Hot wheels and Cool Rides at Radwood Festival

We recently reported on the Hot Wheels take over at Radwood festival with a rather special but perhaps a little esoteric (we’re looking at you purists) MGB being crowned champion. Well, our man Darren was there to capture the event in its entirety, on top of an in depth look at the toy car shenanigans, so sit back, relax and enjoy the wonderful words and pictures.

Classic car events have become rather clever in recent years. While the informal word-of-mouth pub or village green car meet still retains their air of familiarity, specific themed events have opened up a new appeal to the world of classic car ownership.

Technically the idea is nothing new, with media-friendly must-see events like the recent Goodwood Revival and Hagerty’s own Festival of the Unexceptional proving that effort and a touch of party atmosphere go a long way into adding to the joys of owning an older car. Organisation and spreading the word is the key to a successful classic car event. A balance of exclusivity, social and content appeal plays a vital role in making a memorable day.

Shifting demographics and the change in ownership profiles mean that those who put the effort into organising events have to be on the ball and know what their prospective visitors want. In the UK we have to be extremely grateful for the vast number of classic car shows, often spoiling us with the number of events, particularly over the summer months.

Tapping into a specific era could be seen as a risky tactic, particularly at the risk of alienating owners but Hagerty’s Radwood festival which is presented at its 2nd gathering at Bicester Heritage in August, is a brazen celebration of the 1980s and 1990s. This era could be documented as a genuinely innovative, optimistic and perhaps a perceived carefree period for motoring. Like all classic car events, it maintains a tinge of nostalgia and a distant memory of a simpler time.

Radwood festival taps into the cultural aspect of the era, in particular the easy focal points like culture, style and innovation. And this is where the visitors to the show come in. Very much a case of the attendees governing the event, and this year it appears to have been the biggest and best attended so far.

The cars were indeed present in impressive numbers, and so was the effort by those who either rummaged around their parent’s lofts or eBay to find suitable clothes and props. With several Radwood festival ‘regulars’ making an appearance, the vibe of the show is like a friendly get-together, cemented by their shared experiences of growing up in the 1980s and 1990s.

The venue, which as you may well have read in our previous reports is one of the finest static classic car venues in the UK, at the always serene and evocative Bicester Heritage. This is the event’s 2nd year at the former RAF base and it looks likely to be its regular home after an impressive debut at its inaugural event in 2019 at Goodwood.

Bicester as a location, in Oxfordshire, makes a lot of sense thanks to its central location and flowing road routes, but of course, the appeal is the attraction of the vast open plains among the leafy avenues set in a hauntingly brilliant environment where you can almost hear the echoes of the RAF ghosts.

That’s why it was a crying shame that only the paddock and tower section of the venue was used for Radwood festival. Obviously from a photographic point of view, framing cars posed beside the red-brick war building and light-leaved avenues provides plenty of creative opportunities, but also provides a little shelter, and seating and of course provides access to the excellent Wriggly Monkey Brewery.

As the event gains momentum with equal effort from both the organisers and those who attend, we hope that Radwood will find its way into the enclosure and not only become as loved as their showcase event at Grimsthorpe Castle but continue to become a force to help preserve those cars that are currently under serious threat of extinction.

We appreciate, as the recent Car and Classic social events have proven, that these things take time and effort but luckily the Radwood festival stage was propped up by a rather inspired inclusion of the Hot Wheels Legends tour. A masterstroke of genius because it was a splendid focal point for the day alongside the dazzling array of 80’s and 90’s cars. We’ll explore that in a moment after we discover who won the Raddest car at the show.

Judges were hovering around all day diligently taking notes around the 50 or cars in the Show & Shine area. Their criteria appeared to be straightforward, looking for the spirit and authenticity of the Radwood festival. With that in mind, it shouldn’t be a surprise that one car stood out. Gleaming in the sunshine, Katie Bushell’s 1990 VW Scirocco GT was announced as the Raddest car. Presented by Charlotte Vowden and Hannah Gordon from TV’s Repair Lot, and YouTuber Chris Pollitt also of Car and Classic fame, they chose Katie’s car as it captures the very essence of the era.

A car that lasted the whole of the 1980s, it captures that go-getting decade perfectly. The Golf GTI is the most obvious symbol of the era, yet for those who preferred a little more style thanks to the Giugiaro-designed body, it is a perfect example of 1980s car design. Drawing in defining design references, such as the large glass-house areas, geometric shapes with gentle chamfers and the chiselled yet elegant styling, the proportionally perfect Scirocco is very much a car of its era.

