The Chavezes have owned their 1994 Cadillac Fleetwood for nearly a decade, making it their own with gold trim, engraved rims and custom paintings.
So when the family of five received a personal invitation to enter their yellow lowrider, nicknamed “Dream Reaper,” in the Hot Wheels Legends Tour stop in North Las Vegas, Veronica Chavez said they felt they had “made it.”
“My boys, who are adults now, grew up loving Hot Wheels,” Chavez said, while sitting in a lawn chair beside the vehicle, which was parked among competitors’ entries at a Walmart near North Decatur Boulevard and the 215 Beltway.
“My three kids put their ideas into this car, and we cruise around in it,” Chavez added, getting choked up. “It would mean a lot if we won, but truly, it’s an honor to just be here.”
Hosted by Mattel in partnership with Walmart, Mobil 1 and AriZona Beverages, the competition drew hundreds of attendees Saturday morning. The Hot Wheels Legends Tour travels the country in search of a custom vehicle to recreate as a Hot Wheels die-cast model.
Las Vegas was the tour’s final city stop before it concludes at Mattel headquarters in El Segundo, California. Each stop produces a finalist, and one overall winner will join the Hot Wheels Garage of Legends, where designers will turn the customized vehicle into a Hot Wheels model.
The event drew families, car enthusiasts and shoppers leaving the supermarket. Some posed with “Fast & Furious” displays, featured at only a handful of tour stops, including Las Vegas.
Admission was free, and those who purchased Hot Wheels toys in the store could bring their receipts to the merchandise booths outside for event-exclusive souvenirs.
While the Chavezes’ “Dream Reaper” drew attention among dozens of drag cars, classics and custom trucks on display, judges ultimately selected a different build to represent Las Vegas in the next stage of the competition.
A royal blue 1995 Honda Civic owned by Richard Delcid took home the Las Vegas title late Saturday morning after judges deliberated for hours.
David Delcid, the winner’s brother, accepted the award, noting that his brother was at work. David Delcid said the car has been a project of more than 10 years and an $80,000 investment.
It was not an easy choice, according to Hot Wheels designer and judge Brendon Vetuskey.
“Las Vegas does not disappoint. There are a lot of beautiful cars here today,” Vetuskey said. He said judges evaluated each entry on creativity, authenticity, and garage spirit.
“It is not your typical car show,” Vetuskey said. “We’re looking for something that looks overtly Hot Wheels.”
David Delcid cheered as he took a victory lap to the back of the lot, where the car was photographed against a giant blue backdrop designed to resemble the cardboard backing of a packaged Hot Wheels toy.
Black smoke billowed from the car’s exposed engine compartment, where the hood had been removed.
“It makes us pretty happy, winning,” Delcid said.
Contact Akiya Leggio at aleggio@reviewjournal.com.
