A custom-built 1982 BMW E21, crafted over 14 years by Essex duo Paul and Ethan Foster, has claimed victory at the 2025 Hot Wheels Legends Tour UK. Their Group 2–inspired build wowed judges at Birmingham’s Gravity Show and now moves on to the European final for a chance at die-cast immortality.
The Fosters’ E21 started life as a humble 1982 3 Series and, across 14 years of careful work, has been transformed into a 900kg, track-oriented machine.
More than 200 cars entered the UK leg of the Hot Wheels Legends Tour; this Essex-built BMW emerged as the judges’ favourite and will represent the UK at the European final.
Race-bred styling with modern engineering
The build wears Group 2 touring car cues across a heavily modified body. Massive 345/35/15 rear tyres sit under fibreglass wide arches, while an alloy diffuser and deep front splitter give the car a compact, aggressive stance. The livery violet with red and blue accents — nods to BMW’s touring car heritage from the 1980s and ’90s.
A genuine Group 5 rear wing fitted with a carbon blade adds aerodynamic bite. Power comes from a stroked 5.0-litre Rover V8 making roughly 420 bhp, fed by twin Jenvey throttle bodies and routed through a DTM-spec Getrag gearbox. Supporting hardware includes a Quaife limited-slip differential, GAZ coilovers, and uprated Wilwood brakes; the build even features flame-spitting side pipes for dramatic effect.
Family story at the heart of the win
Paul Foster described the car as a family project and vowed it would stay in the family.
“It’s amazing to win the Hot Wheels Legends Tour UK. Built with my son Ethan, it’s part of our family, and we’ll never sell it. We’ve both been huge Hot Wheels fans since we were kids. I just can’t believe it,” Paul said. “Representing the UK at the next round of the competition is so exciting. Thank you to everyone for the support.”
Judging criteria and the route ahead
The UK judging panel included Hot Wheels designer Charlie Angulo, Nicola Hume of Red Bull’s Talking Bull, Jordan Clarke of SlammedUK, and influencer Mat Armstrong. Entrants were scored on design, authenticity, and the intangible “garage spirit” that Hot Wheels looks for in Legends Tour winners.
With its period-inspired design, modernized mechanics, and a clear family connection, the Foster E21 fit the brief. The car now heads to the European final, where a winner will be selected to enter the Hot Wheels Garage of Legends™ and be produced as a 1:64 die-cast model available worldwide.
What’s next
The European final will determine which car is immortalized as a Hot Wheels die-cast. The Fosters’ E21 is a strong contender thanks to its motorsport pedigree, meticulous fabrication, and compelling backstory. Car fans should expect to see updates as the competition progresses.
modified cars BMW Race Cars Classic Cars Car News BMW E21 Hot Wheels Legends Tour Gravity Show NEC Birmingham
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