HOT WHEELS CONVENTION
CUSTOM CAR CONTEST

by Bruce Schultz / Bodylines

        
          The 13th Annual Hot Wheels Collector's Convention was one of the best yet. Special thanks go to Todd and Jennifer Huffman of Hot Heads for their great presentation and awesome slide show on custom painting techniques and tips to utilize for customizing Hot Wheels vehicles.
           
            The Custom show seems to be getting better every year. Each year I think, "This year's entries are unbeatable and no one can possibly top them!" and every year they blow me away again.

             We noticed that flames were very popular this show. We had over two hundred entries in the mild, spicy, and hot categories. The quality and creativity of the vehicles was awe inspiring. It was exceptionally difficult to choose winners in the three categories! After long deliberation, the winners were finally selected. They are as follows:

Mild Category

Strictly a custom paint job with wheel changes allowed. Hot Wheels bodies ans wheels only.

#1 - Jeff Strogin for his Flamed Flatbed Truck with Cuda Convertible. Larry Salazar (Builder)

#2 - Larry Salazar for his Flamed 1965 Impala

#3 - Kenny Hoggard for his Chromalusion V W Bus

Spicy Category

This category involves minor body modifications. Hot Wheels bodies and any wheels allowed.

#1 - Rod Thompson (Builder) for his 1940 Ford Truck and Trailer with Boat. Larry Salazar (Paint)

#2 - Steve Reddell for his Taildragger Convertible Custom.

#3 - David Chang for his Flamed Taildragger.

HOT Category

This Category Sizzles! Just about anything goes. Use your imagination. The main body part must be recognized as a Hot Wheels body, any wheels allowed.

#1 - Deanna And Larry Salazar for their Flatbed Hauler, VW Bus, and Trailer.

#2 - Vince Mosley for his Streched VW Bus

#3 - Dave Woods for his Scorchin Trike.

Designer Picks

1) Veteran Mattel Designer Ira Gifford chose -
Rod Thompson (owner) and Larry Salazar (Builder) 1934 Flamed Ford.

2) Mattel Designer Dave Weise chose-
Dan Stacey's Ford GT 40

3) Mattel Designer Michael Heralda
Deanna Salazar's Black Flamed Transporter

Marketing Pick

1) Barbara Linquist Chose-
David Chang's Harley Davidson Set

         I want to thank Kim Bailey and everyone that helped with the crowd control and custom return at the custom show. See you all next year.