If you have not previously tackled a Lego build, you are right not to immediately throw yourself at a model from the advanced Technic series with several thousand pieces.
A kit with under 1,000 pieces is a better starting point, and then the Lego Icons model of Ayrton Senna and his car with its 693 pieces is perfect.
Several ways to go
The focus of Lego Icons is on creating detailed buildings with a focus on icons in particular.
The McLaren MP4/4 & Ayrton Senna, as the model is named, joins previous Icons cars such as the Porsche 911, Fiat 500 and Land Rover Defender 90.
The model contains 693 pieces – Photo: Morgan Petri
Those who are looking for an even simpler build can take a look at the Speed Champions series, which offers many cars that, however, are not as detailed.
If you are instead looking for a real project, and are more technically minded, the Lego Technic models with their mechanical solutions and mechanical parts are the obvious choice.
It is impossible to electrify all cars – according to Bosch CEO
Took two hours to build
The wealth of detail in the McLaren MP4/4 & Ayrton Senna model has been secured by Lego by developing the model together with McLaren themselves.
The instructions contain a whopping 176 building steps in 109 pages, and it took us two hours of diligent construction to complete the model.
The finished model is ruggedly good-looking, and during the construction process it offered many positive surprises.
Here are the risks if your car dealer goes bankrupt
Has something for everyone
The best thing about the model for me as a technology enthusiast is the many realistic technical solutions.
For example, there is working steering, push rod suspension and an adjustable rear wing. These details are normally only found on the more advanced Technic models.
We were pleasantly surprised by the details – Photo: Morgan Petri
The wealth of detail extends to under the skin, where we find that the V6 engine is equipped with a cylinder head, intake and turbocharger, and next to the steering wheel we even find a gear lever. A fun detail is that some structural parts under the shell are yellow and green, after the flag of Senna’s home country Brazil.
A small Lego version of Senna in his own tall persona is also included in the kit, with an accompanying podium for him to stand on. You also get a stand for the car itself.
Tesla Model Y is now available as a transport vehicle – for tax reasons
A build for all car lovers
Putting a model of a particular McLaren on the shelf at home can be difficult for the Formula 1 fans who cheer for another team.
However, most people can still get behind it when it comes to a McLaren MP4/4 and Ayrton Senna.
Senna and McLaren MP4/4 are a universally appreciated combination – Photo: Morgan Petri
In terms of difficulty, the McLaren MP4/4 & Ayrton Senna model is at a reasonable level. It is not too difficult or time-consuming to build alone, yet advanced enough to occupy a small party.
The model is a good middle ground that offers something for everyone, whether you like the aesthetics, the mechanics or the history.
The price of just under SEK 1,100 also feels reasonable for the size of the model, and as a whole the McLaren MP4/4 & Ayrton Senna can therefore be described as a real hit.
Airplane lost wheel – crushed several cars