Polish Mini Rally Car Wins 2025 Hot Wheels Legends Tour, Becomes Die-Cast Model

• Paweł Czarnecki’s small but mighty, mid-engine rally-inspired build will be immortalized as a 1:64 Hot Wheels® die-cast car sold around the world

• Thousands of vehicles from 16 countries competed in the 2025 Hot Wheels™ Legends Tour presented by Mobil 1

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — Mattel, Inc. (MAT), continues to fuel the passion of automotive enthusiasts worldwide, announcing Paweł Czarnecki’s custom FIAT 126B as the 2025 Hot Wheels™ Legends Tour global winner. This marks a significant moment for the Polish builder, as his rally-inspired creation will be transformed into a 1:64 scale die-cast collectible, joining the prestigious Hot Wheels Garage of Legends™ and reaching a global audience.

Paweł Czarnecki’s small but mighty, mid-engine rally-inspired build will be immortalized as a 1:64 Hot Wheels® die-cast car sold around the world.

Czarnecki’s FIAT 126P Bis, a nod to the spirit of Group B rally cars, emerged victorious from thousands of entries across 16 countries, showcasing the global reach and enduring appeal of the Hot Wheels brand. While Poland never officially hosted a Group B rally, this custom Fiat 126P Bis was crafted to conquer challenging terrains reminiscent of the Carpathian Mountains. The build, requiring over 2,500 hours of manual labor and 800 hours of 3D printing, embodies the “Garage Spirit” that Hot Wheels judges seek. The vehicle’s broad stance, forward-tilting front, and functional aerodynamic components pay tribute to 1980s rally aesthetics, while enhancing the car’s performance on both asphalt and gravel surfaces.

Underneath its diminutive frame, the Fiat packs a surprising punch, driven by a Fiat Uno 1.4 Turbo engine producing 200 horsepower, coupled with a Nissan 200SX GT28 turbocharger and a Fiat Punto GT gearbox configured for rally performance. A custom coilover suspension, a body widened by 18.5 inches (47 cm), and period-correct HTN Motorsport three-piece wheels demonstrates meticulus attention to detail. The addition of Fiat Uno brakes and a full roll cage blends historical inspiration with modern engineering.

“The Hot Wheels Legends Tour has become a truly global phenomenon, celebrating not only creativity but the passion and dedication of the automotive community,” remarked Ted Wu, Global Head of Vehicles and Building Sets at Mattel. Wu further emphasized the significance of Czarnecki’s win, noting the incredible support for the Tour within Poland and how the Fiat “exemplifies the talent and imagination that fans from Poland — and around the world — bring to the Hot Wheels Legends Tour.” This victory potentially opens new avenues for Hot Wheels in the Eastern European market, tapping into a growing community of automotive enthusiasts.

This year’s competition saw a revised selection process, with regional finals held across continents, including the United States, Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA), and Latin America (LATAM), culminating in the Global Grand Finale. This strategic shift amplifies regional participation, and broadens the range of automotive styles.

The runners-up were Clint DeVine’s Chevy S10 from Kansas City, Missouri, and Jesus Daniel Payan Gastelum’s VW Beetle pickup truck conversion from Mexico. DeVine’s 1990 Chevy S10 featured a striking patina and a western-style hauler bed, influenced by his Texas upbringing and his grandmother’s affinity for antiques. Gastelum’s converted VW Beetle pickup truck, a unique off-road vehicle, was outfitted with an upgraded suspension, a substantial lift, and 37-inch tires, embodying the spirit of innovation and customization.

Hosted by motorsports ambassador Jarod DeAnda, the Global Grand Finale integrated industry veterans and car culture influencers into the judging panel. Notable judges included TV host and car enthusiast Jay Leno, actor Michael Cimino, race car driver Therese Lahlouh, and prominent automotive content creators providing unique perspectives on authenticity, creativity, and “garage spirit”.

The 2025 Hot Wheels Legends Tour spanned 16 countries and included new stops in Benelux (Belgium, Netherlands and Luxembourg), Peru and Turkey. The Tour attracted thousands of vehicle entries, assessed by Hot Wheels designers and local automotive experts, with live and virtual events engaging millions of fans globally.

Launched in 2018 to commemorate Hot Wheels’ 50th anniversary, the Legends Tour has evolved into the world’s largest traveling car show. This aligns with Mattel’s broader strategy of leveraging its iconic brands to create experiential marketing opportunities, increasing brand engagement and cultivating deeper connections with consumers.

Mattel is strategically positioning Hot Wheels beyond a traditional toy brand, fostering a culture of automotive enthusiasm and customization. The Legends Tour’s integration of grassroots builds with high-profile judges highlights a move to capture diverse fanbases.

About Mattel

Mattel is a leading global toy and family entertainment company and owner of one of the most iconic brand portfolios in the world. We engage consumers and fans through our franchise brands, including Barbie®, Hot Wheels®, Fisher-Price®, American Girl®, Thomas & Friends™, UNO®, Masters of the Universe®, Matchbox®, Monster High®, Polly Pocket®, and Barney®, as well as other popular properties that we own or license in partnership with global entertainment companies. Our offerings include toys, content, consumer products, digital and live experiences. Our products are sold in collaboration with the world’s leading retail and ecommerce companies. Since its founding in 1945, Mattel is proud to be a trusted partner in empowering generations to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential. Visit us at mattel.com.

About Mobil 1

For over 50 years, the Mobil 1 brand has been trusted by drivers to keep their engines running like new. Our products exceed the toughest standards of vehicle manufacturers—so drivers can get the most out of their time behind the wheel.

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