Aug 26 2008
Since 1969, Larry Wood, the Chief Designer for Mattel Toys – Hot Wheels Division, has been the driving force behind the success of Hot Wheels – the number one vehicle property in the United States.
When it came to designing his personal truck project, a big-block Chevy powered 1938 Ford COE (Cab Over Engine) truck, 19.5" polished Alcoa wheels were the only choice. “I wanted the classic big-rig look and image. Only these wheels were ever considered. The quality of the forged wheel construction and bright polishing catches everyone’s eyes. The Made in the USA quality was also a major factor in my design to use these wheels,” he said.
For this project, Brian Thomas, Marketing Communications Specialist for Alcoa Wheel and Transportation Products, worked to see that logistics and scheduling in meeting the finished construction deadlines were met.
When Larry is designing the cars and trucks for his Hot Wheels line, he is always pushing the boundaries of design. Not so with this 3-year construction project. Only the timeless and classic elements of all the parts that went into this truck’s design were ever considered. “Of all the wheel choices that are available on the world-wide market, still I think you can’t beat the Alcoa Classic wheel,” Larry said.
This truck and a still-under-construction matching trailer will be hitting the highways to many of the major truck, street rod and other industry shows soon. Featured articles are planned for this truck also in several of the consumer automotive magazines.
“It is certainly a pleasure to work with such a creative and talented designer like Larry “Mr. Hot Wheels” Wood. He is the icon automotive designer that has designed more cars and trucks than anyone else in the world. Through his creative visions and talent, Hot Wheels has become synonymous with the American culture. And, because of the Classic polished Alcoa wheels, they certainly made the final and most visible element of this project come together like no other wheel design can,” Thomas said.
With Larry Wood designing future Hot Wheel projects, you may even see his 1938 Ford COE as a Hot Wheels in your local store.
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