Review: 76903 Chevrolet Corvette C8.R Race Car and 1968 Chevrolet Corvette
Posted by CapnRex101,
Some five decades separate the superb designs available in 76903 Chevrolet Corvette C8.R Race Car and 1968 Chevrolet Corvette. This appealing Corvette Stingray, which includes beautiful dark red bodywork, appears especially attractive and captures an accurate shape.
The associated Chevrolet Corvette C8.R features extensive detail too, although the shape deviates somewhat from the source material around the nose. Nevertheless, these GT cars have proven excellent before, hence I anticipate similar distinction here. The celebrated 1968 Corvette seems more interesting though, in my opinion.
Minifigures
The considerable differences between these vehicles is reflected in their drivers. The female minifigure features a black jacket with the Chevrolet Corvette emblem on the reverse and the same design decorates her shirt underneath. Components like these can prove useful beyond the Speed Champions theme, wherever generic characters are needed.
While the first minifigure appears reasonably casual, the second sports accurate black, white and yellow overalls which are associated with Corvette Racing. These colours are impressive while the tiny advertisements are splendid. However, the continued printing between the torso and legs looks dreadful, primarily because LEGO continues to encounter issues when printing lighter colours on darker elements.
Crash helmets in appropriate colours are supplied with each minifigure, alongside fitting hair elements. These and the single-sided heads are relatively common, although they look good. Unfortunately, this female hair piece obstructs the roof on the 1968 Chevrolet Corvette, which remains frustrating because I believe this could be avoided.
The Completed Model
The renowned Chevrolet Corvette C3 was introduced during 1968 and maintains continued influence today, attributed primarily to the characteristic curves above the wheel arches and unusual pointed nose. These important features are captured on the LEGO model, although compromises are also apparent where the shape presented particular design challenges.
Matching other Speed Champions vehicles, this car is eight studs wide and measures 17cm in length. The proportions therefore appear reasonable, although I dislike the angular windscreen which varies significantly from the source material. However, the dark red bodywork is fantastic and contrasts against previous Speed Champions models which is appreciated.
The distinctive pointed nose is constructed using 2x4 wedge plates. The resultant shape looks good, although the transition between these plates and the neighbouring curved slopes seems awkward. Unfortunately, improving upon this design would probably necessitate the creation of unique elements. However, the stickers situated underneath look superb, accurately portraying the radiator grille.
Additional stickers portray vents and metallic trim along either flank. These stickers are clear-backed, so they may be used on models in alternative colours, although dust and air bubbles are sometimes visible. The printed wheel covers avoid such problems and they look excellent, displaying an attractive radial design. Another printed dish is provided, as a spare.
Removing the windscreen reveals ample space for two minifigures inside, around a simulated handbrake. As normal, the steering wheel is offset slightly which is irritating, although I like the stark contrast between the dark red exterior and the black interior. The 2x6 tiles integrated here have never appeared in dark red before.
The least successful aspect of the Stingray is certainly the rear, which lacks proper curvature when compared with the source material. I understand the difficulty in capturing subtle curves but some shaping around the wheel arches was an absolute necessity. The twin exhausts and rear lights achieve impressive accuracy though, accentuated by stickers between them.
While the 1968 Chevrolet Corvette incorporates clear-backed stickers, those decorating the Chevrolet Corvette C8.R feature opaque backing. These are certainly simpler to apply in my opinion, although their quantity remains intimidating! Some 31 stickers adorn the vehicle and replicate authentic designs from the original touring car, alongside a few printed elements.
While certain distinguishing shapes from the source material are captured here, the general profile appears rather blocky. That becomes especially visible when viewing the vehicle from each side, where the horizontal lines above both wheels are conspicuous. However, I like the unusual colour combination of dark bluish grey and yellow, with authentic red accents.
Despite their substantial separation in time and technology, both Chevrolet Corvettes should integrate similar pointed nose shapes. Unfortunately, this distinctive feature is missing, which noticeably detracts from the whole model in my opinion. Moreover, this splitter should capture the same angular aesthetic and the vehicle is hardly recognisable without it, despite featuring accurate details.
