Christmas is just around the corner, and if you haven't decided what to buy for that special gearhead in your life, we have you covered with a selection of awesome Lego Technic vehicles for every budget.
For some, Legos are nothing more than toys that kids play with. However, the Danish toymaker has made a habit of releasing exciting sets that are also tailored for adults.
I was one of the kids that grew up with Lego sets, but as an adult, I switched to different toys. However, several years ago, I received a Technic set for my birthday and was pleasantly surprised by how challenging yet fun it was to build.
Since then, I have been addicted to Technic sets, particularly car-related ones, and every Christmas, I put one on my wishlist.
Sadly, I only received socks, boots, and corny sweaters the last few years, probably because Santa thought I didn't behave well enough throughout the year.
But, if you have a well-behaved car nut in your life and want to surprise them with something truly special this Christmas, go for one of these awesome Lego Technic sets.
NASCAR Next Gen Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 42153 - $49.99
Photo: Lego
If you're on a tight budget or just want to buy a set for a younger gearhead, it doesn't get much better than this NASCAR Chevy Camaro.
Though it's recommended for enthusiasts as young as nine, this Lego Technic model is still detailed enough to captivate adults.
The box contains 672 pieces that can be assembled in 1 or 2 hours, depending on the person's skill.
The car has functional steering, an opening hood that reveals a V8 engine with moving pistons, and patriotic-themed decals.
Currently retailing at $49.99, the Lego Camaro is 11 inches (28 cm) long and 5 inches (13 cm) wide.
Ford GT 42154 - $119.95
Photo: Lego
This exciting set allows enthusiasts to build a Lego version of Ford's most epic production supercar: the second-generation GT.
Recommended for adults, it comprises 1,468 individual Lego pieces that will take 4 to 5 hours to assemble. The result is a 1:12 scale model that measures 15 inches (39 cm) in length and 7 inches (18 cm) in width.
It features functional steering, independent suspension on all four wheels, a detailed interior, opening butterfly doors, and an adjustable rear wing.
The Lego car also has an opening lid that hides an awesome V6 engine with moving pistons connected to the driveline.
Officially sanctioned by Ford and codenamed 42154, this set retails at $119.95, but with a little bit of luck, you can find a sealed one on eBay for less than $100.
McLaren Formula 1 Race Car 42141 - $159.99
Photo: Lego
The next set on our list is perfect for motorsport enthusiasts, particularly those who follow the world's premier open-wheel single-seater competition.
In 3 to 4 hours, the 1,434 pieces in the box can be transformed into an amazing Lego replica of McLaren's Formula 1 challenger from the 2022 season - albeit with a 2021 livery.
The race car has functional steering, an independent suspension system that replicates that of the real thing, and, of course, a V6 engine with reciprocating pistons.
With a length of 25.5 inches (65 cm) and a width of 10.5 inches (27 cm), the Lego McLaren F1 race car is huge for a Technic model.
The race car is currently priced at $159.99, but since it's an older set, you might find it on sale for a better price in the following weeks.
Porsche 911 RSR 42096 - $179.99
Photo: Lego
Although it's the oldest set on our list, the Porsche 911 RSR is also one of the coolest.
Reproducing the iconic 911's curvaceous lines in Lego is difficult, to say the least, yet this model manages to do it in a near-flawless manner, which is why it's one of the most popular Technic sets ever.
But the exterior isn't the only part that resembles the actual car. Opening the doors reveals a full-blown race car interior that is extremely detailed, and under the engine cover, you can find a mid-mounted flat-six with moving pistons.
Like the previous two models, the 19-inch (50 cm) long and 7-inch (20 cm) wide RSR features functional steering and an independent suspension system that includes Lego coilovers.
The fantastic Porsche that can be assembled in 4 to 5 hours is still available on the Lego website for $179.99. Nevertheless, you can get it from some retailers or eBay sellers for less.
Ferrari Daytona SP3 42143 - $449.95
Photo: Lego
When it comes to Technic cars, Lego has been releasing a flagship set every two years. The Daytona SP3 is the latest and arguably the greatest Technic car ever.
The set contains 3,778 Lego pieces packed in individual boxes and detailed instructions with information about the fascinating, real-life Ferrari model.
Highly complex, the 1:8 scale model can take up to 11 hours to build, but, as you can see, all that time is well worth it.
Measuring 23 inches (59 cm) in length and 9.5 inches (25 cm) in width, the huge Lego Ferrari has functional steering, suspension, and a detailed V12 mated to an eight-speed sequential transmission with paddle shifters that actually works.
Furthermore, the doors, trunk lid, and engine cover open, while the top is removable - just like the real thing.
Since it's one of the most complex Lego sets out there, the Daytona SP3 is not cheap, but the unparalleled building experience it delivers deserves every penny.
Vlad's first car was custom coach built: an exotic he made out of wood, cardboard and a borrowed steering wheel at the age of five. Combining his previous experience in writing and car dealership years, his articles focus in depth on special cars of past and present times. Full profile
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