The 5 Coolest LEGO Cars Ever

• Our choice for the #1 Best Overall LEGO Car is the Ghostbusters ECTO-1.
• LEGO cars are some of the most affordable sets, with options for kids and adults alike.
• Not only is a LEGO car fun to build and play with, but it also looks great on display.
• Before buying a LEGO car set, you need to look at the cost, number of pieces, age range, and what you like. 

Not many are familiar with larger LEGO sets for adults. The first thing that may come to mind when you hear “LEGO cars” is a firetruck or some other toy. LEGO is a leading brand in the toy market with “brickable” sets that can be used to recreate buildings and vehicles. More recently, the company has transitioned to making some really cool cars.

Some of the most notable LEGO vehicles are from film series like James Bond. But LEGO has also released a new line of toy cars with a launch mechanism so builders can race. LEGO Technic sets are becoming popular, especially with its supercar lineup. Lego still makes other brick-built vehicles, including traditional city toys and larger creations like the Vespa.

History Computer’s Top Picks for the Coolest LEGO Cars

#1 Best Overall Lego Car: Ghostbusters ECTO-1

#1 Best Overall Lego Car

LEGO Icons Ghostbusters ECTO-1 10274 Car Kit

$239.99

• Miniature replica of the Ghostbusters car
• Collectible model for display
• Perfect birthday gift
• Working steering, trapdoor, an extendable gunner seat 

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11/30/2023 06:03 am GMT

The best overall LEGO car currently available has to be the Ghostbusters ECTO-1. Some of the most iconic movies came out of the 1980s, and the vehicles often stole the show. That is certainly the case for Ghostbusters, as the team travels in a custom-designed station wagon packed with everything needed to capture ghosts.

The car is a 1959 Cadillac Miller-Meteor station wagon. That would be an impressive build, but LEGO went to an extreme, capturing every level of detail. GM even licenses the car, a replica of the Miller-Meteor. Additions to the roof are evident, with some static props and other moving ones.

One dynamic piece is the roof’s antenna, which spins as it searches for ghost activity. It also has indicative light bars and even the iconic Ghostbusters logos on the doors. Under the hood is a recreation of a Cadillac engine bay, complete with an engine.

But where the car shines is in the interior details. You can activate a lever to fling the rear seat around and out. The Remote Trap Vehicle also drops down out of the trunk. Building this set is a blast, and you will surely get many hours of fun out of it. The only downside is that there are a ton of “rust” stickers to help show the car’s age.

Best Unique Car: Back to the Future Time Machine

Great Scott!

LEGO Back to The Future Time Machine

$208.99

• Relive memories of Back to the Future
• Three versions of the famous time machine
• Gull-wing doors and whitewall tires
• Doc and Marty minifigures

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11/30/2023 06:13 am GMT

No car is as distinct as DeLorean, so our top pick for the best unique LEGO car is the Back to the Future Time Machine. While that’s the set’s official name, everyone knows it as the DeLorean. This is an iconic car from a 1980s movie. But the time machine stole the show and brought the failed DeLorean into the mainstream.

Sadly, DeLorean shut down three years before the first Back to the Future movie. But Doc Brown builds a time machine out of a DeLorean for those unaware. Just like other car sets, LEGO did license the vehicle from DMC. Much like ECTO-1, the body stays true to the original vehicle while adding key movie components.

Most notable is the car’s dashboard, which lights up with travel information. At the back is the Flux-Capacitor which lights ups when you press a button. The car’s conic lift-open doors and silver body set it apart. LEGO was able to capture many other minute details, including many wires and hoses.

Besides replicating the car from the first movie, LEGO also includes pieces to transform it into other movie versions. For instance, you can add the Mr. Fusion and hover conversion. You can also see the rod with a hook from the first movie and even the added circuitry from the third movie. On your package, you’ll find minifigures of Doc and Marty, a hoverboard, and a box of plutonium.

