This is a 320bhp, TVR-powered Mini track car… boosted with nitrous

Yes, we know this one’s a lot to take in one bite because it's a classic Austin Mini that’s not a classic Austin Mini, save for the perfectly retro circular headlights and the diminutive size. Dubbed the ‘Mentley’, it’s the brainchild of Dominic Whittle, who’s entered (and won) the British leg of the Hot Wheels Legends Tour, with it now eligible for a shot at the outright global crown for a chance to be immortalised in 1:64 scale.

Beneath that part-exposed bonnet sits a 320bhp TVR V8, with a sub-three-second sprint to 60mph achievable if you don’t mess up the gear changes on its Range Rover gearbox. Oh, you’ll also need to tap the nitrous button to do that too, making sure you’ve got your very best “too soon, junior” look on for a bit of extra boost.

Right, now let’s move on to the exterior. It’s a completely open-top vehicle with a halo perched behind the cabin, signalling its intent as a tiny track car. There are two tiny, curved windscreens ahead of each passenger too, and a luggage rack that’s actually usable out back.

Smaller details include a pair of vented scoops on the bonnet, racing fog lamps along the thick front bumper and wheel arches comparable in size to most football stadiums. There are also two straight-pipe exhausts toward the rear and thick, treaded tyres at each corner. A gorgeous coat of British Racing Green has been applied to stitch it all together, and number ‘8’ vinyls to Easter egg its mimic of Bentley’s racers from the 1920s. Proper project, this.

Craig Callum, a judge on the panel of the Hot Wheels Legends Tour, said: “With a wild engine transplant squeezed into a unique design twist of two British icons, Dominic Whittle's Mini 'Mentley' perfectly captures the fun we are looking for.

“If you look at our past Legends, this is a true contender – it’s the kind of design we would develop in the studio ourselves. It’s got such authenticity but it’s also completely different, there are so many little touches that give it character.”