Get ready for Hot Wheels competition and tour

Car enthusiasts could find their vehicle turned into Hot Wheels. Photos: Casey Horsfield

Hot Wheels is offering Kiwis the chance to have their car immortalised and sold worldwide in 1:64 die-cast form.

Entrants will compete for the chance to make Hot Wheels history, with the globally winning car inducted into the Hot Wheels Garage of Legends.

Paul Faulkner, Senior Vice President and Managing Director, Mattel Asia Pacific, said: “Bringing the Hot Wheels Legends Tour to Australia and New Zealand recognises the strength of automotive passion and creativity across our region.

The globally winning car inducted into the Hot Wheels Garage of Legends.

“We saw that clearly when a New Zealand build reached the global finals in 2023, proving our local talent can compete on the world stage. Launching our first live regional finale is an exciting milestone - we can't wait to crown our next Hot Wheels legend.”

Vehicles selected will advance through to the Regional Finals before facing off at the Global Grand Finale in November. 

The winner will then be crowned with the ultimate prize – their own 1:64 Hot Wheels die-cast car distributed across the planet! 

 The 2026 Hot Wheels Legends Tour will take place in Australia and New Zealand.

Showing the best of what Australia and New Zealand have to offer, the competition is open to a wide range of builds, from classic restorations and muscle cars to wild customisations and one-off creations.  

Entries will be assessed by the judging panel on three key criteria: Authenticity, Creativity, and Garage  Spirit.

Alongside the Hot Wheels competition, the toy brand, alongside partners Repco and The Warehouse, has also announced the official launch of the 2026 Hot Wheels Legends Tour in Australia and New Zealand.

Included in the tour is the 2023 global winner from New  Zealand with the Mazda MX-5 ‘Chimera’.