A 1983 Austin Mini, remodelled with styling to evoke the classic Bentley Speed 8s of the 1920s, was named as the winner of the 2024 Hot Wheels Legends Tour UK.
Set to be recreated as a 1:64 scale die-cast model, the Mini ‘Mentley’ was first conceived as a track day car, before being gradually transformed into the showpiece it is today. Beneath the bonnet is a fully engineered 320bhp TVR V8 engine and Range Rover gearbox, when boosted by nitrous through straight exhaust pipes, early trials suggest it may achieve 0-60mph in three seconds in a straight line – if the driver is courageous enough!
Owned by a trio of musicians – Dominic Whittle, Gary Selby and Mike Williams – the three friends use it to travel across Europe with their instruments strapped to the luggage raising money for Save the Children.
Beating over 180 entries, Dominic Whittle’s Mini ‘Mentley’ impressed the judging panel, led by Hot Wheels’ design manager Craig Callum, with its unmistakable authenticity and character.
“With a wild engine transplant squeezed into a unique design twist of two British icons, Dominic Whittle’s Mini ‘Mentley’ perfectly captures the fun we are looking for, and if you look at our past Legends, this is a true contender – it’s the kind of design we would develop in the studio ourselves. It’s got such authenticity, but it’s also completely different, there are so many little touches that give it character. When I think practically about how we make a die-cast Hot Wheels, with four main component parts, the vehicle lends itself for manufacture. It’s spot on.”
After winning the UK leg of the Hot Wheels Legends Tour, the Mini ‘Mentley’ will compete against regional finalists at the Global Semi-Final on November 2nd with the Grand Finale set for November 11th with the overall victor being transformed into a die-cast that will be sold around the world.