However, it’s never just about the car. The key element to Radwood festival is measured in equal amounts by its owner. Katie has quietly established herself in the classic car world, and as a mechanic, she knows her way around her car more than most owners. She has been diligent in the presentation of her car, having spent a considerable amount of time and effort in getting the correct look. Right down to the Clio 16V wheels, the white leather Victor steering wheel, and those incredible Scala-influenced rear lights.

Winning Raddest in Show, she also has picked up previous accolades as the winner of the Bright Young Sparks initiative, aimed at supporting young people in the classic car hobby. She’s not interested in fame as such, although she comes across as a natural and is very enthusiastic about her interests on her YouTube channel. She has outlined her desire to help encourage other women to pick up spammer and get tinkering with an old car. A worthy winner and one that we’re delighted to agree with.

Interestingly there were no dedicated areas for notable or rare cars, as cars were spread across the site, which added an unexpected element of surprise. A casual stroll in the classic parking area of encountering a Ferrari Testarossa parked alongside a Renault Laguna has to be considered unique at a classic car show.

The hanger was the venue for the live show, which provided the day with a focal point. To our delight, the Mattel team used Radwood festival to announce the Hot Wheels Legend Tour. A huge draw for those who are young at heart, but also those who never grew up and get a huge amount of joy from buying a Hot Wheels car as part of their weekly shopping routine.

A panel of five people studied and discussed a total of 10 customised cars from the Legends tour to determine which car would be forwarded into the final heats of the 2023 Hot Wheels Legends, with the winner’s car being chosen to be replicated as a 1/64 scale Hot Wheels. This has to be the ultimate accolade for any car owner, and each car was presented in a very compelling discussion thanks to the excellent and engaging hosts and guests.

Hosted by TV presenter Paul Cowland, a panel of 4 experts, which included Abigayle André from ‘She Talks Cars’, Richard Porter of ’Sniff Petrol/Top Gear’ fame, Steve Parrish, former motorcycle and truck racer and Craig Callum, Design Manager for Hot Wheels.

All of the ten cars have potential as Hot Wheels models and the depth, passion and warmth of these creations were discussed at length by the panel who eventually finalised a top three. We’ll have a quick rundown of the cars to admire the work that has gone into each one.

First for review was David “Motty” Mott’s 1964 Ford Thames 300E. Naming the car, ‘The Brickyard Shaker’, the metallic orange paintwork with orange-tinted windows instantly lends itself to a Hot Wheels model. In fact, several of the panel believed that it was already part of the current series of Gasser models. Off to a flying start, the Ford encompasses the dynamism and excitement of a Hot Wheels perfectly.

Another neat little panel van, Steve Jones of Old Bones Fabrications brought along his Hillman Husky as an 11th-hour inclusion after one of the other finalists dropped out. It turned out to be an inspired addition, with the panel of four unanimously agreeing that the cutesy styling and perfectly proportioned silhouette of the Husky with its hot rod build roots could be an ideal inclusion in the range.

Sam Carr’s Mazda RX7 is a ground-up rebuild of Mazda’s iconic rotary engine classic, however, it now sports a Honda K20A2 housed within a carbon fibre body. Another masterpiece in detailing, the car is active in the UK Time Attack championship, which adds to its menacing presence. Hot Wheels has already produced a near-stock version of the MK1 RX7 in die-cast form, so the relatively cost-effective task of retooling the existing moulding would certainly have an appeal.

Well-known on the VW circuit, is Bryan Butler’s creative fusing of the much-maligned Austin Allegro mounted on a VW chassis. The colour of the Allegro estate created much debate amongst the panel, but the originality and patina of the body shell resonated with Craig, who liked the potential for a ready-worn application for a toy car. It would also be a first to see the Allegro in 1/64 scale.

Another brand that has yet to make an appearance as a Hot Wheels is Skoda. Two Skoda’s have been represented today. First up is Richard Turnlock’s Porsche 3.4-litre powered Skoda 130R on a Lola race car chassis which appeared to be far removed from the original. That said, the Skoda has a formidable competition history, so the conversion is not as outlandish as it first appears.

