The Hot Wheels Legends Tour hit metro Phoenix on September 10, 2022, and the ClassicCar.com Journal was on hand to bring you the latest and greatest footage from this diecast event.
The modus operandi of this event, which has toured through major cities in the U.S. and Canada (plus several virtual stops slated for elsewhere), is to find a custom vehicle worthy of the ultimate claim to fame: becoming a Hot Wheels die-cast car, aka Legend. “Our Hot Wheels design team, joined by celebrity judges and special guests at every stop, select the finalists from a fresh crop of amazing builds.”
Basically, what it is is a car show where everyone is hoping, “Oh, oh, pick me!” In addition, “The Hot Wheels Legends Tour … brings new and ultra-rare collectibles only available to virtual and live event attendees” with several diecast displays that you generally don’t find in your friendly neighborhood Walmart.
So, what makes a Hot Wheels Legend? According to Mattel, this is the roadmap:
Authenticity: “Ever seen a car and said, ‘Wow, that looks like a Hot Wheels’?” A vehicle that embodies that sentiment checks all the boxes here.
Creativity: Lots of Hot Wheels have been made, but what are the “never-seen-before designs that stand out from the rest?” Imagination counts for a lot.
Garage Spirit: No checkbook restorations here—restorations done in your garage carry special weight.
Several Hot Wheels cars have also been created into 1:1 replicas, with some present at this Phoenix event. But the best part is the end of the show where a winner is announced. Which vehicle was so special that it was designated a finalist in the Legends competition? This completely owner-fabricated Radio Flyer!
What’s your favorite in the below photo gallery?