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Play-Well, Technics, and surprisingly a claim to be the largest single manufacturer of tires in the world can only mean one thing; Lego. The iconic building brick toy has given rise to a stunning number of complex car-themed sets.
The perfect toy for adults and gearheads alike, with a craving for building a kit-car of their own. Lego's famous brick system over the decades evolved to include the Technics system, a process that started with set no. 853 back in 1977. Modern iterations include famous brands, Ferrari's 458 GTE reproduced down to the last detail with a full working chassis, engine, and transmission, the thing missing being oil and gasoline.
Over the decade's Lego has evolved, kit piece counts and complexity has increased, so has the prices, but these are not just toys anymore, but highly sought after, well-engineered collector's pieces cool enough for any gearhead.
9 Porsche 911 RSR (42096)
Unveiled in 2016, Porsche's 911 RSR destined for the Le Mans GTE and GTLM series, and later IMSA events where the factory-backed team claimed its maiden victory at the Lime Rock Park circuit the following year. Early suggestions hinted at a mid-engine layout, however, this proved to be untrue and the 911 RSR retained a rear-mounted flat-six motor.
Reduced scaled and plastic brick restrictions aside, the Lego version remains faithful to the real car, opening doors to reveal a stripped-out racing interior complete with bucket seats, while the engine cover opens to reveal a working flat-six motor. Surprisingly for such a complex shape, Lego manages a high level of detail from just 1580 bricks.
8 Fast N Furious Dodge Charger (42111)
Movie stardom aside, the Dodge Charger was already a popular choice on the muscle car scene, adding big-screen action stars and an almost believable plot-line made the Charger part of cinematic history. Throughout the long-running franchise, there have been several Chargers used, most gearheads will remember the first installments final race scene complete with wheelie action.
The world's most famous building-brick and movie series came together in 2020, recreating not only the iconic Dodge Charger itself with a working V7 motor topped with a blower installation, but turn the model over and Lego even gave gearhead a hidden stand to recreate the movie's wheelie scene.
7 Lamborghini Sian (42115)
Lamborghini's answer to the growing number of hybrid supercars, Sian, the brand's first attempt at hybrid technology, resulted in the fastest production Lambo ever with a top speed of 217 mph. Under the rear deck, 6.5 liters of all Italian V12 paired with a 48-volt motor generate a colossal 808 hp.
Lego took this build very seriously, its kit designers working alongside Lamborghini themselves to ensure every detail was as close to the original as possible. Externally, scissor doors, adjustable rear wing, front light assemblies, and a set of unique gold wheels are near identical to full-sized items. Pop the hood, and a full complement of 12 working cylinders, functional 8-speed transmission with working reverse, this isn't a kit, it's an engineering project.
6 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 (10265)
Needing no introduction, Ford's Shelby collaboration build, the GT500 Fastback from 1967 is one of the most highly sought after of all Ford's "hot" pony cars. The transformation was very straightforward, competition running gear accompanied by 428 cu-in Police Interceptor motors conservative rated at 335 hp.
It might not say Shelby GT500 on the box, but the blue and white paint scheme is a dead giveaway. Lego's Creator Expert range dispenses with the complexities of Technic, instead of focusing on replicating as close as possible in brick form. If you're craving authenticity, these are the ones to go for while still delivering a satisfying build.
5 Ghostbusters Ectomobile (21108)
Still the best movie in the series, Ghostbusters provided chills, thrills, and large doses of comedy to our screens in 1984, combined with an unlikely movie star car. Who would have thought a 1959 Cadillac Miller-Meteor Sentinel would be the perfect ride for chasing the otherworldly?
If the mere thought of thousands of tiny complex lego bricks is a little too much, then worry not, Lego has your brick-building desires covered with simpler but no less rewarding kits. What could be better than your very own Ectomobile from Ghostbusters? Boasting a smaller 508 piece count, Ecto 1 is perfect for those smaller spaces.
4 Bugatti Chiron (42083)
Where the Veyron raised the performance bar to 250 mph+ others followed, prompting the French supercar maker to unveil the Chiron. It packs everything the Veyron was, only more powerful, faster, and more complex. The same 8-liter W16 quad-turbocharged engine remains, power jumping to 1578 hp in SS 300+ guise with a potential for over 261 mph flat out.
Shrinking the complexities of a working W16 engine down to 1/8 scale is no mean feat, but lift the Technic Chiron's rear engine cover, and you'll find all sixteen pistons working around the common crank. It isn't just the mechanical side that astounds, unlike other Technic supercars the Chiron features dozens of flowing curves made up of hand-sculpted tubing to achieve the supercar's louvered door surrounds. Lego even provides a custom "Bugatti" key to adjust its rear wing.
3 Land Rover Defender (42110)
The best 4x4 by far, or so Land Rover advertising execs would have you think. Could a new breed of Defender surpass the classic off-roaders legendary ground covering agility? In 2020, US gearheads got the chance to put the latest First Edition Defender to the test. Mild-hybrid JLR powertrains include both diesel and petrol options, the latter producing up to 518 hp.
In scaled-down brick form, the Defender is no less impressive. Under the hood, a working V8 motor rides atop a complex Lego-designed and built all-wheel-drive system mimicking the road-going layout, complete with fully sprung suspension. Externally, all the 4x4 trademarks are there, off-road tires, roof boxes, and chunky bumpers, the front concealing a functional winch.
2 The Batmobile (42127)
Coming soon, the latest in a long line of Batman movies, due to hit the screens in 2022, The Batman promises to be another box-office busting dose of caped crusader action. However, if, like us. you're more into cars than the Dark Knight himself, you'll be surprised to find that the Batmobile has gone retro and shares a striking resemblance to a '70s Camaro, albeit a little longer and powered by a jet engine.
Even before the launch of the movie, Lego's The Batmobile has sold out, and while it's not quite so heavily engineered as the bigger Technic sets, it's still undeniably cool. The usual functioning steering and operable doors are all there, added to which a couple of neat Lego light bricks add a touch of realism to its rocket motor.
1 McLaren 720S
Fast, athletic, and gorgeously styled, the 720S McLaren's current "standard" production supercar. Launched in 2017 to much hype, the 720S represents the pinnacle of performance, its 4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 kicking out 710 hp, promising a top speed of 212 mph. Not bad for what is essentially a very specialized kit car, McLaren's Technology center completing the final assembly.
The complexity of road-car productions pale in comparison with the ultimate Lego build, a full-sized hand-built 720S that wherever possible is made entirely of plastic bricks. There are some concessions to practicality, wheels, tires, and seats are from the real thing, combined with over 280,000 bricks. Granted, this isn't a kit we can buy, but it's just so impressive that we felt it deserved a spot on this list.