Another nod to motorsports, which has clearly influenced all of the contenders, is the Skoda Octavia estate belonging to Andy Cowley. A tribute to the Super Touring car series, the car’s appealing graphics and what appears to be a nod towards the Max Power era, are finished off with an impressively loud sound system. Panellist Steve helpfully suggested that it just needed a Labrador dog at the back to complete the model.

Originally starting its life as a Gatwick Airport service car, Jake Fronda’s MK2 VW Golf van has seen several incarnations of tuning in his company. Well known at the Santa Pod drag strip, it was powered by a VR6 lump, but now vibrates the ground with a Ford big block engine. It struck a chord with Abigayle, who was thrilled to hear that it is very much a family-built car, with Jake’s daughters taking an active part in the racing.

Three cars were picked as potential winners and by chance rather than design happened to be British cars. A neat reflection of the UK leg of the Legends tour.

In third place was the astonishing 1984 Jaguar XJ6 built by Kevin Bourne. A truly unique creation, the car is powered by two custom-built straight sixes built together as a V12. Briefly recorded at 101 db that morning, the panel said that onlookers were looking towards the sky before they realised that the noise came from the car. Kevin will be hoping to establish a land speed record with the car in the future.

Second place went to Adrian Hall’s 1978 MK2 Ford Transit. Completely removed from its utilitarian roots, Adrian’s knowledge and expertise in performance Fords has resulted in this 700bhp Honda Turbo-powered beast. Elements of Porsche 917 as well as custom cantilever suspension present this van as a perfect Hot Wheels. A marvel in ingenuity, his company Hallscorts Performance use this track vehicle as a showcase for the company’s talents.

We finally get to the winner. It’s not going to be a surprise, as the car has literally gone viral and has already been featured in the Car and Classic magazine, but we cannot pass the opportunity to have another look at Michael Wallhead’s winning creation. It best represented Hot Wheels’ criteria of authenticity, creativity and “garage spirit’, which was cemented by Michael’s 6-hour round trip to show the car at the event. He appeared to be genuinely stunned when the announcement was made, but it really wasn’t hard to see why it was chosen to go onto the semi-final in November.

Michaels comes from an MG family and was motivated by the collected knowledge that both he and his father have gathered. An influence of his interests, which demonstrates his appreciation of aircraft, flowers and JDM cars has culminated in this rather resolved expression of motoring joy. Craig adored the flared arches and side exhausts, which will resonate with the young collectors, who will no doubt encourage them to carry the classic car torch into the future.

Flowing full of lovely details, his meticulous job as a design engineer for turbo systems has proven invaluable in this build. Known as the MG B-East, there’s a three-litre Jaguar V6 lurking under the bonnet. We also scanned across the car looking at the details, such as the Dremel-applied engravings on the rear lights, the denim-trimmed seats and the metal numberplate fashioned to create a glovebox. Full of delights and potential to influence, Michael’s humble demeanour and genuine interest in Hot Wheels makes him a worthy finalist. The winner will be announced on the 11th of November and we can only wish him the best of luck for the next round.

A good event is where the owners and visitors make the show, and if a show is measured by the effort made by the owners then this has to be up there with the best. The appeal of Radwood festival appeal is focused on the cultural high points of its chosen era and poured into the world of interesting cars, something that the American Radwood have seemingly perfected with their shows.

There is a touch of exclusivity with Radwood festival, which is certainly part of its appeal. Perhaps it’s an exclusivity that helps to maintain intimacy but as The Festival of the Unexceptional has proven, you can have a wide appeal with a ‘private club’ appeal.

Presented in a slightly more low-key fashion than The Festival of the Unexceptional, Radwood festival withered out rather quickly straight after the Hot Wheel Legends and one felt that it needed another focus beyond a DJ. The potential for live music or awards beyond the winner as well as the already mentioned appeal of opening the whole venue might help keep the visitors to the end.

As the sun started to fade, almost in a Sega Outrun fashion, the music subsided and we made our way back to reflect on the day. Another memorable Radwood event, thanks to the Hot Wheels Legend Tour, Radwood is as much our show as it is Hagerty’s, and all of the pieces, cars, and venue are in place – it just needs a little extra to finalise what could be a truly exciting show. If you get a chance, you have to put Radwood on your calendar for 2024. The survival of those Vauxhall Tigra’s and Daihatsu Grand Move’s are reliant on events like this!