Michael Cox’s custom-built 1991 Ford Bronco II won the Hot Wheels Legends Tour’s Los Angeles round, held at Mattel headquarters in El Segundo on October 3, 2026. But the event’s standout builds ranged from a twin-turbo Datsun 280Z to a tiny off-road Smart car and a 1953 Buick lit up with an LA sign. The picks below are an editorial selection, not an official award ranking.
What won the El Segundo stop?
Autoweek’s Mark Vaughn reported that Cox’s backyard-built Bronco II was the Los Angeles round winner and a crowd favorite. The 1991 Ford is a custom build; the coverage does not provide a complete parts list or performance figures, so its appeal here is the combination of a familiar compact SUV and the personal, hands-on character of a backyard project.
Mattel’s 2026 Hot Wheels Legends Tour page lists El Segundo, California, on October 3 and describes the Tour’s themes as authenticity, creativity, and garage spirit. Those are the company’s published criteria, not a numerical scoring rubric for this stop.
Standout builds from the show
Datsun 280Z with a twin-turbo LS V8
One of the most dramatic engine-and-chassis combinations in Vaughn’s coverage was a Datsun 280Z identified in its caption as having a twin-turbo LS V8. The article points to the Instagram handle @twinturbo280z. It does not state horsepower, torque, or other tested performance figures.
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This small front-wheel-drive platform truck stood out for its unusual layout: Vaughn describes a front-mounted, air-cooled Volkswagen engine and a size roughly comparable to a Polo. The example at the event was from Mexico City. Calling it “one of the rarest” was the reporter’s description, not a quantified production or survival count.
Meyers Manx SR
The Meyers Manx SR brought a different kind of rarity to the lineup. Vaughn identifies it as a B. F. Meyers & Co. Street Roadster designed by Stewart Reed, and reports that about 400 were made. That production figure is attributed to his 2026 event feature.
Rank #2
- HOT WHEELS LEGENDS TOUR EDITION: This Porsche 935 die-cast toy car is part of the exclusive Hot Wheels Legends Tour series, making it a standout addition to any collection.
- AUTHENTIC PORSCHE 935 DESIGN: Faithfully recreates the iconic Porsche 935 with bold Spectraflame pink metallic finish, detailed body lines, and signature racing-inspired styling.
- DIE-CAST CONSTRUCTION: Built with quality die-cast metal for durability and an authentic look and feel that collectors and kids alike will appreciate.
- COMPATIBLE WITH HOT WHEELS TRACKS: Designed to work with Hot Wheels track sets and playsets, delivering hours of high-speed racing fun right out of the package.
- AGES 3 AND UP: Recommended for children ages 3 and older, this collectible toy car makes a great gift for young car enthusiasts and seasoned Hot Wheels collectors.
A Smart car turned into an off-roader
A modified Smart car offered a compact counterpoint to the larger and more powerful builds. Vaughn’s caption calls it a “flaming off-roader” and says its owner bought the car for a couple thousand dollars before converting it. That is an event anecdote, not a current estimate of Smart-car prices.
A 10-liter V8 with a BDS blower
Another build’s caption identifies a Keith Black 10-liter V8 topped with a BDS blower. The combination is memorable on sight, but the coverage gives no measured power or torque output to compare with the Datsun or any other car at the event.
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- The Hot Wheels HW Legends Multipack contains 6 1:64 scale vehicles that have achieved legendary status in Hot Wheels history
- The design of all die-cast vehicles and trucks is higher quality than that of the Hot Wheels Basic vehicles, with special decoration that makes them attractive to collectors
- Other multipack themes include ZAMAC, Streets of Japan and Euro Style car fans will want to collect them all (all items sold separately)
- With this pack of 6, an existing Hot Wheels collection can be expanded or a new one can be started at full throttle
- Dieses Multipack ist ein tolles Geschenk für Kinder ab 3 Jahren und Hot Wheels Sammler jeden Alters
Low-slung and unmistakably personal customs
Several builds made their impression through stance and styling rather than a published spec sheet. One custom sat so low that Vaughn said it looked as if it were on some kind of go-kart; that is his visual impression, not an identification of its chassis. A pink station wagon carried a matching pink surfboard, while a 1953 Buick wore Dodger Blue paint and a large neon “LA” logo that lights at night.
Volvo 850 Turbo Sportwagen
The Volvo 850 Turbo Sportwagen paired the wagon body with a large turbo and four exhaust ports, according to Vaughn’s description. He also says the owner started the car at the event. The article offers no output figure or independent mechanical verification.
Rank #4
- The Hot Wheels Euro Style Multipack includes 6 1:64 scale vehicles with castings modeled on popular European automakers.
- Each die-cast car has more elevated execution than Hot Wheels Basic vehicles with enhanced deco to appeal to collectors.
- Additional multipack themes include Zamac, Streets of Japan and HW Legends – car fans will want to collect them all. (Each sold separately.)
- Rev up an existing Hot Wheels collection with this 6-Pack or hit the gas on an all-new one with officially licensed vehicles from Aston Martin, BMW, Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, Volvo and Volkswagen.
- Makes a great gift for Hot Wheels collectors and kids 3 years old and up.
More unusual sights
Vaughn’s feature also includes an artistic ice cream truck, a Fageol, a lowrider associated with Lifestyle Car Club, a Bill Thomas Cheetah, a Hot Wheels-themed drag car, a Matchbox-branded truck, a Hong Kong taxi, a black 1957 Chevrolet, and a full-size Barbie Corvette. The Cheetah needs a particular qualification: Vaughn says he did not know whether the pictured car was an original, a continuation, or a knockoff. He notes that original Cheetahs were built from 1963 to 1966 to compete with the Shelby Cobra, but that history does not establish the identity of this example. His feature also says Lifestyle Car Club was founded in East Los Angeles in July 1975; its description of the group as one of the oldest and most prestigious lowrider clubs is the reporter’s characterization.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How the Tour can turn a custom into a Hot Wheels car
Mattel describes a path from the Tour to the Garage of Legends and a 1:64-scale die-cast: finalists are chosen, and one eventual winner can have its customized ride made into a Hot Wheels model. That is the Tour’s stated format, not confirmation that Cox’s Bronco II is already available as a toy. Mattel’s official 2026 Tour page explains the program; its sweepstakes rules also list the El Segundo event date, but concern a separate RLC membership sweepstakes rather than the custom-car competition.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Hot Wheels Collector Legends Team Transport features the premium execution of a BMW M3 E46 and 1:64 scale rally truck.
- The 2 pack was made specifically for the world-travelling HW Legends Tour, celebrating automotive enthusiasts and legendary car builders.
- The Hot Wheels Collector Legends Team Transport collection includes cars and racing team carriers that are fashionable and known all over the world. Racing enthusiasts will want all sets (each set sold separately).
- Real Riders tires and Metal/Metal body and chassis highlight the duo's premium execution.
- Collectors will love Hot Wheels Legends Team Transport, whether it is for play or for display.
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