Essex father and son Paul and Ethan Foster have spent fourteen years building a car that finally took top honours at the UK Hot Wheels Legends Tour. Their 1982 BMW 3 Series stood out among more than 200 custom builds at this year’s Gravity Show at Birmingham’s NEC.
Paul and Ethan began with a simple idea and a lot of hard work. Today, their E21 weighs just 900kg and draws inspiration from Group 2 race cars. It features a wide-arch kit, massive rear tyres, and a race livery splashed with violet, red, and blue. The original Group 5 rear wing, now with a carbon blade, adds style and downforce. Under the hood sits a 5.0-liter Rover V8 producing 420 horsepower. Side pipes shoot flames, and the car’s suspension and brakes are race-ready.
The judges looked for more than just looks. They wanted cars that show real effort and spirit. Paul and Ethan’s BMW earned top marks for authenticity and design. Paul said, “Winning with my son means everything. This car is a part of us, and we’ll never let it go.” It’s clear their passion and dedication resonate with others, especially as the car moves on to the European final.
The competition was fierce. Cars ranged from historic racers to drift builds. Judges included Hot Wheels designer Charlie Angulo and motoring personalities like Nicola Hume. The event also featured a huge fan vote with nearly 40,000 participants.
Partners including Smyths Toys, Forge Motorsport, and Collecting Cars supported the competition with prizes and gifts. But for the Fosters, the chance to be immortalized as a Hot Wheels die-cast is the ultimate reward.
Their project began as a shared hobby but grew into something much bigger. This BMW is proof that time, teamwork, and dedication can turn a garage project into a legend.
