Hot WheelsHot Wheels added legendary builds inspired by, well, automotive legends. And I got to see the cars (and meet the legends).As a little girl growing up in Miami, I remember seeing supercars as they cruised through town; they were sharp, polished and loud, and they turned every head on the street. I'd go home and get out my Hot Wheels and build my own supercar world.Hot Wheels allowed me to hold a dream car in my hand, to get closer to its details and dream of what it can do on a track. In 2018, Mattel brought that world even closer to fans by creating the first Hot Wheels Legends Tour, a competition to celebrate the artistry of automotive design. In the years since, hundreds of thousands of kids just like me got to see, touch and hear some of the coolest cars ever built, and even more got to take one home; the winner of each year's competition becomes a scale model and is added to the brand's collection.AdvertisementAdvertisementBut this year that idea just got a whole lot cooler: Hot Wheels introduced its first Class of Legends, a group of passionate car owners whose cars will be reproduced in Hot Wheels die-cast scale models that anyone can own.Best of all, Supercar Blondie, the biggest female automotive influencer in the world, is among them, and now, anyone can own a replica of her custom hand-painted black and floral Lamborghini Huracán. Not to ignore the other Class of Legends: Soccer star Robert Lewandowski and his '97 Porsche 911 GT1 and Colombian singer Maluma and his Toyota Land Cruiser FJ60.This story is 100% human-researched and written based on actual first-person knowledge, extensive experience and expertise on the subject of cars and trucks. Additionally, I was a guest of Hot Wheels for this reveal but all opinions, and inspo and dreams, are my own.All These Years Later, Hot Wheels Still Inspires Me, and So Does the Class of LegendsBeing at the HQ of Barbie and Hot Wheels validates the dreams of 10-year-old meAs a kid, Hot Wheels inspired me to dream about cars, to believe that I could be part of the car world. And it was a risk; being the only girl coming to school with a Mustang on her lunchbox (or in her sweater pocket!) was a bit unusual. But in the Class of Legends, I see my inner 10-year-old self, inspired to take risks, defy the typical and push past obstacles. This is what each honoree represents: The drive to go beyond the usual and achieve their own dreams.AdvertisementAdvertisementAchieving her dream and ignoring the critics is what defines Alex Hirschi, aka Supercar Blondie. "It's just a part of who I am, always saying 'yes' to the next challenge, and I know it's a challenge if it scares me. That's how I've been able to grow," she told us. "It's nice feeling comfortable sometimes, but accepting the next challenge is where success lies."The partnership with Hot Wheels just makes sense. "Hot Wheels has always represented that moment when you decide to go for it, to take an idea, a dream or a challenge and see just how far you can push it," said Alex Ries, global head of Hot Wheels. This challenger spirit is universal in Hot Wheel's first Class of Legends, each chosen for how they embody this in all they do. "They've taken risks, challenged expectations and continued to push forward to become legends in their own worlds," Alex told us.Read: Mattel's Brick Shop Has a Realistic Super Car Kit For Your Super Car FanWhat Inspired the Class of Legends and Their Hot Wheels ReplicasAlex Hirschi, aka Supercar Blondie, at the kick of the Hot Wheels Class of Legends celebrationAlex Hirschi's Lamborghini Huracán LP 610-4, "Lucy," represented a monumental moment for her; not only did it mean she'd achieved her ultimate dream: owning a supercar. The Class of Legends gave her a chance to design something that was truly her style. She balanced a black exterior with hand-painted flowers, adding femininity to the sharp precision of a Huracán. It's inspiring to think that this is the car she runs her daily errands in, but more, to see how it reflects her challenger energy and spirit. "It's just a part of who I am," says Alex of her Lamborghini. "I know it's a challenge if it scares me. That's how I've been able to grow."Polish soccer player Robert Lewandowski incorporated the red and white from his country's flag into his '97 Porsche 911 GT1 design, a reminder and testament to his dedication to excellence, pushing forward to be at the top of his game. Robert's words really hit home for me: "It doesn't matter how many chances you miss. What matters is how many you score in the end."AdvertisementAdvertisementMaluma grew up a big fan of Hot Wheels and would wait for his friends or family to visit the United States and bring back cars, since they weren't available in Colombia. He loves to explore and challenge his sense of adventure, which he represented with the dirt graphics on his Toyota Land Cruiser FJ60. "I've always believed in taking risks and trusting yourself, even when the path isn't easy," Maluma said. "Hot Wheels has been part of my life since I was a kid, so bringing my passion for cars together with my own journey through this collection is really special."Read: 35 Lamborghini Owners Rallied Through Arizona for a Weekend. Sisterhood EnsuedThe Class of Legends Will Be Celebrated In a Video SeriesSupercar Blondie's "What Drives Me" display at Hot Wheels headquartersA three-part series will celebrate each Hot Wheels Class of Legends honoree; the series will run across social media and offer a deeper dive into what inspired their builds (and therefore, themselves).The series will take viewers through each honoree's experience with the Hot Wheels design studio process, feature a "Speed Round" conversation of quick questions about their journeys and answer the question, "What Drives Me." This will give fans an inside look at each legend's path to success, personal connection to car culture and the defining challenges that shaped their careers.AdvertisementAdvertisementAlex's What Drives Me quote, "If I'm not too scared, I'm too comfortable," really rang true for me. I could hear the advice I'd give my 10-year-old self: be loud, yourself, and do it your own way. You don't have to follow the path that works for everyone else.Inspiration is at the Core of Hot Wheels, and Parent Company, MattelThe Hot Wheels Challenge Accepted campaign celebrates the Class of LegendsViewers of the video series will get to go behind the scenes at Mattel and see how the magic is made: Toy designers and testers, 3D printers, foldable tracks and collaborative play that results in cool new ideas and creations. The Mattel studio is magic in itself.And the magic came together in a very earnest way; Ruth Handler, founder of Barbie, relied on her husband Elliott to run the business. In 1968, he decided that for all the girls playing with Barbies were boys who needed their own toys: Cars. So he hired a GM car designer and a Raytheon rocket engineer to help come up with the coolest toy cars. When the first cars were rolled across Elliot's desk, he exclaimed, "Those are some hot wheels." History was made, and an iconic toy car brand was born.Almost 60 years later Hot Wheels continues to be a true disruptor, tapping the talents and passions of true car fans.Of Course, These Heroes Give Back, TooCelebrating car power and girl power with Alex Ries of Hot Wheels (left) and Maytal Markizano, @theformula1 (right)The celebration of cars and heroes doesn't stop with the videos and die-cast replicas. To continue the inspiration, Hot Wheels is donating $100,000 to El Arte de los Sueños, an art-focused foundation started by Maluma and his sister to help vulnerable youth overcome difficult environments and fund programs for singing, music production, and more, alongside psychological support. AdvertisementAdvertisementHot Wheels is also partnering with Dr. Becky Kennedy, a clinical psychologist and parenting expert, on her podcast to help kids have positive early play experiences to develop and shape their own challenger spirit. But everyone can give their own bit of inspo from the 2026 Hot Wheels Global Legends Collection; the cars are available for pre-order exclusively at MattelCreations.com; they are $25 each. A 10-year-old somewhere will thank you, even if it takes a *few* years.Related HeadlinesWhich are the Best Cars For Dogs? These are Our Favorites—and Top Accessories—For Taking Your Fur Baby AlongWhy a Google Maps Architect Calls the Latest Navigational Update Its "Biggest in Over a Decade"The Woodward Dream Cruise Celebrates Detroit's Automotive Heritage. This Year, Ford Is Shaking It UpAdvertisementAdvertisementRead more at A Girls Guide to Cars
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