If you say ‘family saloon made in 1960s Britain’, chances are the car in question is not a very good one, even by the standards of the time. But if you say ‘LEGO car made by Chris Elliott‘, it’s almost a dead cert that it’s a bona fide classic. While they were by no means perfect, there is a certain charm about cars of this vintage, which Chris has captured wonderfully. The front grille – a custom-chromed Wolverine claw – is immediately recognisable as a hallmark of Wolseley cars, and indeed Chris says the Wolseley 1500 was the main source of inspiration. There’s a hint of Ford Cortina in there too, and maybe even something sporty like a Triumph TR4. The shaping is great, and along with the chrome parts really helps to sell this as a typical late-20th-century British classic. The only inauthentic thing is the build quality. It’s far too high for this to have come out of a Leyland or BMC factory!
Tag Archives: Vehicles
Now you can go while on the go
There was a time before I was born and into my early childhood in which Show Rods were a thing. This is where automotive customizers with lots of imagination pushed the limits of what a hot rod can be. Anything from a bed, to a wine barrel, was fair game, and esteemed LEGO builder Andrea Lattanzio captured one such Show Rod nicely here. It is the “Outhouse” originally dreamed up by Bob Reisner in 1969, probably while sitting on the throne where frankly most good ideas come from. I mean, as outlandish as this seems to be, it has practical applications when you consider that you can do your business while still making good time to your destination. Just wash your hands, which I presume you’d have to do at your sink-themed Show Rod sold separately. This is Andrea’s fourth trip to the Show Rod loo; the previous being a Fire Truck, Beer Wagon, and Paddy Wagon. While you’re already sitting in the place where you do your best scrolling anyway, why not check out these hot rods from Andrea and other like-minded friends who can’t be bothered with building a boring Toyota Corolla.
Lotus 97/T
This LEGO version of the iconic Lotus 97/T by Robson M is so good, you don’t want to come up with a witty title for the post. If you are not familiar with Formula 1 history, this is the car Ayrton Senna raced to win his first ever Formula 1 victory back in 1985. Back then racing cars were smaller and the designs were much simpler, with less aerodynamic elements. Maybe it’s the choice of LEGO elements, but there’s something in this build as if it was straight from that epoch. Neat execution of stickers is a massive bonus, along with tiny bevel LEGO Technic gears inside the wheels. What a lovely touch!
A beautiful brace of Beetles
What’s better than a cool LEGO VW Beetle? Two cool LEGO VW Beetles! That’s just what Flickr user RGB900 has served us up with. Although being largely the same in terms of construction, it’s a good example of how different colour combinations can convery different characters in builds. I get the feeling the white one is driven by your typical surfer dude or dudette – Beach Boys on the stereo, laidback driving style, not that fussed if they’re actually any good at surfing. The black one on the other hand is definitely driven by someone who wants to be the best surfer around. Probably playing heavy metal to drown out what is no doubt a very loud exhaust. And wishing they had a black surfboard to match their ride, no doubt. Lime green doesn’t strike me as a very cool colour, but then I wouldn’t know much about being cool…
Milk and cookies? No, engine oil and gasoline, please
There is a race track (or more specifically, a drag strip) in the UK called Santa Pod. I wonder if that’s where Sergio Batista‘s festive hot-rod is headed, to spread some festive cheer worthy if its name! It certainly wouldn’t be out of place. The custom chrome pieces, while not completely purist, really complete the look, particularly with that red-and-gold combination. It’s probably not the most subtle way of delivering presents – you’d definitely hear Santa Claus coming, looking at the size of the exhaust. I imagine it’s still fairly rapid though. What’s the conversion from horsepower to reindeer-power again?
The future is now for hubless LEGO wheels!
Nothing says “futuristic ride” like hubless wheels, does it? I’m a real sucker for them, and Dicky Laban has sucked me in with this neat motorcycle. Despite its futuristic rims and stance, it does have some retro charm with the minimalist design and the light and handlebar setup. It looks ready to ride off into the sunset…
… Well, it can! This is the product of much tinkering with motors, gears and lights. Not only does it drive, the lights are functional, and it can even steer! Colour me impressed. Where can I buy one?!
