Hot Wheels has announced the number-one build at the 2025 Legends Tour stop in Las Vegas, awarding top honors to a fully custom ’49 Chevy hot rod built by Calvin Calp and his team.

With more than 140 cars competing and close to 9,000 fans filling the venue, Calp’s Chevy stood out as a clear favorite. The build now advances to the semi-finals in the national contest, with hopes of reaching the global finale, where one winner will be transformed into a 1:64 Hot Wheels die-cast and sold around the world.

A 1949 Chevy Reimagined

The hot rod began life as a 1949 Chevrolet Cab, but its current form is unrecognizable from the factory original. Calp and his team cut, welded, and shaped the car into a bespoke machine that showcases both vision and craftsmanship. More than 200 feet of tubing went into the fabrication of an entirely new chassis, complemented by a custom suspension system tailored specifically for the build.

The roof was removed to create a roadster-style profile, while the bed, windshield, and grille shell were all handmade in-house. Every piece was designed to flow seamlessly, giving the car its one-of-a-kind stance and character.

Small-Block Power And Custom Details

Power comes from a small-block Chevy V8 paired with custom headers and aggressive side-exit exhaust pipes. A 700R4 automatic transmission backs the engine, ensuring reliability and street-friendly drivability.

Even the paint scheme carries a personal story. The unique black-and-green finish was chosen through a contest among the shop’s staff, creating a color combination that is both striking and memorable. Inside, the theme continues into the cabin for a cohesive look. Foose wheels round out the build, staggered at 20 inches in the front and 22 inches in the rear, giving the hot rod a modern yet classic appeal.

Judges And Event Highlights

Entries at the Las Vegas Legends Tour stop were judged on authenticity, creativity, and garage spirit. The panel included Darren Strahl, Paul Bukoskey, Scott Hartshorne, Hot Wheels designer Bryan Benedict, and Mattel photography supervisor David Chickering.

The September 20th, 2025, event took place at the Walmart Supercenter on North Decatur Boulevard and featured more than 100 custom builds, die-cast displays, family activities, and life-size Hot Wheels cars from the Garage of Legends.

With his Las Vegas victory, Calvin Calp’s ’49 Chevy hot rod takes another step closer to global recognition. If it reaches the finale and wins, the build will be immortalized as a Hot Wheels die-cast, joining an exclusive group of real-world customs that have become part of the brand’s history.