The new Mini, by which I mean the 2014 one, is a perfectly great car. It looks good, comes with some very interesting engines, and has an image other cars could only dream of having. But relatively speaking it’s not all that small anymore. In fact you could say it’s a ‘Bigi’. Well fret not boys and girls, because the prayers of those after a more authentic Mini experience have now been answered! Meet the Mini LEGO Mini, available at your local LEGO dealer from August 2014.
Like the original Mini on which the model is based on, it has comically compact dimensions. All up the mini Mini measures 25 cm long, 14cm wide, and 11cm tall. This stays true to the original concept of the Mini as an, erm, ultra portable vehicle. Also like the original it comes in British Racing Green with white stripes and a white roof (the correct colour combination). In addition it has a few nice little touches such as a picnic basket, a checkered blanket, and UK number plates. The doors, tailgate, and bonnet are all hinged and open for easy access to the interior (complete with a right hand drive steering wheel), luggage compartment, and the 4-cylinder engine.
However, there some differences between this Mini LEGO and it’s full sized counterpart. For example the Mini LEGO doesn’t need any running or maintenance costs. The opening bonnet is a novel feature rather than a necessary one like it was in the original car. Those who’ve ever tried to take LEGO bricks apart will know they are the strongest and hardest substance on Earth. That should make the Mini LEGO considerably safer and more reliable than the original Mini. The Mini LEGO set is made up of 1,077 parts – all of which will most likely never rust or fall to pieces.
As a car for people of all ages, nothing this side of a Ferrari is as recognisable as the Mini. The Mini LEGO is the ideal “first” car for children as well as being a collectable piece of memorabilia for those who can remember seeing the original Mini being sold on showroom floors. “Kit cars” don’t get much better than this. I know what I want for Christmas this year.
