Life Size Replica of the Iconic Hot Wheels Twin Mill

Photograph by Sarah (Pandora-no-hako on Flickr)

In 1968, American toymaker Mattel released a series of 1:64 scale die cast cars called Hot Wheels. The first series of cars released (16 in total) were ‘customized’ versions of well known models like the the Camaro, Corvette and Mustang. However, later that year, Hot Wheels designer Ira Gilford began concept work on what would eventually become the iconic ‘Twin Mill’, which made it’s debut in 1969.

The design was unmistakable. Massive dual engines with giant scoops up front, and big, wide exposed wheels in the rear. To date, some 12 million have been produced. To avid Hot Wheels collectors, a mint, in-the-package original Twin Mill could go for as much as $800. [Source]

Photograph by Street Rodder

Fast forward to 1998, the 30th anniversary of the famous toy series, and an executive at Mattel decides it would be fantastic to reproduce a life-size replica of a Hot Wheels car. The model chosen? The Twin Mill of course!

Photograph by Street Rodder

The project was entrusted to Boyd Coddington (Hot Rods by Boyd) with Chip Foose in charge of the build. Unfortunately, Hot Rods by Boyd went bankrupt later that year. However, the unfinished Twin Mill project was not ‘present’ when the collectors came to cart everything away. [Source]

Photograph by Street Rodder

The project remained unfinished until Hot Wheels Director Carson Lev revived the Twin Mill and contracted Barry Lobeck to finish the job. The completed car made its debut at the 2001 SEMA show in Las Vegas to great adulation.

Photograph by Street Rodder

The car is fully functional. Headlights, tail lights, turn signals, gauges and of course the twin 502 big blocks providing an estimated 1,400 total horsepower. The view when driving is rather limited with those massive blowers taking up so much real estate! The Twin Mill has also recently changed colours from Spectraflame Red to Spectraflame Green.