Customiser: Karl-Martin Sänger

Country: Germany

Karli, an occupational therapist he is working with people with mental and physical disabilities and he has been a dedicated diecast customiser and collector for many years.

As one of the early participants in our Diecast Heroes magazines, Karli is continuously impressing the community with his unique and heartfelt builds. His latest creation, a VW T1 Hot Wheels Combi Panel Van, was made as a tribute to Lorrie Ray, the beloved Cupcake Lady who attends Hot Wheels Nationals in the USA. More than just a beautiful custom, this piece was part of a special charity auction in St. Louis in April 2025 and is one of many pieces.

Honouring a Fellow Collector with a Unique Creation

To honour Lorrie’s passion for collecting drag busses and her role in the community as the CupCake Lady at the HotWheels Nationals, Karli took on the challenge of designing a one-of-a-kind Cupcake-themed VW T1 Panel Van project on a 1:64 scale. The casting was meticulously reworked with detailed paint applications, as is Karli's habit, intricate decals, and a theme that reflected the joy and warmth that cupcakes—and Lorrie—bring to the Hot Wheels community. Approximately 30 cupcake-inspired customs were created for the event, each offering a unique spin on the theme and you can find them on Karli's Instagram page.

Beyond his custom work, Karli is a devoted attendee of Hot Wheels events, always eager to connect with fellow collectors. When he isn’t crafting intricate diecast pieces, he dedicates his time to his career in social care, his family, and his love for music. His ability to balance creativity, community, and personal commitments makes him a standout figure in the diecast world.

With this heartfelt tribute build, Karli not only celebrated a fellow collector but also contributed to a meaningful cause—proving once again that the diecast community is built on more than just diecast cars; it’s about friendship, passion, and giving back.

A Passionate Collector and Community Member

Karl-Martin Sänger, known as Karli in the diecast community, is a occupational therapist in Dresden, Germany. An avid diecast hobbyist and one of the early participants in our Diecast Heroes magazines. Karli has made a significant impact with his custom creations and if you have yet to see them, you are in it for a sweet treat.

Transforming a Classic into a Sweet Ride

Karli at one of the many Hot Wheels Nationals

The Sweet Ride CupCake Box for Charity at the HotWeels Nationals in St Louise, April 2025