8 of our favourite Lego classic car kits

Brick-built and less likely to break the bank

In many ways, assembling a Lego set is much like owning a classic car: it takes patience, plenty of parts and an unrealistic expectation of the resulting item’s practicality.

Still, at least you won’t get oil under your fingernails fiddling with plastic put-togethers – not to mention the cash saved by mounting a model Mustang on your desk instead of stabling a full-sized fastback in your garage.

Itching to get building? We’ve picked out eight of our favourite Lego sets that reimagine classic cars with blocky brilliance.

1968 Ford Mustang Fastback

Set number: 75884

An all-American icon, Ford’s Mustang was the original pony car – and this blocky example is yours for just £12.99 (or US$14.99). It is in need of assembly after a period of storage in a small box, but its authentic parts are in pristine condition, with no recorded mileage.

More angular than its namesake, Lego’s 183-piece interpretation of the ‘68 Fastback somehow captures every aggressive detail – from the wheel arches to the hood scoop – while authentic decals, gold rims and rubber tyres finish the period look, making this a ‘Stang that’s more than ready to race on the rug.

Volkswagen Beetle

Set number: 10252

It might not be the fastest classic around, but the VW Bug is as recognisable as they come – even in Lego form.

OK, so the bonnet’s a little less curvy than usual but, replete with rooftop surfboard, 4-cylinder motor in the boot and that all-important beige interior, this symbolic wagon is straight out of the ‘60s. The best bit? It’s ready to hit the beach, courtesy of a couple of cold ones bundled in.

2016 Ford GT & 1966 Ford GT40

Set number: 75881

While we’d never grumble at getting two Ford GTs for the price of one, it’s the faithfully angular ‘66 GT40 that makes this 2-in-1 Speed Champions set for us.

A celebration of 40 years of Le Mans-winning Ford GTs, once you’ve finished fiddling with the 2016 racer, you’ll find a rubber-shod Ferrari-beater ready to race all the way to the bundled chequered flag, podium and trophy – after a comprehensive (re)build, naturally.

Porsche 911 RSR and 911 Turbo 3.0

Set number: 75888

Another double bundle, this one pairs up two Porsche icons for some track action (pit wall and all).

While Porsche’s modern day Le Mans challenger might be worthy of recognition in your burgeoning Lego garage, it’s surely the whopping wheel arches and whale tail of the mighty 911 Turbo 3.0 that’ll have you roaring down memory lane – or making turbocharger sounds as you hang the tail out around the living room floor.

And, with just 391 pieces between them, you’ll be doing donuts in no time.

1962 Volkswagen T1 Camper Van

Set number: 10220

A pristine ‘62 Camper can set you back the better part of forty grand. Mercifully, this box-fresh model is yours for a mere £85 (or $120). Replete with pleasing details, it might be too small for a camping trip but it’ll probably be a lot more enjoyable – though the jury’s still out on whether stepping on a Lego brick is more infuriating than tripping over a guy rope.

Assemble its 1334 pieces and you’ll find your compact Camper carries everything from that iconic pop-up roof and split screen, to a four-cylinder VW motor in the back and curtains to keep that blinding British sun out.

Ferrari F40

Set number: 10248

About as angular as its full-size namesake, this petite Prancing Horse captures the thoroughbred essence of Ferrari’s 40th anniversary machine – 90-degree V8 and all.

Besides that ubiquitous Ferrari red finish, the most powerful sports car of the early ‘90s is brought back in bricks (1158 of them) with a flourish of details – from pop-up headlights and an opening hood to moulded rim inserts and a flurry of dinky Ferrari decals dotted around the car.

Technically a retired product, like a true classic you can still pick up the model F40 through re-sellers online.

Mini Cooper

Set number: 10242

A truly mini Mini, this boxy model of the Mk VII – the final iteration of the classic Cooper – packs in the nostalgia by means of racing stripes, fog lights and, naturally, a picnic set.

Comprised of some 1077 pieces, its 9-inch wheelbase might put even the smallest Mini to shame but there’s no dearth of detail in this compact Creator set. Even the (slightly simplified) 1.3-litre block is there, beneath an opening, Mini-badged bonnet.

Ferrari Ultimate Garage

Set number: 75889

While you might think that half-built Caterham Seven in the shed makes for the ‘ultimate garage’, Lego has different ideas: this three-in-one set bundles together a Ferrari 488 GTE, a late-’70s 312T4 F1 machine (of world championship-winning fame) and a sublime Ferrari 250 GTO – all finished in classic red, of course.

Together with a host of mechanics, parts and trophies, all of the Prancing Horse wagons in this century-spanning set carry rubber tires and authentic stickers – though it’s the sublime curves of the 250 GTO that we’re most excited to assemble.