Review: 76905 Ford GT Heritage Edition and Bronco R
Posted by CapnRex101,
LEGO introduced important changes for Speed Champions models during 2020, increasing the size and ensuring superb accuracy. 76905 Ford GT Heritage Edition and Bronco R maintains an appealing standard too, containing two unique vehicles with remarkable detail.
These vehicles differ significantly in design and purpose, although similar combinations have previously proven successful. 75894 1967 Mini Cooper S Rally and 2018 MINI John Cooper Works Buggy exemplifies that excellence and this pack seems impressive too, since both models compare favourably with the original vehicles.
Minifigures
Since the Ford GT Heritage Edition pays homage to the beloved Ford GT, it seems fitting that the driver is traditionally dressed. His racing overalls closely resemble another minifigure from 75881 2016 Ford GT & 1966 Ford GT40, although this depiction includes orange and medium azure stripes instead of red and blue decoration. The classic Ford branding remains unaltered though.
By contrast, the Ford Bronco R driver sports modern racing overalls, based upon those worn during recent Baja 1000 races. The design looks absolutely perfect, featuring light bluish grey stitching alongside intricate Bronco branding and advertisements. The white accents compare favourably with the source material as well. Ideally, a second driver would have been supplied so that omission is somewhat disappointing.
Appropriate helmets are provided with both minifigures and alternative hair elements are also included. They created problems during 2020 as the restrictive cockpit spaces were unable to accommodate every hair piece. Fortunately, these pieces fit neatly inside their respective cars, although the larger female component cannot fit inside the Ford GT Heritage Edition since the roof height is extremely low.
The Completed Model
Following the announcement of the new Speed Champions sets, I think the elegant Ford GT Heritage Edition received particular attention. The model does appear absolutely outstanding, measuring 16cm in length and featuring attractive proportions when compared with the actual car. Moreover, this profile shape appears quite distinctive within the Speed Champions theme, particularly given the absence of any wing.
The shape appears particularly striking when viewed from either side. However, such angular bodywork towards the rear deviates from the original vehicle. Furthermore, the medium azure colour is perhaps disappointing because the packaging image appears closer to teal. Even so, this blue and orange livery matches the 2019 Ford GT Heritage Edition, honouring the revered Gulf Ford GT40 which dominated Le Mans during 1968 and 1969.
The original Ford GT40 featured an interesting bonnet shape, curving downwards significantly towards the front. The model from 75881 2016 Ford GT & 1966 Ford GT40 accordingly angled the whole bonnet section and this vehicle employs the same construction technique. The result seems marvellous, although I am not convinced that was necessary since the modern Ford GT lacks such dramatic curvature.
Nevertheless, this design is undoubtedly attractive. The orange accents are brilliant and I was pleased to discover that the headlights are printed, featuring metallic silver details. The central stripe looks excellent too, between recessed ventilation panels that correspond with the source material. These are integral to the design and have been realised beautifully.
Similarly dramatic intakes appear on each flank, where both door panels are angled inwards. The resulting structure looks impressive and I love the contrasting metallic silver door mirrors. Additionally, the stickered racing numbers are interesting because the original car exhibits the number '9' but the design is inverted here. LEGO can rarely include authentic racing numbers since they usually belong to specific drivers.
This decorated windscreen component works perfectly for the Ford GT Heritage Edition and includes appropriate printing. Fortunately, the medium azure and orange decoration matches the neighbouring elements, maintaining the continuous orange stripe which adorns this whole vehicle. The bodywork immediately behind this windscreen maintains the same shape as well.
Removing the windscreen reveals the interior, which looks remarkably attractive beside other Speed Champions models. The black design presents a superb contrast against the colourful exterior and I appreciate the stickered console, which is actually centrally located so improves upon some previous vehicles within this series.
While the front and central sections demonstrate impressive accuracy, the rear appears less successful. The angular construction is clever but fails to capture the curvature of the original car. However, the engine which is visible through the rear window seems appealing and I love the shallow angle of that window, reflecting the actual vehicle.
