For years, Lego had been the undisputed champion of car-themed toy bricks, offering licenced, highly-desirable sets at pretty much every price point. Its monopoly has ended, however, because Mattel has launched its new Brick Shop line and its first collection – a collaboration with Hot Wheels – is gunning straight for the enthusiast crowd that has made its Danish rival a lot of money in recent times.
These models lack the functionality of Lego’s flagship Technic series, such as moving engines, transmissions and suspension, but make up for it by offering what looks to be a greater resemblance to the actual cars and real metal components. You also get extra parts to customise your build, such as different wheel covers and licenced decals. Each set also provides something Lego can never offer – a matching 1:64 Hot Wheels model that is exclusive to the collection.
Mattel is launching the collection with three tiers of sets, increasing in scale and detail the further up the price ladder you go. Just like Lego’s Speed Champions, the Speed Series forms the base of the lineup in 1:32 scale and includes opening doors and swappable wheel covers, with the Cadillac V-Series.R LMDh racer, Maserati MC20 (replete with butterfly doors) and custom 1968 Chevrolet Camaro available at launch.
The Elite Series moves up to 1:16 scale and adds the aforementioned metal parts, functioning steering and additional customisation options. Cars included in these series are the C2 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport, a custom 1962 Chevrolet pick-up and this author’s personal favourite, the original Honda NSX, which even comes with licenced bronze Volk Racing TE37s. But the absolute cream of the crop is the Premium Series, with just a single model, the Mercedes-Benz 300SL, presented in 1:12 scale with the highest level of detail.
Prices start at US$19.99 (RM85) for the Speed Series, rising up to US$49.99 (RM213) for the Elite Series and US$119.99 (RM511) for the sole Premium Series set. The Marvel Brick Shop Hot Wheels sets are available to order from selected retailers around the world and will hit shelves this summer.
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