The winner of the 2021 Hot Wheels Legends Tour was announced on Saturday (November 13) during a global livestream event at US TV host Jay Leno’s garage.
The 1969 Volvo P1800 built by Somerset-based Lee Johnstone will inducted into the Hot Wheels Garage of Legends and immortalised as a 1:64 Hot Wheels die-cast toy sold around the world.
This Volvo P1800 ‘Ain’t No Saint’ Gasser was originally registered as new in 1969. Its owner, 71-year-old mechanic Lee, acquired the vehicle as a rusty rolling shell before thoroughly restoring, modifying, and transforming it into the quarter-mile monster it is today. Sporting a Chevrolet 454 big block, its new power plant is capped with a 671 GMC supercharger and dual four-barrel carburettors. Finished in a fitting shade of Volvo green, it is a culmination of more than 50 years of ‘race it, break it, build it better’ experience. Perhaps most importantly – and in true challenger spirit – ‘Ain’t No Saint’ is also a family affair, with Lee’s three daughters sharing in the driving duties and his wife on standby to help.
Finishing its fourth year, the Hot Wheels Legends Tour is a worldwide competition spanning 11 countries and five continents, making it the world’s largest international travelling car show. Thousands of builds were submitted to compete in a series of in-person and virtual stops, which began in April. Over the past seven months, some of the most unique and inspiring custom creations went head-to-head, all for a chance to become the next Hot Wheels die-cast toy.
This year’s global Grand Finale was co-hosted by celebrity car enthusiast Jay Leno and motorsports ambassador Jarod DeAnda, who were joined by an array of automotive and design experts from around the world to choose the 2021 winner.
Also on stage was Mattel vice president, global head of design for vehicles Ted Wu; Bryan Benedict, director of vehicles design of Mattel; Brendon Vetuskey, vehicles designer of Mattel; Henrik Fisker, automotive design icon; Elana Scherr, senior editor of Car and Driver; car customiser and automotive electronics guru Mad Mike; and automotive content creator and drifting enthusiast Sara Choi.
Ted 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 and his 1969 Volvo P1800 into the Hot Wheels family and presenting the world with our newest Hot Wheels Legends Tour die-cast toy.â€
Lee commented: “I’m 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.â€
The 2021 Hot Wheels Legends Tour was made in collaboration with Walmart and Mobil 1. To learn more about the Hot Wheels Legends Tour, visit HERE.
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