Unfortunately, the deployable wing that distinguishes the Ford GT Heritage Edition is missing, although the sunken bodywork sections underneath are present. Integrating a functional wing would have been impractical, although supplying an alternative wing structure for display may have sufficed in my opinion. Despite that omission, the twin exhausts and trans-red lights both appear realistic.
Speed Champions sets frequently combine completely varied cars with shared manufacturers and the Ford Bronco R certainly occupies that category, beside the Ford GT. This imposing off-road truck was introduced during 2019 and has twice participated in the classic Baja 1000 race in Mexico. Befitting its source material, this model is notably substantial and measures 19cm in length.
The height seems similarly remarkable, reaching 8cm. This unusual truck therefore maintains consistency with other Speed Champions models, towering above minifigures and measuring nine studs wide! The proportions are accordingly realistic and the colour scheme corresponds with the original vehicle, employing stickers to create some irregular shapes across both sides.
Viewing the model from the front reveals its notable width. Nevertheless, the vehicle appears impressive and I appreciate these rectangular headlights, capturing a characteristic feature of the Ford Bronco R. Unfortunately, those lights are less visible than official images portray, with dark elements behind them. Such elements include one black 1x5 plate, originally identified in 43115 The Boombox!
Despite appearing reasonably simple and omitting excessive advertisements, 23 stickers are applied across the model. Those on the bonnet seem particularly intriguing and remind me of the stickers inside 75190 First Order Star Destroyer. The pronounced bonnet section appears accurate and I love the shaping at each corner, where 1x2 curved wedge slopes are attached using light bluish grey angled minifigure stands.
Realistic shaping continues along either side, where several stickers are also applied. These depict attractive stripes, although the light bluish grey segments should feature more intricate patterns. However, the most disappointing issue is definitely this colour matching between the light bluish grey curved slopes and their neighbouring stickers, which noticeably varies.
The blue roll cage inside looks absolutely fantastic, comprising blue 3L bars which have never appeared in this colour before. These are connected using clips and ball joints, creating a nice arrangement which reflects the actual vehicle. Furthermore, the interior is reasonably spacious and contains two seats, further corresponding with the source material.
Blue elements are present throughout this model, simulating the roll cage and assembling the cradle where additional tyres are situated. The pantograph elements are new in this colour. The resulting structure looks excellent and the tyres are correctly arranged which is impressive, even including a clever anchor on the underside of the roof.
The stickers positioned between the driving compartment and the tyre cradle appear almost perfect beside the actual vehicle, displaying the correct racing number, the Ford logo and an American flag. However, the flag is customarily shown with the stars nearest the front, hence vehicles commonly display the flag in reverse. The right-hand sticker on this creation instead shows the flag in its standard orientation, differing from the original truck.
Contrasting with the buggy from 75894 1967 Mini Cooper S Rally and 2018 MINI John Cooper Works Buggy, this model includes no suspension. That feels somewhat disappointing given the precedent established during 2019. Even so, I appreciate how integrating functional suspension may risk compromising the appearance of the model, which is more important.
Overall
Speed Champions twin packs are sometimes criticised because one vehicle is considerably more appealing than the second. Despite the enjoyable design of both models, I think 76905 Ford GT Heritage Edition and Bronco R belongs within that category as the splendid Ford GT Heritage Edition appears more interesting than its off-road counterpart and includes excellent detail, as anticipated.
However, the Ford Bronco R achieves comparable accuracy and I welcome the recognition of another racing series. While the UK price is presently unknown, I think the US price of $49.99 represents reasonable value given the substantial size of the Ford Bronco R, exceeding other Speed Champions models. I am accordingly satisfied with these vehicles, even though certain compromises are evident.
This set was provided for review by The LEGO Group but the review represents an expression of my own opinions.
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58 comments on this article
I like the color scheme and shaping on these... I probably on't be picking them up tho.
Looks great. Looks costly. But I have to admit, Fords are, on average, the most realistically depicted vehicles in the SC line. I bet the switch to 8-wide helps.
Always need more Baja trucks and rally racers! That Bronco is great!
It’s going to be a costly Summer.
@CapnRex101 said:
"Additionally, the stickered racing numbers are interesting because the original car exhibits the number '9' but the design is inverted here."
