Hot Wheels tour coming to Detroit with chance to see your custom car as die-cast

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• The Hot Wheels Legends Tour will make a stop in Taylor, Michigan on May 31.
• The winning custom ride will get a chance to compete globally for a shot at being reimagined as a Hot Wheels die-cast car to be sold around the world.

Got a cool ride that might make an awesome Hot Wheels toy car?

Now might be your chance to make that a reality, or at least check out some potential candidates for die-cast fame, at what is billed as the world’s largest traveling car show.

This weekend, the Hot Wheels Legends Tour heads to metro Detroit, the fourth stop on the U.S. leg this year. Those who register their custom build will have a chance to compete and possibly see their creation turned into a Hot Wheels die-cast that will be sold around the globe. The local winner moves on to the national semifinals, which will determine who represents the United States in the finale.

Last year’s winner — a significantly modified 1968 Ford Falcon named “La Liebre” — hailed from Chile. Judges included Jay Leno and Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias.

The event, which is in its eighth year, began initially as a way to honor the legendary die-cast line’s 50th anniversary, according to Bryan Benedict, key principal designer at Hot Wheels, who spent five years on staff at Honda but also worked in design for auto suppliers at automakers including Ford, General Motors and Chrysler.

Shifting from design in the automotive industry to the world of Hot Wheels opened up a universe that’s “way more fun,” but Benedict still gets to explore his passion.

“We eat, sleep and breathe cars,” he said.

Benedict said the enthusiasm at the tour stops is “through the roof.” The event runs from 8 a.m. to noon May 31 at the Walmart at 7555 Telegraph Road in Taylor. The show is free and open to anyone. There’s also no cost to register a vehicle online for the competition, although slots are limited based on the size of the parking lot.

Hundreds of unique vehicles are expected. Special items will also be for sale.

Vehicles are judged on three criteria — authenticity, creativity and garage spirit. They need to make a bold statement and should show commitment by the owner, not just that someone was willing to put up some cash.

Sometimes you see a custom car, and you know “that’s a Hot Wheels,” Benedict said.

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