Hot Wheels Legends Tour Returns to Los Angeles on October 8 in Search of the Next Hot Wheels Die-cast
- Presented by Mobil 1 and in partnership with Walmart and Dickies, the world’s largest traveling car show is coming to Los Angeles on Saturday, October 8
- This free, family-friendly event will take place at Walmart Baldwin Park from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. PT
- The Los Angeles stop is the final in-person event of tour, ahead of the virtual Global Semi Final and Grand Finale
- One of Los Angeles’ hottest custom builds could be the next Hot Wheels die-cast sold around the world – submit your entry now! TM
The Hot Wheels Legends Tour is returning to the car capital of the world in search of a custom build to immortalize as the next Hot Wheels die-cast on Saturday, October 8. This free, family-friendly event is open to cars of every make, model, and style from the San Fernando Valley to the Venice Boardwalk and beyond. Attendees can expect to see classic muscle cars, JDM imports, lowriders, and modified exotics, among other one-of-a-kind custom builds. Hot Wheels Garage of Legends life-size vehicles will also be on display, and limited-edition collectables, exclusive to the Hot Wheels Legends Tour, will be available for purchase.
The Los Angeles Hot Wheels Legends Tour stop will be held at 3250 Big Dalton Ave., Baldwin Park, CA 91706 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. PT. Local builders can register their custom car here: https://hotwheelslegends.com/event/2022/los-angeles
“Los Angeles is one of the most diverse cities in the world and its car culture is no different,” said Ted Wu, Vice President, Global Head of Design for Vehicles, Mattel. “Choosing just one car to move on to the finals will be extremely difficult with all of the eclectic styles that will be represented. This is our final in-person Hot Wheels Legends Tour event for 2022 and we can’t wait to see the amazing Southern California cars that will be on display.”
The judges will be on the lookout for the custom build that best showcases creativity, authenticity, and garage spirit. Each of the judges comes from a unique automotive background and their personal styles will play a major role in placing their votes. Judges for this stop include: renowned automotive artist Harold Cleworth; founder of the popular Vehicle Virgins YouTube channel Parker Nirenstein; radio DJ and podcaster Christian James Hand; The Car Girl influencer Kayla Delehant; founder of GI Automotive Amber Blonigan, along with members of the Hot Wheels design team.
Now in its fifth year, the Hot Wheels Legends Tour spans five continents and 16 countries, making it the largest traveling car show in the world. Each stop is a platform for custom car builders to showcase their passion projects with other automotive enthusiasts. The winner of the October 8 stop in Los Angeles will move on in the competition for a chance at the Global Grand Finale later this year, where the champion will have their car inducted into the Hot Wheels Garage of Legends and immortalized as an official Hot Wheels 1:64 die-cast.
Additional upcoming Hot Wheels Legends tour events include:
- October 20: Virtual Event
- November 10: Global Semi Final (Virtual Event only)
- November 12: Global Grand Finale (Virtual Event only)
Dickies, the global leader in workwear, is once again proud to join the Hot Wheels Legends Tour and celebrate the brand’s do-it-yourself personality. The Legends tour exemplifies “Built not Bought” and this falls right in line with Dickies, which is proud to be present at each of the tour stops providing Dickies wear for judges and staff. In addition, select commemorative Dickies apparel will be available to consumers at each Walmart stop with proof of Dickies purchase from inside the store. Visit the Dickies booth at the event for more details. To learn more about the Hot Wheels Legends Tour, visit www.HotWheels.com/Legends.
The winner of today’s Hot Wheels Legends Tour Los Angeles stop was just announced!
About the 1956 “Berlin Buick” VW Beetle:
Rob Freeman and his 1956 Volkswagen Beetle, known as the “Berlin Buick,” took home the win at the Los Angeles Hot Wheels Legends Tour stop after driving all the way from Syracuse, NY to compete. As a child, Freeman developed the idea for a mid-engine VW Beetle. Years later, he purchased a 1956 oval-window VW body for $1,000 and began to bring his childhood dream to life. The Beetle received the “Berlin Buick” moniker thanks to the 215ci Buick V8, producing 300hp, installed just behind the rear seats. The engine was selected due to its compact and lightweight design which allowed Freeman to keep the VW’s original proportions intact. To put the power to the ground, the Beetle was fitted with 15×12 inch rear wheels and massive drag slicks. The custom-built independent rear suspension even allows the wheels to fit under the original fenders. In keeping with the Buick theme, side trim from a 1957 Buick was applied to the body and classic 1953 Buick style portholes became strategically placed exhaust outlets. Additionally, the roof of the rag-top Bug was chopped four and a half inches for a sleek appearance and the custom interior features an adapted 1949 Buick dashboard and steering wheel.
Judges included:
- Charlie Angulo, Hot Wheels Designer
- Andres Andrieu, Hot Wheels Designer
- Harold Cleworth, Renowned Automotive Artist
- Parker Nirenstein, Founder of the Vehicle Virgins YouTube Channel
- Christian James Hand, Radio DJ and Podcast Host
- Kayla Delehant, The Car Girl
- Amber Blonigan, Founder of GI Automotive
About Hot Wheels
As a 54-year-old brand more relevant today than ever before, Hot Wheels is the world’s leading vehicle franchise which represents and unites all segments of car culture. For decades Hot Wheels has proven its influence in automotive and pop culture with legendary design and epic performance. Through unparalleled collaborations with global leaders in streetwear, fashion, luxury, entertainment, action sports and motorsports, Hot Wheels is the #1 selling toy in the world with over 8 billion vehicles sold. The brand engages fans of every generation through immersive live events, global competitions, theme park attractions, world-class digital gaming, consumer products and film and television content.
About Mattel
Mattel is a leading global toy company and owner of one of the strongest catalogs of children’s and family entertainment franchises in the world. We create innovative products and experiences that inspire, entertain and develop children through play. We engage consumers through our portfolio of iconic brands, including Barbie®, Hot Wheels®, Fisher-Price®, American Girl®, Thomas & FriendsTM, UNO® and MEGA®, as well as other popular intellectual properties that we own or license in partnership with global entertainment companies. Our offerings include film and television content, gaming, music and live events. We operate in 35 locations and our products are available in more than 150 countries in collaboration with the world’s leading retail and e-commerce companies. Since its founding in 1945, Mattel is proud to be a trusted partner in empowering children to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential.
About Mobil 1
Mobil 1TM 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.
