Craig Lowndes’ new innovative car move to excite fans

Aussie V8 legend Craig Lowndes has taken a new step in his career that fans can be a part of – and potentially give them something valuable in years to come. See the video.

V8 racing legend Craig Lowndes has shifted gears, from the drivers seat to the designers.

In a move bound to excite fans, the seven-time Bathurst winner has made a miniature replica of a vintage car he adores – a 1954 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL.

He said the partnership with toy company Mattel had rekindled the “journey” he went on as a child.

“It is full circle because when I was asked to be part of this it was really exciting because it brought back a lot of the childhood in what I grew up with,” Lowndes said.

“You go from having a collectable model to then obviously working on cars and then becoming a motor racing driver.

“It’s a sort of a stepping stone of having sparked that passion when I was a child to then turn it … into a profession, which is where I am now, so it’s definitely been a journey.”

“Now I’ve got an opportunity to share that message … because there are so many people that love collectable cars.”

V8 racing legend Craig Lowndes has partnered with toy company, Mattel, to create a miniature replica vintage car – a1954 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL. Picture: Supplied

Lowndes’ miniature Merc will be sold online on Monday – for less than $220. There is only one but fans will be able to get their hands on other cars in the collection, including the 1963 Corvette Grand Sport and the 1990 Honda NSX.

“The 54 Mercedes 300 SL is something very special for me,” Lowndes said.

“It was a car that I grew up loving, especially the gold wing doors, just a very unique style of a car.”

Craig Lowndes with the miniature replica vintage car – a1954 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL. Picture: Supplied

Lowndes’ partnership with Mattel comes as he prepares to depart Triple Eight at the end of the year, after a 20-year partnership.

From 2026, he will become a driver and ambassador for General Motors.

“I’ve aligned myself with GM and the team have chosen to go a different direction,” Lowndes said.

“At the moment I’m commentating for Supercars and that’ll try to continue on for next year. “I’ve really enjoyed being involved in the sport. So it’s, yeah, I don’t think I’ll be going too far away.”

The miniature replica vintage car – a1954 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL. Picture: Supplied

The 51-year-old is buoyed by the future of Australian motorsport and our success on the world stage, specifically Formula One driver Oscar Piastri.

“There’s a lot more young people now getting involved at an earlier age, which is great,” Lowndes said.

“I think that teams are realising that they’re looking for that next generation (of) drivers.

“Oscar’s doing a fantastic job … putting … awareness to Australia. I think there’s no doubt that … we, as a nation, have got some great talent.”

The Hot Wheels Premium and Elite Series goes on sale on carsales.com on July 7. A full collection of the cars will go on sale in stores from August.

Originally published as Craig Lowndes’ new innovative car move to excite fans