Not your ordinary Amazon truck
Experts know that delivery isn’t just about time. It’s also about style. And by looking at the colossal MAN TGX41.540 8×4/4 by Dennis Bosman, it’s easy to see: this truck is made for premium delivery experience. Let me save you some time and say that there are 14 wheel axles with 54 wheels on, and most of them are capable of steering.
And although the truck is the true star here, I can’t help but enjoying the enormous trailer. I love its clean look possible thanks to the scale, but there is quite a number of great building solutions for this utility look. And, of course, it looks awesome with any cargo on it.
Whether day or night, these vans are arockin’ so don’t come aknockin’!
My childhood self in the 70s and 80s saw plenty of elaborately painted street vans, a phenomenon that has been sadly lost to time. But LEGO vehicle builder Isaac Wilder has kept the beautiful dream alive with this retro pair of Dodge street vans. Here’s a fiery sunrise van that I can attest was a common theme back in the 70s. That front bumper is totally sick!
For emissions more nocturnal we have a dark moonlit Dodge street van counterpart. The magic of these is, without even mentioning it, one can imagine the plush shag interiors and the not-quite-lawful activities going on inside. Also the sticker on the rear window that declares; gas, grass, or ass nobody rides for free. While all three may be enticing, clicking the Isaac Wilder link is a free trip so give it a gander.
Doo-Doo Racer from the Stone Jungle
Now here’s something you don’t see every day—or rather, no other day in the history of the world ever. LEGO builder Nikita Nikolsky lets loose a Doo-Doo Racer from the Stone Jungle and we’re not sure how that settles with us. It’s like Mad Max meets Caddyshack or Death Race 2000 meets National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. Probably the less said about this the better. But if there were a B-List movie of the same title I’d likely watch it. Still, that’s some pretty sick camber on those tires though. The pipes are epic too but I don’t want to know what comes out of the exhaust.
Upgraded firepower to win those Halo battles
The Covenant should beware the LEGO builds coming from EliteTC, like this awesome Scorpion tank. It’s always a blast to drive one of these in the Halo games, and seeing it translated into LEGO brick is a great sight. It’s a vehicle that works well in the medium with its angles and details. EliteTC does a good job of getting the shaping right, from the barrel of the main gun down to the tread sections for mobility. The greebling is slick, capturing the finer points of the vehicle. If you told me this could move on its own, I’d believe it! It looks fully mobile, like it can’t wait to blast down some Banshees or duel with some Wraiths. It’s a wonderful build for an iconic gaming vehicle.
A glimpse of the future in the palm of your hand
Hyundai’s N Vision 74 concept car caused a real stir when it was unveiled earlier this year, with petrolheads immediately falling in love. The G Brix has allowed us to fall head over heels all over again with this superb LEGO rendition of the car. Just like the real thing, it absolutely looks the business! The concept’s awesome styling was inspired by another Hyundai concept from 1974, itself used as a basis for the DMC Delorean. And while it can’t time-travel, this is still a pretty futuristic car. It’s powered by electric motors and a hydrogen fuel cell, details which G Brix has included. The angular bodywork is expertly recreated around it, while the grille tiles are a great idea to represent the headlights.
The original pony car
Want a vehicle worthy of this Victorian age, but can’t afford a steam car? Yearn for the elegance of the horse and cart without wanting to appear outdated? Then Peter Ilmrud‘s mechanical carriage may be for you! Perfect for the discerning gentleman or lady, this ingenious product can be retrofitted to your existing carriage. You will have access to more horsepower than any carriage could previously accommodate! No need to keep any grain either – coal is the only fuel you’ll need, with the only emissions of a much more nose-friendly nature!* Don’t delay, act today!
*We do not accept any liability for smoke-induced illnesses, diseases, or losses of elegance. Goggles, tophat and driver sold separately. Please consult our catalogue for more modern steam-powered products.