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A Realistic Replica
Lego Ideas Mercedes-Benz W196R Formula 1

The Mercedes-Benz W196R is one of the most iconic race cars in Formula 1. None other than Juan Manuel Fangio sat behind the wheel of this incredible machine on his way to winning the F1 World Championship for 1954 and 1955. The exact example driven by Fangio was sold at a Bonhams auction in 2013, and was the most valuable car ever sold at the time, with a record-breaking £19,601,500.

 

Recently, a LEGO builder created a tribute version of the famous race car, and it looks remarkably true to the original. The 1:8 scale model of Mercedes-Benz W196R was submitted by user LEnoGO on the LEGO Ideas platform. Built with over 1,600 pieces, the model measures 54.5 cm in length, 21.5 cm in width,  14 cm in height, and weighs in at around 1.6 kg. Many details of the race car are faithfully reproduced — extra attention was also paid to the engine cover, which can be removed to reveal an inline-eight engine. The model also features an operating controls system and openable air inlets.

As with all LEGO Ideas projects, the W196R requires 10,000 users’ support before LEGO will consider turning it into an official model kit — hopefully this entry makes the cut, as it’s one tribute that we wouldn’t mind having around the office.