Custom 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300D Qualifies For Hot Wheels Legends Tour Finals
Giancarlo Perlas July 17, 2023A once-neglected 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300D takes center stage at the Hot Wheels Legends Tour Finals. This extraordinary build, which began its journey as an immobile vehicle languishing on a neighbor’s lawn, has undergone a stunning transformation into a top-notch off-roading beast that has caught the attention of Hot Wheels enthusiasts worldwide.
Born from Passion and Perseverance
The story behind this remarkable build starts with David Almanzan, an automotive technology teacher at Dekaney High School in Houston, Texas. Almanzan’s keen eye spotted the forgotten Mercedes 300D and saw its potential.
Undeterred by its non-operational state, he embarked on a mission to breathe new life into this vintage sedan, inspired by his love for automobiles and a desire to share his passion with his students.
Fueling the Future: A School Project Like No Other
The restoration, repair, and modification of the 300D became a collaborative school project. Approximately 260 students from Dekaney High School’s automotive technology program poured their efforts into the build, learning valuable skills along the way.
With the guidance of their dedicated teacher, the students transformed the sedan into a rugged off-road machine, making it a testament to their hard work, creativity, and determination.
Unleashing the Beast: Extensive Modifications Under the Hood
Underneath its sleek exterior, the revamped 1985 300D boasts an array of impressive modifications. Equipped with a substantial lift kit, the sedan gains added ground clearance, making it capable of tackling challenging terrains.
Additionally, mud-terrain tires ensure optimal traction, while LED light bars illuminate the path ahead. Then, the inclusion of wheel arch flares adds a touch of aggression to its appearance, giving it an unmistakable presence on the road.
Battling It Out: Tootsie Aims for Hot Wheels Glory
Affectionately named “Tootsie” by its owner, Almanzan’s 300D has already made it to the semifinal rounds of the Hot Wheels Legends Tour. Set to compete against other heavily modified vehicles, such as a 1981 Chevrolet Camaro and a 1989 Volkswagen Rabbit Cabriolet, Tootsie has its sights set on securing a coveted spot in Hot Wheels’ 1/64-scale car catalog.
The winner of this prestigious competition will see their creation immortalized as a Hot Wheels scale model, available to enthusiasts around the world.
Final Thoughts
The journey of the 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300D from a neglected vehicle to a legendary contender in the Hot Wheels Legends Tour Finals is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and collaboration. This extraordinary build stands as a shining example of the incredible things that can be achieved when individuals come together to create something truly remarkable.
