PREVIEW

A redesigned 1983 Austin Mini resembling the iconic Bentley Speed 8s of the 1920s, has been named the victor of the 2024 Hot Wheels Legends Tour UK- potentially earning the right to be immortalised as a real Hot Wheels model.
The announcement was made at the NEC, during the SlammedUK’s Gravity Show, the nation’s premier event for modified and supercars, over the Bank Holiday Weekend.

Owned by musicians Dominic Whittle, Gary Selby, and Mike Williams, the ‘Mini Mentley’ car is set to represent the UK on the global stage, with the potential to be immortalised as a 1:64 scale die-cast model.

It began life as a track day car, but over time evolved into the showstopper it is today. Under the bonnet lies a meticulously engineered 320bhp TVR V8 engine, paired with a Range Rover gearbox. When enhanced with nitrous through its straight exhaust pipes, initial tests suggest it could achieve 0-60mph in just three seconds—if the driver dares!

The trio of owners have taken the 'Mentley' on a tour across Europe, performing in France, Italy, and Germany, with their instruments strapped to the luggage rack, all in aid of Save the Children.

“It’s an incredible honour for us to win the UK round of the Hot Wheels Legends Tour with 'Mentley', validating all the hard work (and fun) that went into creating it," said Dominic Whittle. "Our passion for cars started when we were just six years old, and it's fantastic to be here 53 years later with a vehicle that embodies those childhood dreams.

"We've had a brilliant experience, the other two finalists were outstanding, and we’re in awe of their craftsmanship. To spend two days immersed in the world of car enthusiasts at the Gravity Show has been absolutely tremendous.”

The Mini 'Mentley' triumphed over more than 180 entries, impressing the judging panel, led by Hot Wheels’ design manager Craig Callum, with its distinctive authenticity and character that encapsulates the spirit of the Hot Wheels Legends Tour.

Judges Nicola Hume (host of Red Bull’s ‘Talking Bull’ podcast), Jordan Clarke (founder of Slammed UK), and influencer Mat Armstrong evaluated each entry based on design, authenticity, and garage spirit, as well as performance, fun, and the story behind the build.

Hot Wheels exec Craig lauded the car, saying: “With a bold engine swap combined with a unique twist on two British icons, Dominic Whittle's Mini 'Mentley' perfectly encapsulates the fun and originality we seek. It’s got such authenticity, yet it’s also completely different, with countless little details that give it character. When I consider how we’d produce a die-cast Hot Wheels model, the 'Mentley' is ideal—it’s spot on.”

The original entry list was narrowed down to eight semi-finalists by Hot Wheels representatives from both sides of the Atlantic. Marques such as Lamborghini, Volkswagen, Ford, and Porsche competed for the top spot, alongside the 1999 BMW E36 from SlammedUK fan vote winner Jason Gorle, which advanced to the UK final to join Jason West’s 1992 Ford P100.
Following its victory in the UK leg of the Hot Wheels Legends Tour, the Mini 'Mentley' will now compete against regional finalists in the Global Semi-Final on 2 November, with the Grand Finale set for 11 November.

The overall winner will be transformed into a die-cast model, available worldwide. Whittle hopes to follow in the footsteps of last year’s winner, Michael Wallhead’s MG-Beast, which took the UK entry to the Global Finale for the third consecutive year. Coupled with Lee Johnstone’s 1969 Volvo P1800 Gasser, which won the competition in 2021, the UK’s standing in global car culture has been impressive in recent years.