Review: 30683 McLaren Formula 1 Car
Posted by CapnRex101,
Choosing distinctive cars is obviously important to Speed Champions, particularly for polybags, given their tiny size. Previous examples have proven that Formula 1 cars are suitable for this format and 30683 McLaren Formula 1 Car does look impressive.
For a model of this scale, the proportions of the car appear quite realistic and its bold colour combination definitely suits a polybag design.
Summary
30683 McLaren Formula 1 Car, 58 pieces.
Despite its inaccurate rear tyres, this is an enjoyable polybag
- Realistic proportions
- Striking colour scheme
- Clever cockpit construction
- Rear tyres could be improved
The set was provided for review by LEGO. All opinions expressed are those of the author.
Reference
Source - Formula1.com
The Completed Model
The three previous Speed Champions polybags have been five studs wide and this vehicle is similar in size overall, although its body is narrower around the cockpit. These proportions are realistic and I like the black and orange colour scheme, with a few dark azure highlights, which corresponds with the original car.
76919 2023 McLaren Formula 1 Car obviously recreates various subtle features of the MCL60 that a polybag cannot. Nevertheless, comparing the two demonstrates the accurate shaping of the smaller rendition, especially around the front wing. The wing's distinctive swept-back design has been a characteristic feature of Formula 1 cars since the 2022 season.
Four stickers are included, adding details to the nose and McLaren branding towards the rear. Some stickers used in previous Speed Champions polybags have perhaps been unnecessary, but I think these are effective, adding a blue band across the nose to match the side pods. The cockpit looks marvellous as well, making clever use of a blade accessory developed for Moon Knight as the halo. This part is new in orange.
I like the orange 1x1 round tile inside too, representing the driver. The shape of the side pods also mirrors the source material and the rear wing looks excellent, featuring 1x1 quarter circle tiles on either side. Unfortunately, the rear tyres seem much too narrow, which is disappointing because more realistic racing tyres are available.
Overall
I was extremely impressed with 76919 2023 McLaren Formula 1 Car and even though 30683 McLaren Formula 1 Car is not quite as outstanding, this is a great model. The vibrant livery is attractive and the cockpit is effectively designed, due in particular to the crescent-shaped halo.
The only notable weaknesses, in my opinion, are the back wheels, which are too narrow. The same criticism can be levelled at the bigger model, although I actually find it more problematic here because appropriate tyres already exist, whereas the minifigure-scale car would need new ones. Even so, I am very satisfied with this polybag.
85 likes
25 comments on this article
Posted just as Lando got pole.
For a second, I thought that blade piece was part of https://brickset.com/parts/design-37341, recolored in orange.
"Reality is often... disappointing."
This is a really cute polybag (Speed Champions polybags have generally been knocking it out of the park these past few years) and the recolor of the Moon Knight crescent blade is very cool.
I still haven't spotted this polybag in the wild - I should grab it off bricklink sometime. So far all speed champions polybags have been just as fun as the full sized sets.
For the size it looks awesome. Better than some of the full size Speed Champions Formula 1 cars we got in the past imho.
I know nothing about F1 cars. Are the front/rear tyres different sizes usually? I ask only because it seems like the review takes issue with the rear tyres only.
"appropriate tyres already exist"
Which'd be the appropriate ones? I don't really know different types of Lego tyres.
@nashikens said:
"I know nothing about F1 cars. Are the front/rear tyres different sizes usually? I ask only because it seems like the review takes issue with the rear tyres only. "
Yes, the rear tyres are wider but are the same diameter as the front tyres.
I really like all the Speed champion polybags. I've gotten them all. They are neat designs, and usually full of useful little new parts that I don't have much of.
Impressively accurate for a polybag. Probably my favourite mini Speed Champ to date.
My only disappointment was that I had to pay more than double RRP from Amazon, as I couldn't find it locally. Shame they've stopped doing them as GWPs.
Bring these back as GWP! Otherwise why would I ever buy speed champions from lego as opposed to third party resale on the cheap?
@shedjed said:
"Bring these back as GWP!?"
@sjr60
"Shame they've stopped doing them as GWPs."
Stop putting great sets behind GWP walls!
Go back to making these sets available as GWP!
BLDP sets should come with printed instructions!
Printed instructions include too many pages now!
We are a confusing fandom. :o)
I own 76919, and I wouldn't mind getting this set to have the two of them!
Are the tyres the same?
@yellowcastle said:
" @shedjed said:
"Bring these back as GWP!?"
@sjr60
"Shame they've stopped doing them as GWPs."
Stop putting great sets behind GWP walls!
Go back to making these sets available as GWP!
BLDP sets should come with printed instructions!
Printed instructions include too many pages now!
We are a confusing fandom. :o)
"
They really ought to make sets GWPs and then say, 6 months later, release them for sale. If you want it early, great. It's a bonus, and we know they already have "sales" values for them. It's literally a tool to get you to buy to the threshold. Then later, if you don't happen to be buying a bunch at that time, you can just get it.
@dimc said:
" @yellowcastle said:
" @shedjed said:
"Bring these back as GWP!?"
@sjr60
"Shame they've stopped doing them as GWPs."
Stop putting great sets behind GWP walls!
Go back to making these sets available as GWP!
BLDP sets should come with printed instructions!
Printed instructions include too many pages now!
