In a triumph of creativity and automotive ingenuity, the 1983 Austin Mini ‘Mentley’ has clinched the top spot in the UK leg of the 2024 Hot Wheels Legends Tour. The Mini ‘Mentley,’ a striking reinterpretation of the classic British icon with a nod to the legendary Bentley Speed 8s of the 1920s, impressed both the public and a panel of expert judges at the Gravity Show, hosted by SlammedUK at the NEC in Birmingham on August 24-25.
Dominic Whittle, the mastermind behind this unique build, faced stiff competition from over 180 entrants. His Mini ‘Mentley’ distinguished itself not just with its innovative design, but also with its performance and the story behind its creation. Initially conceived as a track day car, the Mini has evolved into a show-stopping piece of automotive art, powered by a 320bhp TVR V8 engine paired with a Range Rover gearbox. Early testing suggests the Mini ‘Mentley’ could potentially accelerate from 0-60mph in just three seconds, provided its driver dares to push its limits.
Owned by a trio of musicians—Whittle, Gary Selby, and Mike Williams—the Mini ‘Mentley’ serves as both a performance vehicle and a symbol of their commitment to charity. The friends use the car to tour across Europe, performing in France, Italy, and Germany to support Save the Children. The vehicle’s journey from a personal project to a celebrated automotive legend reflects its creators’ passion and dedication.
“It’s a huge privilege for us to win the UK round of the Hot Wheels Legends Tour with ‘Mentley’,” said Whittle. “Our interest in cars began when we were six years old, and it’s fantastic to see that passion come to fruition in such a meaningful way.”
The Mini ‘Mentley’ stood out among the final contenders, which included a diverse array of vehicles from marques like Lamborghini, Volkswagen, Ford, and Porsche. The judging panel, led by Hot Wheels’ design manager Craig Callum, evaluated each entry based on design, authenticity, garage spirit, performance, and the story behind the build. Callum praised the Mini ‘Mentley’ for its exceptional creativity and alignment with the Hot Wheels ethos. “It’s the kind of design we would develop in the studio ourselves,” Callum noted. “With its wild engine transplant and unique design twist, it embodies the fun and authenticity that make Hot Wheels Legends so special.”
The Hot Wheels Legends Tour UK final, held for only the second time in public at the Gravity Show, drew significant attention. The Mini ‘Mentley’ now advances to the Global Semi-Final on November 2nd, with hopes of securing a place in the Grand Finale on November 11th. If victorious, it will be immortalized as a 1:64 scale die-cast model, joining the ranks of past winners like Michael Wallhead’s MG-Beast and Lee Johnstone’s 1969 Volvo P1800 Gasser, both of which showcased the UK’s strong presence in global car culture.
As the Mini ‘Mentley’ prepares for the global stage, it exemplifies the innovative spirit and deep-seated passion that characterize the Hot Wheels Legends Tour, continuing a tradition of celebrating automotive artistry and engineering excellence.
