The automotive world has a new legend: La Liebre, a stunning custom-built race car from Chile, has been crowned the 2024 Hot Wheels Legends Tour winner. This victory not only immortalizes the vehicle but also celebrates its creators, Giuseppe Casagrande and the Cars & Coffee Chile team, who poured their passion into building a masterpiece that captured global attention. Soon, La Liebre will take on a new form as a 1:64 Hot Wheels die-cast model, available to collectors and fans worldwide.
A Build Born from Passion and Community
What started as a project to promote the car culture in Chile has now made history. In 2013, Giuseppe Casagrande and Maurizio Moschini co-founded Cars & Coffee Chile, a nonprofit organization aimed at fostering a vibrant automotive community. Their vision materialized in La Liebre, a heavily modified 1968 Baufer Ford Falcon chassis equipped with a Chevrolet 350 engine capable of producing a jaw-dropping 600 horsepower.
The car features a tubular frame, roll cage, and a custom fibreglass body designed to enhance aerodynamics, resulting in a lightweight 900kg build. The Saenz 910 five-speed transmission with straight-cut gears ensures that this vehicle is not only beautiful but built for serious performance.
A Blend of Classic Aesthetics and Modern Engineering
La Liebre blends vintage charm with cutting-edge performance. The team’s dedication to craftsmanship and speed created a car that stands out for its looks and performance. Judges at the Hot Wheels Legends Tour were captivated by its sleek design and its role in uniting and inspiring Chile’s car community.
From Chile to the Global Stage
The 2024 Hot Wheels Legends Tour showcased over 5,000 vehicles from 13 countries, including new stops in Colombia and the UAE. After winning the Chilean tour stop, La Liebre triumphed in the virtual Global Grand Finale held on November 16. This victory secured its induction into the prestigious Hot Wheels Garage of Legends, joining an elite lineup of custom cars that have earned a place in automotive history.
Hot Wheels Legends Tour: A Celebration of Creativity
Since its inception in 2018, the Hot Wheels Legends Tour has grown into the world’s largest traveling car show, bringing together enthusiasts and builders from across the globe. Previous winners include iconic builds like the 2018 2JetZ™, 2020 1970 Pontiac® Firebird™, and last year’s Chimera MX-5 roadster. The tour continues to celebrate innovation, passion, and the art of car building, showcasing creations that inspire millions.
Why La Liebre Deserves the Crown
According to Ted Wu, Mattel’s Senior VP and Global Head of Design, La Liebre embodies the spirit of the Hot Wheels Legends Tour. “This year’s competition was fierce, but the mission and execution behind La Liebre stood out. It’s more than a car—it’s a symbol of passion, community, and inspiration.”
Key Highlights of La Liebre
- Engine: Chevrolet 350 V8, 600 horsepower
- Transmission: Saenz 910 five-speed with straight-cut gears
- Chassis: Baufer-modified tubular frame with roll cage
- Body: Custom fibreglass for optimal aerodynamics
- Weight: Just over 900kg
La Liebre is a testament to the power of vision, dedication, and community spirit. While its full-sized version continues to turn heads, the upcoming Hot Wheels die-cast promises to ignite the imagination of collectors worldwide.
Source: Elan PR
This article was crafted with assistance from Chatgpt