Best Technic Set: Dom’s Dodge Charger

Best Technic Set

LEGO Technic Fast & Furious Dom's Dodge Charger 42111

$129.95

• Awesome 1970 Dodge Charger R/T replica
• Toy racing car model building kit
• Iconic collector's set gift idea
• Re-enact the famous wheelstand position
• Perfect size for display
• Moving pistons, steering wheel, suspension

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11/30/2023 06:13 am GMT

The best LEGO Technic set is Dom’s Dodge Charger. While other larger Technic sets mimic supercars, the Dodge Charger from The Fast and Furious franchise is one of the best. If you aren’t familiar, LEGO Technic sets are much different than conventional LEGO builds. Instead of using plastic bricks, they primarily use plastic pins and slotted rails.

Many LEGO builds rely on Technic pieces for rigidity. Similarly, Technic sets sometimes use LEGO bricks for stylistic elements. Because of this difference, many people do not like Technic sets. However, build methods are different. So, the vehicles end up not looking as good as brick-built ones.

Nonetheless, Technic still has its fans. If you want to collect LEGO go cars, you will want to check out some of the other offerings. As for Dom’s Charger, it is licensed by Dodge and looks realistic.

Dom’s Dodge maintains as many styling cues as possible from the 1970s Charger R/T, including the iconic grill. Under the hood is an engine whose pistons move with the back tires. But the notable parts are the large blower and NOS bottles in the trunk. It has a kickstand to display the car with its front tires in the air, like in the first movie.

Best Muscle Car: Ford Mustang

Best Muscle Car

LEGO Creator Expert Ford Mustang 10265

$163.99

• Exclusive, advanced collector's car model
• Real replica of the 60s Ford Mustang
• Customizable car with alluring bodywork
• Removal door and roof panel
• Selection of license plates

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11/29/2023 03:53 pm GMT

The best LEGO muscle car has to be the Ford Mustang. This classic car is well-known around the world for its power and performance. The LEGO version isn’t designed after a specific year and takes a broader look at 1960s Mustangs. However, this isn’t a bottom-of-the-line car. LEGO was sure to add racing stripes, upgraded rims, and an air scoop hood.

While red is often associated with early Mustangs, blue is excellent and blends well with the white racing stripes. It also contrasts perfectly with the tan interior. The car is well-detailed, with matching interior door panels and even a center console. You can easily pop the roof off for a closer look.

Details don’t stop on the inside. Around the back, you will notice the stylish Mustang tail lights made of plates. The trunk’s interior matches the rest of the car and even holds a fire extinguisher. But under the hood is where the Mustang shines. It has a massive 390 big-block (only available from 1967-1969, helping narrow the car’s actual model year) and even has an export brace.

Mustang is the best LEGO muscle car because it comes with additional pieces. You can leave the car in its factory condition or add the included blower, ducktail spoiler, and side pipe exhaust. If you like the Ford Mustang, you will also want to check out the 1960s Chevy Camaro that LEGO released last year.

Best for Truck Enthusiasts: Pickup Truck

Best for Truck Enthusiasts

LEGO Icons Pickup Truck 10290 Building Set for Adults

$144.99

• Vintage 1950s model
• Seasonal display accessories
• Perfect for creative activity
• Collector's gift idea

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11/30/2023 06:04 am GMT

The best LEGO set for truck people has to be the Pickup Truck. This unique set largely goes unnoticed because it is not from a movie like many other cars. Because it’s not a licensed vehicle like the others on this list, it doesn’t perfectly match any specific truck. It does, however, resemble a truck from the 1950s.

Some details you will find in the pickup truck are its squared roofline and step-side bed. These beds were trendy at the time. The bed stopped at the tire, and a fender went outside the bed to cover the wheel. Another nice touch on the bed is its “wooden” bed rails, which would keep items in the bed.

