Building This Mini Cooper Is the Ultimate Quarantine Activity
Lego is a brand that’s been delighting children and adults for decades. And in recent years, the popular tiny-brick company has ventured into designing kits that resemble real-life landmarks, characters, and even automobiles. Lego introduced one model car that had enthusiasts cheering. You can build a model Mini Cooper that’s a mini version of the iconic real-life vehicle. And it might just be the ultimate quarantine activity and holiday gift this year.
The Mini Cooper shrunk a little
Dating back to the 1960s, the Mini Cooper has always been a pint-sized car. But the personality-packed Cooper shrunk even more — except this time, the popular car is memorialized as a Lego brick creation. This British Racing Green model of the Mini Cooper comes with a whopping 1077 pieces, which could translate to hours of building time for the average Lego builder. But once completed, this Lego creation boasts all the coolest functions and elements of the real-life car.
It looks just like the real thing
Lego went all-out when designing this Mini Cooper model set, including special production of the British Racing Green-colored bricks to match the automaker’s signature hue. The mechanics of the car, too, are on point. There’s a moving steering wheel, a tiny stick shift, and even a Lego-sized 1.3-liter engine under the hood. Other precision details include the Lego model’s matching of the life-sized Mini Cooper’s grille, round headlights, and fog lights. The set comes with step-by-step instructions. So even a novice Lego builder can finish this project.
When can you buy one of these Mini Cooper Lego sets?
Lego introduced this Mini Cooper model set in 2014 as a partnership with Mini to commemorate the car’s 40th anniversary, RanWhenParked.net reported. The demand for these Lego gems is high, though, so finding yours may be challenging. Originally, these 11 cm x 25 cm x 14 cm cars were sold for $99.99. But browsing on Amazon today, you’ll see a few with $200+ price tags. If you can score one, you’ll have a pretty special holiday gift to put under the tree.
What the Mini Cooper has going on today
The 2021 Mini Cooper John Cooper Works (JCW) is a super-peppy version of the iconic car. There are two versions available: a hatchback and a convertible, each with unique styling and design. Both have a more powerful engine than the standard Mini model, as well as a sportier suspension. There’s also a sizable rear wing and rumbling exhaust. With its 302-hp turbocharged four-cylinder guts, the Mini Cooper JCW is primed to challenge the Volkswagen Golf GTI and the Hyundai Veloster N. But the life-sized version will set you back $33,000 to $45,000, a far cry from the price of even the most expensive Lego set.
The past several decades have seen a series of Mini cars to celebrate. And their availability to consumers worldwide makes them a global favorite. Their look is entirely unique, and these punchy vehicles exude a race-car personality. The mass popularity is probably one of the reasons Lego chose to immortalize the zippy little ride. And with more than a thousand pieces, it sounds like the model version is just as detailed as the real-life version. It’s a great quarantine activity for anyone who appreciates the Mini Cooper. And it’s a much more affordable rendition of the car if you appreciate it but can’t afford to buy the full-size ride.
