The designer’s challenge program was created as a way for Hot Wheels to actively include its automotive partners in its 40th anniversary celebration by creating exclusive designs for a brand new line. It marks the first time Mattel has ever turned outside of the company for original Hot Wheels designs. The challenge for each automotive manufacturer was to create a Hot Wheels car that truly captured the brand’s core values of speed, power, performance, and attitude, while also retaining the distinct attributes of each company’s brand essence. All submissions were judged by a panel of Hot Wheels designers and collectors, as well as automotive journalists from Car & Driver magazine, the Los Angeles Times, and Men’s Journal. The Panel selected one design from each manufacturer and one internal design to be transformed into authentic Hot Wheels cars.

Honda Racer was designed by Guillermo Gonzalez. growing up in East L.A., Gonzalez remembers buying Hot Wheels track from the second-hand stores and setting up elaborate courses with jumps built on stacks of books., which fueled his desire to become a car desinger. Built in the shape of the Honda “H” emblem, Gonzalez combined iconic styling, power, and racing heritage into his design. A powerful V10 engine and twisted exhaust make this Designers Challenge winner the ultimate Honda Racer.

>> Passages taken from the actual writing on the back of the packaging