Unlike some newer LEGO cars, the pickup truck has simple rims, like trucks from the era. The front grill is also well-done, using some unique pieces to accomplish the perfect look. Even though the car is a single cab, there are still plenty of details, including an instrument cluster and a floor shifter.

Besides the truck, you’ll find other fun small builds in the set. LEGO did a great job designing this as a work truck for farm use. All the smaller pieces center around this theme. They include a wheelbarrow, flowers, fruits, vegetables, a watering can, and even a billboard. Plus, you can get in the mood for the holidays with the wreath that can pop onto the front of the truck.

How to Pick the Best LEGO Cars: Step by Step

When buying a LEGO car, you want to keep these four things in mind. 

• Preferences
• Age Range
• Price
• Number of Pieces

Let’s review each of these criteria in more detail.

Preferences

When shopping for LEGO sets, go for what you like. LEGO has a wide range of products, especially vehicles, so you will want to find cars that interest you. For instance, many cars are based on IP from movies like Fast and Furious. However, others draw inspiration from racing competitions and even monster trucks.

Age Range

All of the five LEGO sets above are perfect for older audiences. Many of them have an 18+ age rating. You can check the age range on the front of every LEGO box. Obviously, the 18+ sets, in particular, may be fine for a teenager, as this is only a recommendation. Just remember the age and interests of the person you’re gifting the set.

Price

Price is ultimately a vital buying factor, especially for LEGO. While not the cheapest, some are affordable when looking at the price per piece. But still, LEGO cars can exceed $200, with some Technic models going much higher. Be sure to set a budget and check prices before buying a set.

Number of Pieces

 Another critical factor is the number of brickable pieces in a set. Knowing the number can help you determine the price per piece. You’ll also have an idea of how long the build will take and the complexity. You should also look at the number of pieces in conjunction with the size of the finished build.

What to Know Before Buying LEGO Cars

Before buying a LEGO car, you need to know the toys cost money and can take up a lot of space. Ideally, the above cars are not really for kids but for adults. Most LEGO cars cost between $100 and $200 and use a lot of small pieces. When you build them correctly, you end up with a beautiful model.

You typically need about one foot of shelf space to hold most cars. Depending on your home, a pile of plastic bricks may not fit into the style. You may also need some space to build your model. It’s easy to misplace pieces, so you want to have a dedicated space to build.

Using LEGO Cars: What it’s Like

Each LEGO car is unique, not only on the outside but also throughout the build. Even the frame is different on every LEGO car. Remember, these cars have different builds in real life. Some vehicles use an X-frame design, while others rely on straight-frame rails or a body-on-frame design.

Most LEGO car frames use Technic, which creates a solid base. The level of detail on a car’s undercarriage depends on the space available. For instance, most cars have a steering system that works. Additionally, some cars have control arms and spindles. However, other vehicles leave out these components in favor of more detailed elements.

Wheels on LEGO cars typically spin, which allows you to simulate driving. The larger cars also let you turn the tires. LEGO isn’t just about building, but playing too. While the scale may not be perfect, you can easily fit a Lego minifigure into almost every vehicle, and the doors even open on the larger ones.

LEGO in the News

In June 2021, LEGO unveiled a prototype of LEGO bricks made from recycled PET plastic. PET is a type of plastic that is most commonly used in bottles. The company hasn’t yet announced when these bricks will be available for purchase.

In 2018, the company began creating some components from bio-PE, a type of bioplastic. Bio-PE isn’t used in the iconic LEGO 2 x 4 brick, yet, but it is currently used in some LEGO sets.

Up Next

• The 5 Strangest LEGO Sets of All Time — Some of the strangest LEGO sets are collector’s items and are often worth lots of money. Do you own one of these?
• The 10 Largest LEGO Sets Ever Made — How would you like to build Rivendell from the Lord of the Rings…from LEGOS!
• The 10 Best LEGO Castles Ever — Since 1978, LEGO has launched more than 281 castle sets. Did your favorites make our top ten list?

Summary Table

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