We’re taught to respect all builds, but there’s nary a shadow of a doubt that, in some instances, the odd homebrew creation deserves more attention than others. Such is the case with Michael Wallhead’s one-of-a-kind 1979 MGB GT.
The MGB “B-east” has the coveted honor of representing the UK in this year’s Hot Wheels Legends Tour semi-final, with a shot at being immortalized in 1:64 scale for generations in to come if it wins the final.
But first, some more about the car. The MGB in question features a 3.0-liter Jaguar AJV6 engine. Taken at face value, the engine swap alone may not have won the vehicle any awards, the original having come out of the factory with the option of a straight-six or V8 anyway. But it was Wallhead’s approach to the build that won over the judge’s hearts, with the builder demonstrating an ability to select from a pick ‘n’ mix mish-mash of recycled parts to create something unique.
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The prop shaft is from a Range Rover, the axles from a Reliant Scimitar, and the engine’s throttle bodies have been pinched from a Triumph motorbike. Stopping power is via brakes from a Nissan Silvia S14.
And the recycling theme doesn’t just stop at mechanical parts. The B-east’s seats are made from old jeans, and the glovebox has been fabricated from old license plates. “For all my builds, I always look to find ways to reuse parts,” says Wallhead. “Everything has a second or third life, and I try not to throw things away that can be reused.”
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The build took over eight years to complete, but the end product is a matchless restomod that can make the 0–60 mph (0–96 km/h) sprint in 4.2 seconds.
However, it hasn’t been Wallhead’s first time in the spotlight with his crazy creations. In May 2023, he set the Guinness World Record for the fastest wheelie bin in a Suzuki-powered, well, trash can. Wallhead set a time of 88 km/h (55 mph), 16 km/h (10 mph) faster than the previous record holder.
The UK final of the Hot Wheels Legends tour was judged at RADwood UK, with all 274 entrants allowed a shot at the crown. The panel of experts, which included motoring journalists Richard Porter, Steve Parrish, and Abigayle André, as well as design manager for Hot Wheels, Craig Callum, whittled the list down to 10 entrants based on Hot Wheels’ criteria of authenticity, creativity, and ‘garage spirit.’
Wallhead’s MG managed to beat off competition from marques such as Jaguar, Ford, VW, and Skoda. It even triumphed against the Hagerty UK Fan Vote car, which was fast-tracked to the UK finals. Created by Sam Carr, the fan favorite was a Mazda RX-7 that had a Nissan S14 200SX rear-end swap and a Honda Civic Type R K20A2 engine plumbed in.
The MGB B-east will now go on to represent the UK in the Legends Tour semi-final, set to be held on the 2nd of November. The finals will be held on the 11th of November, with the winning car being recreated as a 1:64 Hot Wheels model, cementing its presence in automotive culture for years to come.
“Choosing a winner was no mean feat, and each finalist has what it takes to represent the UK in the global finale,” explains design manager for Hot Wheels, Craig Callum. “That said, Michael Wallhead’s MG perfectly encapsulates the three core elements we were looking for in our winner. We loved the reuse of materials in new and exciting ways, such as the denim seat covers and temporary tattoos for graphics.”
