Turn your custom car into a diecast model with Hot Wheels

Australian car lovers once again have the opportunity to turn their custom-built cars into diecast models, with the launch of the 2023 Hot Wheels Legends Tour.

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The global competition is entering its sixth year since launching in 2018, embarking on another global quest to find some of the most innovative modified cars to potentially become part of the Hot Wheels Garage of Legends. 

Entrants from around the world, Australia included, could see their personalised vehicle turned into a 1:64-scale diecast model to be sold in stores around the world.  

They will be competing against submissions from 16 other countries vying for the attention of judges including motorsport royalty Mad Mike Whiddett, Australian rally champion Molly Taylor, renowned visual artist Jeswri as well as a team of experienced Hot Wheels designers.  

"Built, not bought" is the key criteria for entry, with judges apparently looking for "creativity, authenticity and garage spirit".

If chosen as one of just 10 finalists, your car will progress to compete at the global grand finale in November.

Over 10,000 Hot Wheels fans entered in last year's competition, but Australia's Corey Solomon was the only one to progress to the final 10.

Solomon's Mad-Max-inspired, jacked-up Mini Clubman – nicknamed 'Frankenmini' – came close to claiming the overall title, ranking in most of the judges' top three picks last year.

However, the 2022 trophy went to a 1992 Autozam Scrum custom rig built by American entrant Craig Meaux.

Meaux's Hot Wheels monster truck, nicknamed “Texas Toot”, will be memorialised in 1:64-scale and is due to hit stores around 2024.

If you have a custom ride that has what it takes to compete at the 2023 Hot Wheels Legends Tour, you can register here.

We've taken the liberty of entering James Ward's Lada Niva to help navigate the process. Simply fill in the form, include a description and some photos of your car and, as the site says, hang tight to hear if you have been selected.

The winner for the Australia and New Zealand portion of the competition will be announced online at 5.00pm on September 28, 2023.

Winners will score bragging rights and the honour of having their creation become a part of the Hot Wheels die-cast collection forever.

However, aside from a jazzy trophy, the overall winner doesn't get a cut of the proceeds from sales of their creation.

You'll have to wait a while for your dream to be realised, with the winning car from 2021 only just hitting shelves this year. 

Start those engines and get snapping!