A pickup truck inspired by the Chevrolet Caravan, named Caravan El Camino, will represent Brazil in the continental phase of the Hot Wheels Legends contest. This annual contest recognizes the best project and results in the creation of a miniature based on it.
The vehicle replicates the style of North American pickup trucks that remained in production for almost three decades in the United States. Its construction was carried out by the Sauro Garage workshop, located in Santa Catarina, using the station wagon base and incorporating the inclined B-pillar characteristic, typical of the El Camino design, which historically followed models such as Impala, Chevelle, and Malibu.
The modification process of the Caravan El Camino involved removing the roof, windows, and trunk lid. A new rear windshield and a rear panel for the cabin were added, along with a new finish on the bed and the floor.
The vehicle's finish is remarkable. Painted orange, the Sauro Garagem team paid special attention to the alignment of the bed, removing the window curves but keeping a sticker that evokes the original curvature. The look is complemented by Cooper Cobra tires installed on Magnum 500 wheels. Under the hood, there is the classic 250 six-cylinder engine from the Opala and Caravan, although the 4400 emblem indicates that the block was modified with increased displacement, a common practice among tuners.
Currently, the pickup is advancing to the regional stage of Hot Wheels Legends, where it will compete against other Latin American participants. If it manages to advance, the Caravan El Camino will participate in the grand final in El Segundo, California, scheduled for October 3rd.
As per standard procedure, the winning project will be converted into a 1/64 scale miniature and distributed by Mattel.
In a historical note, in the 1970s, General Motors had developed a prototype pickup derived from the Chevrolet Opala. This model had the potential to occupy a position below the D10 but was ultimately shelved. This information was recently revealed in a book celebrating the centenary of GM's activities in Brazil.
Automobile miniatures, known as cars, have generated great enthusiasm among collectors, significantly moving e-commerce platforms. The collectibles market in Brazil is mainly driven by the sale of individual Hot Wheels cars.
A study conducted by OLX, using data from the first half of 2026, revealed that individually sold models accounted for 80.7% of all transactions on the platform. Furthermore, these items concentrated 74.3% of searches and 80.9% of brand-related listings.
The data indicates that consumer preference leans towards specific models, especially those that are limited editions or have been discontinued. According to the platform itself, the average value of these loose cars reached R$ 90, which attracts both experienced collectors and new enthusiasts who wish to start a collection without needing to invest large amounts.
In second place in the ranking are kits, collections, and lots, which represented 19% of searches, 12.5% of listings, and 12.2% of sales. This format is sought after by consumers who intend to acquire complete series or thematic sets at once.
Tracks and pieces occupy the third position, contributing 5.5% of searches and 5.8% of sales. Other items, such as garages, transporters, cases, Monster Trucks, and launchers, account for less than 2% of the market but still maintain an interested audience looking to expand the experience beyond conventional collecting.
Flávio Passos, Vice President of Autos and Consumer Goods at Grupo OLX, commented that the numbers demonstrate that the market is motivated by the demand for unique models. He emphasized that the collector generally seeks a specific miniature, not a set of vehicles, causing marketplaces to function as meeting points between buyers and sellers.
The survey also mapped the Brazilian states with the greatest interest in Hot Wheels products. São Paulo leads this interest with 36.8% of searches, followed by Paraná (10%), Minas Gerais (8.6%), Rio de Janeiro (8%), and the Federal District (6%). The research analyzed listings, searches, and sales registered between January and June 2026, comparing these results with the same period in 2025.
