Lego and McLaren first joined forces in 2015 and have since collaborated on six Lego Speed Champions McLarens and two Lego Technic McLarens. Now, for McLaren’s 60th anniversary, Lego will be producing a double-pack featuring the F1 LM and the Solus GT.
Though it’s been 60 years since Bruce McLaren founded the company that bears his name, the Kiwi has been deceased for over 50 years. However, the impact he made on racing, from his Grand Prix, Can-Am and Le Mans victories to his racing team’s engineering prowess, has been profound. In the 1980s, an automotive company was formed, which resulted in the inaugural F1 and since has produced several vehicles on par with fully established greats like Ferrari.
“As 2023 marks the 60th anniversary of McLaren and our founder’s passion to create the ultimate supercars, we felt this was the perfect opportunity to come together with LEGO and celebrate some of the iconic McLaren road cars whose designs were born of that vision,” says Goran Ozbolt, McLaren Automotive’s Chief Designer.
The McLaren F1 LM (for Le Mans) was a street-going track version of the F1. Six were built, with five sold to the public. Though initially all were to be painted Papaya Orange as a homage to Bruce McLaren’s race color, two were painted black as specified by the Sultan of Brunei.
The Solus GT may be less familiar because it’s new for 2023. It’s a mid-engined track-only sports car that’s McLaren’s sixth vehicle in the Ultimate Series (McLaren also has the Sports Series and Super Series). Interestingly, the Solus GT can find its origins from a concept car that appeared in the Gran Turismo Sport game for Sony PlayStation 4.
Of course, the two models include authentic details in Lego’s unique analog 4-bit-esque manner. The F1 LM comes in the signature Papaya Orange with a central driving seat and cooling ducts on both sides, while the Solus GT also features a central driving seat plus prominent wheel arches and rear wing.
“We aim to inspire LEGO vehicle fans of all ages with new and unique building experiences, every time we expand the Speed Champions Collection,” adds Christopher Leslie Stamp, Lego Group’s Design Manager. “This launch is another great example of this long-standing partnership.”
The new LEGO Speed Champions McLaren F1 LM and Solus GT set will be available globally starting on March 1, 2023, retailing for $34.99.
Source: www.classiccars.com