One of the first sets I got as a kid was a Lego Technic car set, and I found myself blown away by all the small details that were included throughout the vehicle. From the steering wheel turning the wheels to the pistons of the engine moving along with the car; not a single piece of realism was left out of the model.
Since then, the range of models has increased tenfold and the brainiacs at Lego HQ have pushed the boundaries of what’s possible when designing a Lego vehicle kit.
So, in this Top 5 list, we’re going to be looking at some of my favourite car kits that lego have released. Each one will vary in price, pieces and difficulty to show the wide variety of car themed products that are available.
So without further ado, ready, set, go!
McLaren Formula 1™ Race Car
Set number: 42141
Pieces: 1434
Starting off at a fast pace, we have the Formula 1 McLaren race car and what a beauty it is! Catching the eye of every builder with its distinctive blue and orange bricks, it’s a head turner for sure. And rightly so, the builders at Lego HQ worked closely with the McLaren team to ensure this set replicated the actual vehicle as much as possible; and it shows.
Personally, I’m blown away by just how many details are packed into this kit, that I could write an entire article on them alone. That being said, there’s a few details that really stand out. The first unlocks a core memory for me with the replica V8 Engine with moving pistons; the sound of which is almost mesmerizing. Next are the sponsor stickers that adorn the outside of the car beautifully and really bring it to life. Rounding off, is the size of this beast, coming in at 25.5 inches long, it’ll make the perfect centerpiece.
Miles Morales vs. Morbius
Set number: 76244
Pieces: 220
Onto one of the smaller sets on this list, but no less exciting. Depicting an amazing scene from the Mile morales Spider Man film, we have the ultimate showdown between Mile Morales and Morbius on your very own tabletop.
But just because it has less pieces, doesn’t mean there’s any less detail packed into this model. Firstly, the main centerpiece, the car! It has a stunning red and black exterior with a huge booster flame protruding from the back. Although there’s not as much detail on the interior, there is enough space for our favourite spider themed superhero. WHich is one of the two minifigures that are included in this kit.
Personally, I’m a huge fan of the smaller lego kits as they demonstrate the amount of detail and features that can be achieved with a very small amount of pieces. And this kit is no different. It makes for a great display piece, or would look just as good traveling at high speed through your Lego City.
Ghostbusters™ ECTO-1
Set number: 10274
Pieces: 2352
Next we have the newest rendition of a kit that’s had a few previous versions over the past years. Still fending off ghosts in 2023, we have the Ghostbusters ECTO-1. A striking white vehicle packed to the brim with gadgets and gizmos galore. Consisting of well over 2000 pieces, I can’t imagine another car I’d rather have in my garage to fight the unthinkable; but then again, I ain’t afraid of no ghosts!
One of my favourite details on this kit has to be the slightly off white tiles that are used on the exterior. They give the vehicle a rustic, well used look whilst still allowing the distinctive Ghostbusters logo to shine true on the side. That being said, the exterior details only scratch the surface. On the inside we have a plethora of features that would set a ghostbusters heart a flutter. Showcasing a working steering wheel with built in mechanisms, a trap door and ghost trap, an extendable gunner seat and platform and a moving ghost sniffer so that no ghost escapes your sight. Not to mention heaps of other gadgets that can be equipped.
Phew, if that’s not an inventory then I don’t know what is…
Lamborghini Sián FKP 37
Set number: 42115
Pieces: 3696
Arriving in one of the most distinctive bright green lego boxes I’ve ever seen, we have the stunning Lamborghini Sian FKP 37. A car that I could only ever dream of actually owning; so a slightly smaller lego version will have to do for the time being. That being said, there’s very few details in the actual car that haven’t been recreated in this model.
First it’s very rare that I mention the instruction booklets that come with these sets, but this model's coffee table booklet is incredible. Packed full of images, notes and details about how the car was created and the effort that went into recreating it in Lego scale. It’s definitely one you’ll want to keep in the collection. But onto the car, we have a mesmerizing green shell that no doubt houses power and engineering beyond our wildest dreams. The exterior is accompanied by a rear spoiler, front and rear hood, disc brakes and shiny golden rims.
Inside we have an 8 speed sequential transmission, V12 replica engine with moving pistons, stearing, and front and rear suspension. All I need to do is shrink myself down and I’ll finally have my dream car!
The Batman - Batmobile
Set number: 42127
Pieces: 1360
Admittedly, I knew I wanted to include a Batmobile on this list, but I didn’t know there were so many kits to choose from. That being said, I couldn’t resist featuring one from the newest DC installment, The Batman. Although it’s smaller and more simplistic than the Tumbler, it’s still a sight to behold and an amazing centerpiece for any DC fan.
Coming in at over 1000 pieces, there’s a wide range of features and gizmos to set your eyes on. Starting on the outside, we have working steering, spinning booster flames for added speed, and a transparent engine with working pistons. But inside we have something that hasn’t featured on any other models in this list. Included in this kit are 2 light bricks, one red and one yellow. These create a stunning glow from the interior of the vehicle and really bring the model to life as a display piece. If your wallet can’t quite stretch to the price of a tumble, take my word that this is an amazing alternative for the collection.
Wave the checkered flag and prepare the podium; we made it! More than ever I had amazing fun writing this list and have even found a few new sets that I might have to add to the collection. As always, I’d love to know if any of these sets made your top 5, and if so which one? You can let us know by using the @zatugames tag on any social media platform. And while you’re there, let me know what list you’d like me to tackle next time!
Until then, thanks for reading.