1985 Mercedes 300D Build Headed to Hot Wheels Legends Tour Finals

Legends Tour Finalist

Hot Wheels has announced the inclusion of a customized 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300D in the final round of the 2023 Legends Tour. This modified sedan, powered by a turbodiesel engine, is among the select group of custom-built vehicles vying for an opportunity to be featured in Hot Wheels' scale model catalog later this year.

Humble Beginnings

The impressive journey of this 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300D began when David Almanzan, an automotive technology teacher at Dekaney High School in Houston, Texas, stumbled upon the neglected vehicle on his neighbor's lawn. Despite being immobile for eight years, the car's resilient 3.0-liter turbodiesel five-cylinder engine, known as OM617 internally, had stood the test of time.

School Project

Almanzan purchased the 300D and brought it to the school's shop, where he involved his students in the restoration, repair, and modification process. Over the course of the project, approximately 260 students contributed their efforts to transform the sedan. In addition to a substantial lift kit that provides the 300D with added ground clearance, the extensive list of modifications encompasses mud-terrain tires, LED light bars, and wheel arch flares.

Long List of Mods

Inside the vehicle, numerous mods have been incorporated. The driver now enjoys a racing seat and benefits from a wider rear-view mirror, while Almanzan chose to retain the original Becker Grand Prix cassette player. Under the hood, further enhancements have been made, including the addition of engine support bars, an oil catch can, and a hood-routed exhaust system reminiscent of those found on semi-trucks. The impact of these modifications on the car's performance remains undisclosed.

Tootsie For the Win

Dubbed "Tootsie" by its owner, Almanzan's 300D has advanced to one of the two semifinal rounds scheduled for November 2023. To secure victory, it must outshine other heavily-modified one-off vehicles, including a 1981 Chevrolet Camaro and a 1989 Volkswagen Rabbit Cabriolet. The ultimate winner will earn a coveted spot in Hot Wheels' 1/64-scale car catalog, with distribution through retailers worldwide.

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