A modified Volvo P1800 built in the UK has come out on top in a global competition to turn a real car into a Hot Wheels scale model.
Built by Lee Johnstone from Somerset, the classic Volvo will now be recreated as a 1:64 Hot Wheels toy car and will be sold in retailers around the globe.
Arriving as the latest entry into the Hot Wheels Garage of Legends, the P1800 was announced as the winner by American TV personality and car enthusiast Jay Leno.
First registered in 1969, the Volvo - which also goes by the name of ‘Ain’t No Saint’ - was purchased in rotted shell form before being comprehensively restored and upgraded in order to compete in quarter-mile races. Underneath the bonnet sits a Chevrolet 454 big block engine equipped with a 671 GMC supercharger and dual four-barrel carburettors.
Johnstone said that the car had been a family project, with his daughters Eleanor, Sarah and Victoria all sharing driving duties too.
This year saw the Hot Wheels competition enter into its fourth series, bringing in thousands of entries from 11 countries. This year’s winner was judged by both Leno and motorsports ambassador Jarod DeAnda, who were joined by car design legends and other notable members of car culture.
Ted Wu, global head of design for vehicles at Mattel, said: “The Hot Wheels Legends Tour has truly become a global celebration of custom car creations.
“With the addition of five new countries in the Tour, we have been able to reach and interact with millions of new fans and builders from around the world.
“The Volvo Gasser is a wonderful expression of authenticity, creativity and most importantly, garage spirit.
“We look forward to welcoming Lee Johnstone and his 1969 Volvo P1800 into the Hot Wheels family and presenting the world with our newest Hot Wheels Legends Tour die-cast toy.”
Johnstone added: “Having my family here with me for this moment was so special. I am excited to have my car become a Hot Wheels die-cast toy and to be able to share my passion project in 1:64 scale with the world. It’s amazing to be the first UK winner.”
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