Though the original 1968 GT40 had a no. 9, this Heritage Edition is faithful to the 2020 edition of the car. According to the Ford website: "Ford GT Heritage Edition will have a unique two-year run, with optional exposed carbon fiber accents featuring No. 9 graphics for 2019 and No. 6 graphics for 2020"
Source: https://media.ford.com/content/fordmedia/fna/us/en/news/2018/08/24/new-2019-ford-gt-heritage-edition-honors-most-famous-paint-schem.html
The GT looks gorge, the Bronco not so much. Too bad they bundled them.
blue pantograph! more choice for custom trains!
If it has Gulf livery, I buy it. I'm a simple person.
Printed headlights you say?? We're finally talking!
These both look fantastic! The Ford would be great for recreating some scenes from Ford v Ferrari.
Yeah, this is a buy. Especially love the GT.
I love the Ford GT, and it should look great with the Audi, Nissan, and Ferrari from last year. It continues to be very frustrating when they take a really good car and shove it in a two pack with a much more mediocre one though. Much like with the Mini from a couple of years ago, the second model looks ok, but just doesn't fit the Speed Champions theme all that well. Or at least not for me.
I started driving after turning 16 in 1986 and really thought it would be great to drive a Ford Bronco II. But I couldn't afford such a vehicle, let alone any vehicle for myself, so it was just a pipe dream. Maybe I need this set to compensate. =-)
I’m rarely bothered by price but I just don’t see the value here. I’ll have to wait for a Jang review and see what he thinks with the “in hand” test.
I love the 8-wide cars, and I'll definitely be getting this set.
@Mylenium said:
"The GT looks gorge, the Bronco not so much. Too bad they bundled them."
Story of (almost) all Speed Champions double packs.
New wheels on the GT? The tires look slimmer than usual to me
What would be the scale of Speed Champions?
1/24 - 1/30? Anyone? THX
It's such a pity you didn't show some of the building techniques accompanying the angles of the GT!
@graymattr said:
"I started driving after turning 16 in 1986 and really thought it would be great to drive a Ford Bronco II. But I couldn't afford such a vehicle, let alone any vehicle for myself, so it was just a pipe dream. Maybe I need this set to compensate. =-)
"
YES! My first vehicle was an '88 Bronco II, albeit purchased in 1995. Much later in life, my wife and I purchased a rather beat-up full size from '96 (the last model year until just now) for camping and surfing. I've tried to recreate that one and a '68 in brick form, which you can see on Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/people/168961705 @N05 /.
I like this double pack well enough, although I wish that the GT was actually in TEAL, and that the Bronco was from an older (classic) year. Honestly, I will buy it mainly for the minifigure torso and sticker sheet (a first!); I would pretty much buy anything that is officially LEGO and branded "Bronco."
EDIT: The medium azure is growing on me.
@Mylenium said:
"The GT looks gorge, the Bronco not so much. Too bad they bundled them."
I agree, the car looks amazing and would display well with the Ferrari 76895
@Brickmasterboy said:
"New wheels on the GT? The tires look slimmer than usual to me"
See this interview from New Elementary for the skinny on those wheels: https://www.newelementary.com/2021/05/lego-speed-champions-2021-interview.html .
I look forward to modding the Bronco into a civilian model, preferably in white ;)
Love the GT, but refuse to buy the set. As a standalone the GT would be a no-brainer, but the fact that I would have to pay double the price and be stuck with such an ugly box on wheels that I totally hate as an add on would totally ruin my enjoyment of the set.
Therefore thanks but no thanks.
I totally hate these two-packs because there's always one model that's great and one that's total crap.
I like the Bronco a lot more than I thought I would. And the colors of the Heritage GT look amazing.
@AustinPowers said:
"Love the GT, but refuse to buy the set. As a standalone the GT would be a no-brainer, but the fact that I would have to pay double the price and be stuck with such an ugly box in wheels that I totally hate as an add on would totally ruin my enjoyment of the set.
Therefore thanks but no thanks.
You can always team up with nephew or niece or local afol
I totally hate these two-packs because there's always one model that's great and one that's total crap."
They should (somehow) put the GT and Mini Cooper in a combo pack, that would be perfect for me.
