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Following a year of intense competition spanning the globe, a new champion has emerged from the 2021 Hot Wheels Legends tour: a gasser hailing from the U.K. Lee Johnstone of Somerset, England, together with his family, celebrated his victory with his 1969 Volvo P1800 taking the spotlight.
In a rich shade of Volvo green, this vintage gasser is renowned as a drag strip royalty, clocking 10-second quarter-mile sprints. Propelling the Volvo is a Chevrolet 454 big block engine equipped with a 671 GMC supercharger and dual quad carburetors, giving it wings. It rests on Mickey Thompson tires in the front and Hoosiers in the rear, exuding a sense of perpetual motion, almost akin to a cartoon character.
Hot Wheels
Johnstone rescued the “Ain’t No Saint” Volvo from nearing demise, transforming it from a rusted shell to the revered Hot Wheels champion it is today. This Volvo is no ordinary vehicle: Johnstone’s daughters Eleanor, Sarah, and Victoria have joined in on racing escapades, while his wife Sue aids as part of the crew. Soon, it will be immortalized as a 1:64 Hot Wheels miniature model.
The global champion was revealed at Jay Leno’s Garage and will be welcomed into the Hot Wheels Garage of Legends. Now in its fourth year, the Hot Wheels Legends Tour spans across 11 nations on five continents, marking the first time for an international victor.
“I am thrilled that my car will be transformed into a Hot Wheels die-cast replica, allowing me to share my passion project with the world at 1:64 scale,” expressed Johnstone in a statement. “Being the first U.K. winner is truly remarkable.”
The judges for the Legends tour comprised Leno, motorsports envoy Jarod DeAnda, Mattel’s Global Head of Vehicle Design Ted Wu, Mattel’s Director of Vehicle Design Bryan Benedict, Mattel’s Vehicle Designer Brendon Vetuskey, automotive designer Henrik Fisker, journalist Elana Scherr, car customizer Mad Mike, and automotive content creator/drifting aficionado Sara Choi.
“The Hot Wheels Legends Tour has evolved into a worldwide celebration of customized car creations,” mentioned Wu. “By incorporating five additional countries into the Tour, we have been able to engage with millions of new enthusiasts and builders across the globe. The Volvo Gasser epitomizes authenticity, creativity, and, above all, the spirit of the garage. We eagerly anticipate the addition of Lee Johnstone and his 1969 Volvo P1800 to the Hot Wheels family as we unveil our most recent Hot Wheels Legends Tour miniature car.”
Who else is eyeing a miniature Volvo as a present this year?
Share your favorite toy car moment in the comments. Alternatively, reach out to the author at kristin.shaw@thedrive.com.
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