Most kids are content to create their own imaginary engine noises and screeching tire sounds when playing with Hot Wheels. But the students at Ohio Technical College (OTC) need the real thing, so they brought one of their favorite Hot Wheels to life.

Students at the school, which is located near Cleveland, OH, built a one-of-a-kind 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air to replicate a Hot Wheels 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Edelbrock die-cast car, which was released in 2010. The car was built to commemorate the launch of the Ohio Technical College Edelbrock Performance Academy and was presented to Vic Edelbrock at the 2011 Rev’ved Up 4 Kids charity car show in 2011.

After a year spent touring the country to promote OTC and Edelbrock’s new partnership (check out our original post on the Edelbrock Performance Academy), the Bel Air has returned to its home state and is currently on display at the Summit Racing Retail Super Store in Tallmadge, OH.

“The 1957 Chevy Bel Air was a remarkable learning tool for our students and a great way to introduce the Edelbrock Academy and showcase the type of practical and applied training students will receive,” said Justin Brenner, director of corporate development, OTC. “Students dedicated their time transforming the car from a rusty shell of the past into a custom rod of the future.”

The transformation included a complete frame-off restoration. Students in the Classic Car Restoration course repaired or replaced the following:

Students in Ohio Technical College’s High Performance and Racing course made the following upgrades:

The Bel Air will be on display at Summit Racing in Ohio until the end of June.

Author: David Fuller

David Fuller is OnAllCylinders' managing editor. During his 20-year career in the auto industry, he has covered a variety of races, shows, and industry events and has authored articles for multiple magazines. He has also partnered with mainstream and trade publications on a wide range of editorial projects. In 2012, he helped establish OnAllCylinders, where he enjoys covering all facets of hot rodding and racing.