The Hot Wheels Legends Tour is dubbed the ‘world’s largest travelling car show,’ with dozens of both live and in-person events being held around the globe to determine which car will have the honour of becoming the subject of an offical Hot Wheels die-cast.
2022 is the second year that Australia and New Zealand have entered the mix and our own Scotty Taylor was once again asked to sit on the judging panel. Joining him this year was rally ace Molly Taylor and motor sport presenter Greg Rust.
The trio discussed the top ten Aussie finalists and each chose their top three – which was then narrowed down to a winner – who will now go on to represent Australia at the Global Semi-Finals.
And the winner is:
Corey Solomons, Frankenmini
Corey’s Mini sits on a shortened Nissan Patrol chassis, runs 38×15.5in tyres and is powered by a 351 Windsor. And not only is the Mini Frankenstein’s monster-like in its parts list and vibe, but Corey also incorporated deliberately-exposed welds in the bodywork for that real stiched-together look.
He’s also hoping that the Mini will score a role in the upcoming Mad Max prequel Furiosa, and is taking the beast to the Mini Nationals in Hay on the June long weekend with the hopes of attracting the attention of the film’s producers.
Mick Mielczarek – RATSAK
Mick entered the 1948 Fiat Topolino that was built by his late father (also named Mick) in the early 2000s. The beast is powered by a twin-turbo Lexus V8, but that is only the start of it!
Details include MSD dizzy caps used as wheel centres, oil filters used to house side mirrors, roof-mounted sockets housing shift lights, a bespoke tiller with spokes made of conrods, a camshaft across the top of the dash as a demister, valves repurposed as switchgear and much more!
“Everything on the car was built by my dad during his chemo treatment,” wrote Mick in his application. “We have kept all his cars as an inspiration to us and can never be replaced.”
Craig Doig – 1945 International
Craig Doig’s 1945 International tow truck was another judge favourite. We featured the car in our In the Build section last year, so its great to see it finished and so well-received!
The truck is powered by a Ford 292 Y-block and fed by four two-inch SUs on a custom intake, while gearbox is a three-speed manual. Water-cooled marine exhaust manifolds are another cool old-school touch!
The Dunedoo 24 Towing signage is original and the crowing glory are the 18×15.5in rear rims with dual tyres.
Steve Sines – Kinger
West Aussie Steve Sines and his HZ needs no introduction to most Street Machine fans, but you can check out our most recent feature on the car here.
Chris Dicker – Pro Street HQ
Chris is another West Aussie that has been a Street Machine regular for many years, including for his notorious Sandbarra ute.
His lastest build is this HQ Kingswood, built in the style of a high-end late 80s, early 90s Pro Streeter. Highlights include the wild graphics, slammed stance, minimalist interior and massive rear meats. Feature soon!
Ron Goodman – 956 Porsche
Ron’s incredible Outlaw 356 was built as a COVID lockdown project and stunned the judges with its creativity and execution. The centrepiece of the build is an Australian Radial Motion air-cooled, nitrous-assisted, three-cylinder aircraft engine. Check out a short video on the build here.
The car itself is nothing short of breathtaking, featuring all-aluminium interior and floor, hand-made Lexan windows, beautiful stripe work and much more.
Brad Tuohy – Toyota 86
Brad’s 86 was another owner-built rocket that impressed the judges, starting with an LS2 conversion sporting twin Rotrex superchargers. Behind the mill is a T56 box and IS300 diff. Brad (who was the 2017 Drift All Stars Champion, by the way) did the whole job in 19 months, including the roll cage and the wrap! Check it out here.
Matthew Grice – VK Big Banger
Matthew Grice’s VK Commodore is another sweet drift car, featuring turbo LS power and Nissan IRS out back.
Brittany Camilleri – Toyota Supra
Brittany’s JZ80 Supra features a wild Midnight Purple paint job and packs a 550kW single-turbo 2J.
Peter Basmadjian – Sprite drag car
Peter’s Austin Healy Sprite is a Willowbank regular and packs a blown small-block Chev with nitrous assistance!
Congrats to Corey – well be cheering you on when the semi-finals roll around!
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