150 Forge Motorsport voucher.
The global winner will have their vehicle added to the Hot Wheels Garage of Legends and turned into a die-cast model for global retail.
Previous UK entries have performed strongly in the competition, with a British vehicle reaching the global final each year since the UK’s inclusion. In 2021, the UK-based 1969 Volvo P1800 Gasser became the first non-US car to win the global title.
“What began as a series of U.S. events has grown into a global tour for car and Hot Wheels enthusiasts around the world to share their passion projects while competing for a chance to have their creations immortalised in 1:64-scale,” said Ted Wu, senior vice president and global head of design for vehicles at Mattel. “The UK always provides compelling contenders to the competition – entrants take huge pride in their vehicles, demonstrating ingenuity, charm and true garage spirit. We can’t wait to see this year’s UK finalists!”
For more information, visit hotwheelsuklegendstour.co.uk
