If you’ve built something wild in your garage and always wondered whether it deserved global attention, this might be your chance.
The Hot Wheels Legends Tour is returning to the UK for 2026, once again searching for one standout build capable of becoming an official 1:64 Hot Wheels die-cast model sold around the world.
And this year’s UK final is heading somewhere completely new.
For 2026, the UK final will take place at CarFest at Silverstone on Saturday 29th August, putting finalists in front of thousands of car enthusiasts during one of the biggest automotive festivals in the country.
CarFest itself has grown massively since launching back in 2012 and has now raised more than £28 million for UK children’s charities.
Created by Chris Evans, the event combines performance cars, live music, celebrity appearances, family entertainment, food demonstrations and track action across an entire August Bank Holiday weekend.
The Hot Wheels display sounds enormous too.
Alongside previous Garage of Legends builds, there’ll be a Smyths pop-up shop and even a full-size Hot Wheels Formula 1 2026 car wearing a custom Hot Wheels livery beside the famous Silverstone Wing.
The UK leg of the Hot Wheels Legends Tour has quietly become one of the toughest competitions on the global calendar.
Over the last six years, British finalists have repeatedly reached the later stages of the worldwide contest, including an overall global win in 2024.
And looking at some of the previous UK finalists, it’s easy to understand why.
From heavily modified classics and outrageous race builds through to completely reimagined everyday cars, the competition has become a celebration of creativity, engineering and sheer enthusiasm rather than outright value.
That’s probably why it works so well.
According to Hot Wheels, originality and garage-built spirit matter far more than perfection.
Late nights, homemade solutions, creativity and personality all count towards what makes a true Legends Tour contender.
The judging panel for 2026 will include presenter Nicola Hume, a Hot Wheels designer and a surprise celebrity guest judge.
And yes, the winning UK entry receives more than just a trophy.
As well as progressing through to the European and Global finals, the UK winner will also receive a trip for two to Los Angeles, California — home of Hot Wheels itself.
If the car goes all the way through the international stages, it could eventually become an official die-cast model sold worldwide.
Not bad for something that may have started life tucked away in a British garage.
Entries are now officially open, and the rules are refreshingly broad.
New or old, road car or race car, custom or home-built special — if it’s bold enough and built with passion, it can be entered.
Owners simply need to submit three photos and a short description explaining why their vehicle deserves to become a Hot Wheels legend.
Entries close on Friday 3rd July.
You can enter or find more information here:
https://www.hotwheelsuklegendstour.co.uk
You can also find out more about CarFest here:
One of the best things about the Hot Wheels Legends Tour is that it isn’t reserved for million-pound supercars or polished trailer queens.
Some of the most interesting entries are ordinary cars turned into something completely personal through years of work, experimentation and enthusiasm.
That’s the sort of car scene we’ll always get behind.
Stay updated with the latest barn finds, auction news, and classic car adventures in our 'News & Waffle' section. Dive into rare discoveries, behind-the-scenes stories, and expert insights into the world of classic cars. Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or simply intrigued by the tales behind these treasures, this is your hub for all things classic and captivating.
View All
A 45-year barn find is unusual enough. A 45-year barn find Skoda Octavia estate is something else entirely. Heading to Cheffins’ next Vintage Sale on 18th July is this remarkably original-looking 1970 Skoda Octavia estate, a car that has reportedly spent the last four and a half decades tucked away inside a barn. For many […]
Some cars spend decades trying to shake off an unfair reputation. The Austin Allegro might just be the king of them all. This 1975 Austin Allegro 1500 Special crossed the block at Anglia Car Auctions during its April 2026 classic car sale, proving once again that the market for once-overlooked British classics is alive and […]
A Triumph Stag selling at auction isn’t normally headline news. A Triumph Stag nearly doubling its estimate certainly is. This handsome 1974 Triumph Stag Auto crossed the block at Anglia Car Auctions in April carrying a guide price of £5,500-£6,500. By the time the auctioneer finally brought the hammer down, it had produced one of [&...