@DualBoot said:
"You can always team up with nephew or niece or local afol"
Would be an idea if my nephew didn't hate SUVs as much as I do. So in essence with him I would need a set with two GTs. And my niece isn't interested in cars at all. She's more the typical Friends or DOTS type of customer.
Also none of my friends likes SUVs, let alone one that isn't known here because it's not sold in Europe.
I mean I know LEGO doesn't give a rat's behind about the German market anymore, but sometimes it couldn't hurt not to force the point home so bluntly.
So that's 50 bucks for a phenomenal Ford GT and a parts pack.
This is one of the few times that both of the vehicles in a two-pack appeal to me. The colour and shaping of both vehicles is fantastic!
Both amazing! Probably getting it
@CapnRex101 said:
"I appreciate the stickered console, which is actually centrally located so improves upon some previous vehicles. Moreover, the steering wheel is situated precisely in front of the driver, rather than being offset slightly."
Looking at this review https://youtu.be/6SMcKqqp12I?t=777 the steering wheel actually is offset just like on the 2020 cars. All of those did however have the center console centered.
I was relieved about the colour of the GT after seeing the official pictures. Azure is a perfect fit for Gulf livery. Teal is a great colour but wouldn't have been the right choice here.
@Pekingduckman said:
"I look forward to modding the Bronco into a civilian model, preferably in white ;)"
Turn up the juice!
Look good for display, the GT looks even amazing, but for a City I wouldn't get this, just huge and pricey as a result of the size/detail (pretty much Speed Champions since 8 wide, pros and cons).
That said, if City keeps making those decent 1 car sets, like 60285 <3
8 wide is the best thing, that ever happened to Speed Champions. It turned mostly suboptimal or downright ugly designs into actually detailed and genuienly appealing models.
@MrClassic said:
" @CapnRex101 said:
"I appreciate the stickered console, which is actually centrally located so improves upon some previous vehicles. Moreover, the steering wheel is situated precisely in front of the driver, rather than being offset slightly."
Looking at this review https://youtu.be/6SMcKqqp12I?t=777 the steering wheel actually is offset just like on the 2020 cars. All of those did however have the center console centered.
"
Apologies, I must have been thinking about 76902 McLaren Elva concerning the steering wheel position. The earlier range did contain occasions where the centre console was not centrally positioned though, including 76895 Ferrari F8 Tributo.
If the GT is ever released on its own, I'll grab it. I love the build and the colors on what appears to be a great set.
The massive evolution between this GT an the one from 75881 just shows how outstading was the move from 6-wide to 8-wide. The original one was good, but this new one is just gorgeous.
how did you get your hands in this?
Oh, the car's not teal... well I dont really care about it then. Was excited for new teal parts but I guess not.
@pac432 said:
"how did you get your hands in this?
"
Brickset is provided with a review copy of the set from Lego ahead of it’s release. They mention it in the last line of the article.
I feel this is a real missed opportunity on the Bronco. Had they made it in white it would have been perfect for having all your Lego police cars escort it at incredibly low speeds through LA. I realize that this would be highly inappropriate for a kids toy, but it would be so nostalgic for those of us who remember the 90’s.
@CapnRex101 said:
" The earlier range did contain occasions where the centre console was not centrally positioned though, including 76895 Ferrari F8 Tributo."
Oh you mean the part next to the steering wheel not being centered, then I understand. The console between the driver and passenger is of course always centered thanks to the new chassi, and the part(s) used for that sometimes extends to the side of the steering wheel, sometimes not.
@ForestMenOfEndor said:
" @Brickmasterboy said:
"New wheels on the GT? The tires look slimmer than usual to me"
See this interview from New Elementary for the skinny on those wheels: https://www.newelementary.com/2021/05/lego-speed-champions-2021-interview.html ."
Thank you!
Even the Lego rendition can't sugar up how inherently ugly a Bronco looks.
It's up on the UK Lego.com site now: £44.99
" increasing the size and ensuring superb accuracy."
Sorry but that's nonsense. The larger size has done nothing to improve the look. In fact, the SC releases last year looked even less like their real-life namesakes than they did at the normal car width. The GT-R in particular was an abomination.
