New Mexico-native Joe Romero is one step closer to Hot Wheels immortality after his copper-clad Chevy convertible claimed the crown at the Hot Wheels Legends Tour stop in Albuquerque.
Romero’s one-off 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air stood out from a sea of 163 competitors at the traveling car show. The Albuquerque local customized virtually every element of the iconic lowrider, from its unique copper-and-black exterior and rose-gold rims to its air-ride suspension and stance. The attention to detail continues in the car’s interior with intricate paintwork and detailing, giving the All-American classic a little extra edge.
Joe Romero took home the Hot Wheels Legends Tour Albuquerque tropy with his 1957 Chevy Bel Air. | Source: Mattel
Joe Romero took home the Hot Wheels Legends Tour Albuquerque tropy with his 1957 Chevy Bel Air. | Source: Mattel
Joe Romero took home the Hot Wheels Legends Tour Albuquerque tropy with his 1957 Chevy Bel Air. | Source: Mattel
Joe Romero took home the Hot Wheels Legends Tour Albuquerque tropy with his 1957 Chevy Bel Air. | Source: Mattel
Joe Romero took home the Hot Wheels Legends Tour Albuquerque tropy with his 1957 Chevy Bel Air. | Source: Mattel
Joe Romero took home the Hot Wheels Legends Tour Albuquerque tropy with his 1957 Chevy Bel Air. | Source: Mattel
More than 6,900 fans stopped by the Aug. 22 event, which marked the first time Mattel and Mobil 1’s Hot Wheels Legends Tour made its way to the Albuquerque area. Only two stops remain on the 2026 tour before the Global Grand Finale in November, where designs from around the world will compete for the chance to be inducted into Hot Wheels’ coveted Garage of Legends and recreated as a Hot Wheels die-cast vehicle.
The final two stops of the 2026 Hot Wheels Legends Tour will take place Sept. 26 in Las Vegas, Nevada, and Oct. 3 at Mattel’s headquarters in El Segundo, California. To learn more, visit mattel.com/hotwheelslegendstour.
