Dominic Whittle’s build fought off over 180 competitors to claim the Hot Wheels Legends Tour UK crown in front of fans and a panel of judges at SlammedUK’s Gravity Show.
A 1983 Austin Mini, remodelled with styling that evokes the classic Bentley Speed 8s of the 1920s, has been named the winner of the 2024 Hot Wheels Legends Tour UK, hosted by SlammedUK’s Gravity Show at the NEC.
Now set to represent the UK on the global stage, and in with a chance to be recreated as a 1:64 scale die cast model, the Mini ‘Mentley’ was first conceived as a track day car before being gradually transformed into the showpiece it is today.
Owned by a trio of musicians – Dominic Whittle, Gary Selby and Mike Williams – the Mini ‘Mentley’ is used by the three friends to travel across Europe (with their instruments strapped to the luggage rack) as they perform throughout France, Italy and Germany to raise money for Save the Children.
“It’s a huge privilege for us to win the UK round of the Hot Wheels Legends Tour with ‘Mentley’, justifying the hard work (and fun) we had creating it,” says Dominic Whittle. “Our interest in cars began when we were six years old, and it’s great to be here 53 years later with a vehicle that reflects those childhood memories. To be immersed in a world of car enthusiasts for two days as part of the Gravity Show has been tremendous.”
Beating over 180 entries, Dominic Whittle’s Mini ‘Mentley’ impressed the judging panel, led by Hot Wheels’ design manager Craig Callum, with its unmistakable authenticity and character capturing the essence 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 scored each entry against a strict set of criteria: design, authenticity and garage spirit, as well as performance, fun and the story behind the build. As Craig Callum explains: “The Hot Wheels Legends Tour celebrates builders, visionaries and people in the automotive world who put in the late nights, early mornings and creativity to produce a legend. Once again the UK has provided some fantastic contenders full of the creativity, garage spirit and authenticity that makes Hot Wheels Legends so special.”
The initial entry list was narrowed down to eight semi-finalists by Hot Wheels representatives on both sides of the Atlantic. For only the second time, the 2024 UK final was open to the public. The final took place at the Gravity Show at the Birmingham NEC, the UK’s largest modified and supercar show. After winning the UK leg of the Hot Wheels Legends Tour, the Mini ‘Mentley’ will compete against regional finalists at the Global Semi-Final on November 2nd with the Grand Finale set for November 11th. The overall victor will be transformed into a die cast that will be sold around the world.
Dominic 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 overall competition in 2021, The Mini ‘Mentley’ it underlines the UK’s place and standing in worldwide car culture.