We are a confusing fandom. :o)
"
They really ought to make sets GWPs and then say, 6 months later, release them for sale. If you want it early, great. It's a bonus, and we know they already have "sales" values for them. It's literally a tool to get you to buy to the threshold. Then later, if you don't happen to be buying a bunch at that time, you can just get it. "
Except when they did with Rivendell we complained about that too :)
@yellowcastle said:
" @shedjed said:
"Bring these back as GWP!?"
@sjr60
"Shame they've stopped doing them as GWPs."
Stop putting great sets behind GWP walls!
Go back to making these sets available as GWP!
BLDP sets should come with printed instructions!
Printed instructions include too many pages now!
We are a confusing fandom. :o)
"
It can be both.... 2 years ago I got one as a gwp and then grabbed another at target I liked it so much. Win win win.
@dimc said:
" @yellowcastle said:
" @shedjed said:
"Bring these back as GWP!?"
@sjr60
"Shame they've stopped doing them as GWPs."
Stop putting great sets behind GWP walls!
Go back to making these sets available as GWP!
BLDP sets should come with printed instructions!
Printed instructions include too many pages now!
We are a confusing fandom. :o)
"
They really ought to make sets GWPs and then say, 6 months later, release them for sale. If you want it early, great. It's a bonus, and we know they already have "sales" values for them. It's literally a tool to get you to buy to the threshold. Then later, if you don't happen to be buying a bunch at that time, you can just get it. "
The early SC polybags were available in shops prior to being GWPs. It would be handy if all current polybags were available from Lego.com... It's not as if they'd take up a huge amount of storage space!
@yellowcastle said:
" @shedjed said:
"Bring these back as GWP!?"
@sjr60
"Shame they've stopped doing them as GWPs."
Stop putting great sets behind GWP walls!
Go back to making these sets available as GWP!
BLDP sets should come with printed instructions!
Printed instructions include too many pages now!
We are a confusing fandom. :o)
"
No exclusive SW minifig. Lego is dead.
@sjr60 said:
" @dimc said:
" @yellowcastle said:
" @shedjed said:
"Bring these back as GWP!?"
@sjr60
"Shame they've stopped doing them as GWPs."
Stop putting great sets behind GWP walls!
Go back to making these sets available as GWP!
BLDP sets should come with printed instructions!
Printed instructions include too many pages now!
We are a confusing fandom. :o)
"
They really ought to make sets GWPs and then say, 6 months later, release them for sale. If you want it early, great. It's a bonus, and we know they already have "sales" values for them. It's literally a tool to get you to buy to the threshold. Then later, if you don't happen to be buying a bunch at that time, you can just get it. "
The early SC polybags were available in shops prior to being GWPs. It would be handy if all current polybags were available from Lego.com... It's not as if they'd take up a huge amount of storage space!"
I would be over the moon if polybags were available on Lego.com. I could probably make the free shipping threshold on polybags alone at least once if that were the case.
@tedgarb said:
" @dimc said:
" @yellowcastle said:
" @shedjed said:
"Bring these back as GWP!?"
@sjr60
"Shame they've stopped doing them as GWPs."
Stop putting great sets behind GWP walls!
Go back to making these sets available as GWP!
BLDP sets should come with printed instructions!
Printed instructions include too many pages now!
We are a confusing fandom. :o)
"
They really ought to make sets GWPs and then say, 6 months later, release them for sale. If you want it early, great. It's a bonus, and we know they already have "sales" values for them. It's literally a tool to get you to buy to the threshold. Then later, if you don't happen to be buying a bunch at that time, you can just get it. "
Except when they did with Rivendell we complained about that too :)
"
What was the GWP with that?
@Padraig said:
"Posted just as Lando got pole. "
How come this comment isn't deleted? Far worse than anything I've ever said. ;)
@mediAFOL said:
" @yellowcastle said:
" @shedjed said:
"Bring these back as GWP!?"
@sjr60
"Shame they've stopped doing them as GWPs."
Stop putting great sets behind GWP walls!
Go back to making these sets available as GWP!
BLDP sets should come with printed instructions!
Printed instructions include too many pages now!
We are a confusing fandom. :o)
"
No exclusive SW minifig. Lego is dead. "
It's not confusing, just manifestly incoherent and self-contradictory, as well as infinitely improbable. I use Brickset comments to power my cool spaceship.
... See ya later Space Cowboy!
@dimc said:
" @tedgarb said:
" @dimc said:
" @yellowcastle said:
" @shedjed said:
"Bring these back as GWP!?"
@sjr60
"Shame they've stopped doing them as GWPs."
Stop putting great sets behind GWP walls!
Go back to making these sets available as GWP!
BLDP sets should come with printed instructions!
Printed instructions include too many pages now!
We are a confusing fandom. :o)
"
They really ought to make sets GWPs and then say, 6 months later, release them for sale. If you want it early, great. It's a bonus, and we know they already have "sales" values for them. It's literally a tool to get you to buy to the threshold. Then later, if you don't happen to be buying a bunch at that time, you can just get it. "
Except when they did with Rivendell we complained about that too :)
"
What was the GWP with that?"
Only 40630 Frodo & Gollum, so nothing exclusive that wasn't available separately.
30683 McLaren Formula 1 Car now available as an Insider Reward (500 points).