That said, this is the FIRST set since the increased width that actually looks decently like their real-life counterparts. I might actually pick this one up, despite having completely skipped Speed Champions since the upsize ruined the line. I get that you want to heap praise and support Lego's marketing efforts, but "superb accuracy" was over the top.
@yacoub said:
"" increasing the size and ensuring superb accuracy."
Sorry but that's nonsense. The larger size has done nothing to improve the look. In fact, the SC releases last year looked even less like their real-life namesakes than they did at the normal car width. The GT-R in particular was an abomination.
That said, this is the FIRST set since the increased width that actually looks decently like their real-life counterparts. I might actually pick this one up, despite having completely skipped Speed Champions since the upsize ruined the line. I get that you want to heap praise and support Lego's marketing efforts, but "superb accuracy" was over the top."
You are entitled to your opinion but I think increasing the scale has substantially enhanced the Speed Champions range and many people evidently agree. Repeated analyses have demonstrated beyond doubt that the proportions have greatly improved, for example.
As ever, our commentary remains completely separate from LEGO's marketing efforts.
No doubt most people think Bigger is automatically Better. Nothing new there. :)
Anyone who is familiar with the sports cars they are allegedly trying to replicate would beg to differ. The absurd amount of stickers needed to make them appear even remotely like their namesakes is further evidence they can't actually manage to do it very well with bricks alone. Certainly no better than they did at the former width that actually fit to City scale streets.
@yacoub said:
"No doubt most people think Bigger is automatically Better. Nothing new there. :)
Anyone who is familiar with the sports cars they are allegedly trying to replicate would beg to differ. The absurd amount of stickers needed to make them appear even remotely like their namesakes is further evidence they can't actually manage to do it very well with bricks alone. Certainly no better than they did at the former width that actually fit to City scale streets."
Doubtless your knowledge surpasses the manufacturers of each vehicle, not to mention the thousands of LEGO and automotive fans, who favour the updated scale.
With regard to stickers, most are needed to represent aesthetic features rather than evoking bodywork shapes, which obviously improves upon previous Speed Champions models.
@CapnRex101 said:
" @yacoub said:
"No doubt most people think Bigger is automatically Better. Nothing new there. :)
Anyone who is familiar with the sports cars they are allegedly trying to replicate would beg to differ. The absurd amount of stickers needed to make them appear even remotely like their namesakes is further evidence they can't actually manage to do it very well with bricks alone. Certainly no better than they did at the former width that actually fit to City scale streets."
Doubtless your knowledge surpasses the manufacturers of each vehicle, not to mention the thousands of LEGO and automotive fans, who favour the updated scale."
Your unnecessary snark about manufacturers aside, yes, my automotive knowledge (but more importantly my visual familiarity with the real car models themselves, which is what is relevant here) likely surpasses most AFOLs, which is likely why I find it frustrating that the size increase has resulted in most of the wider vehicles being quite ugly and no better representative than the previous ones (some of which were very good) and often requiring even more stickers than those did while also losing the scale intended for City streets. You have ascertained that much correctly. Congrats!
Yeah, I want one. The Gulf livery is one of my all-time favorites.
This might be my first Speed Champions set. I do wish I could get the black 60's GT, but that car/set is waaaay too expensive now. Maybe someday Lego will remake it, wider?
Woohoo! Spaceship pieces :)
(The blue bars and such)
8 studs wide and still using stickers for headlights in almost all the cars. Missed opportunity to make the sets more appealing.
Looks like this didn't make the June 1 release date in the US. It is listed in Europe, but nowhere to be found on the Lego USA site
@BurtC said:
"Looks like this didn't make the June 1 release date in the US. It is listed in Europe, but nowhere to be found on the Lego USA site"
I'm having the same problem. I contacted customer service, and I'll let you know what they say.
@BurtC said:
"Looks like this didn't make the June 1 release date in the US. It is listed in Europe, but nowhere to be found on the Lego USA site"
I haven't yet received a reply, but the set is labeled "Coming soon" at this link:
https://www.lego.com/en-us/product/ford-gt-heritage-edition-and-bronco-r-76905
So I assume it should be available soon.