Strictly a display piece, but what a piece!
Posted by
126x
on
26 December 2008
The designers will always have a problem trying to satisfy the urges of the Lego collector, this new 50 year anniversary piece is no exception. A presentation poll involving 4 large scale models (Aston Martin DB5, Ford Mustang, Deloren and the Volkswagen) were presented to Lego fans for submission into production, the results that followed suggested that the Volkswagen won. Set 10187 has some improvements over the original presentation model, but its remarkably similar to the original concept. Incidently the other models suffer with the same degree of 'artistic licence' in the design, perhaps only the Deloren resembling the real object - presumably due to the angular design. All models however are recognisable, which is clearly the point of the exercise. As far as I know the other 3 models will not be making it into production.
The actual VW model was a joy to build, it took me around 4 hours of lesuirely build. The chassis construction being very simple but strong. There are some lovely touches on it, the open glovebox detail and attention to detail (chrome pieces, interior grab handles and wipers design are ingenious). The instructions too, are probably one of the easiest I've followed despite the intricate volume of lego layers.
The finish article is pleasing but there are a few issues, the inaccuracy and proportions of the model has well documented here, but I feel it adds to its charm. The fact no specialist or rather unfamiliar new style pieces have been used helps me appriciate the task the designers had. It does look odd from certain angles, and the flat roof does it no favours. It does however, display very nicely and I really hope this Volkswagen is the start of a series of scale cars - there's huge potential for this market amongst us collectors and owners of the real cars.
This model is NOT a technics set, so including steering or a working motor would have meant this set would have to have been marketed as such. However I think there is scope to add working steering and a working flat four motor with a a differential (and possibly a gearbox) is not impossible. There is also the potential to make your own VW custom, whether its a baja bug, trekker or cabriolet. Buy it if you get a chance!
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