Another disappointing issue relates to colour matching between the stickers and actual parts. This should be easily resolvable so the pronounced difference on dark bluish grey pieces, for example, is frustrating. The stickered designs are excellent though, particularly on the bonnet where the stripes and asymmetrical racing decals look wonderful.
Accurate designs continue onto the sides, where 1x2 curved wedge slopes are employed to good effect, creating realistic air intakes. The red racing numbers and matching door mirrors demonstrate similar authenticity, although I think the mirrors should reach further beyond the bodywork. Furthermore, unsightly gaps remain exposed around the dual-moulded wheels.
The windscreen includes intricate metallic silver highlights and is easily removable, providing access to the interior. There is adequate room for two minifigures and the dashboard shaping looks splendid, as normal. Superb detail continues behind the cockpit, where the yellow stripe matches beautifully and terminates underneath the adjustable rear wing.
Tooth pieces are ingeniously integrated around the lights, forming perfect shapes. Otherwise, the rear appears fairly simple, featuring five stickers across tiles and curved slopes. They are faithful to the original car but the overwhelming reliance upon stickers is obvious. The diffuser seems appropriately dramatic though, closely resembling the source material.
Overall
76903 Chevrolet Corvette C8.R Race Car and 1968 Chevrolet Corvette includes two vehicles from completely different periods, thereby maintaining a convention which has proven divisive. However, this instance seems fairly tolerable because the cost of £34.99 or $29.99 represents good value for two Speed Champions cars, particularly within the US.
Unfortunately, the standard of these cars leaves something to be desired. Both models feature positive qualities, including the 1968 Stingray's bulbous wheel arches and authentic decoration across the modern Corvette C8.R, but the shapes are commonly inaccurate. This is particularly discernible on the touring car, where reproducing the characteristic pointed nose was important and its omission is decisive.
This set was provided for review by The LEGO Group but the review represents an expression of my own opinions.
97 likes
40 comments on this article
I was considering buying this set awhile back. I think I still might!
Great review, Captain! Even though I, as a longtime Corvette fan, will be getting this set no matter what, I couldn’t help but notice that what LEGO calls a ‘68 Corvette isn’t, in fact, a ‘68 Corvette, but rather a ‘69.
The Corvette in the set comes in the color LEGO calls New dark Red. The closest official color on the 1968 palette was Cordovan Maroon ( https://bit.ly/3ibmsWw ), although that seems far too purple for New dark Red to accurately portray it. By comparison, 1969’s Burgundy ( https://bit.ly/3pcvq7p ) seems like a much better match.
Though not actively contributing to the debate one way or the other, I found it interesting how the license plate in the set, YNJ037, is identical to one used in some promotional materials for the 1970 model ( https://bit.ly/3i71tV3 ). Despite this fact, the car in the set cannot be the 1970 model because the grilles on the front and sides of the Corvette are gridded in the ‘70 and striped in the ‘68 and ‘69 (and the model in the LEGO set).
Above those side grilles, the Stingray script can clearly be seen in the set. As illustrated by The Corvette Story ( https://bit.ly/3wUNNk9 ), this script did not appear on the 1968 model.
Furthermore, the set’s name can’t simply be a typo because the picture of the real car shown on the back of the box is one of a 1968 model (one can clearly see no Stingray marque above the side grilles).
I guess all this is to say that LEGO screwed up here.
The C8.R driver looks like he’s wearing underpants, socks, and a tank top.
Well, what a disappointment. The modern version looks like a generic racing car with very little resemblance to the source material, and the only aspect of the Stingray that has been captured well imho is the front.
Also perfectly illustrates the various quality issues (bad print quality, bad colour matching - both with parts as well as stickers).
Money saved I guess.
@Be_hapi said:
"The C8.R driver looks like he’s wearing underpants, socks, and a tank top."
Now it cannot be unseen! It even looks a bit like a diaper.
As a corvette lover, this set is a must have for me. A little disappointed they couldn't hold true to the real models these represent. However, I am hoping they will do a release of some larger model corvettes similar in size to the sian and others. I dream of a day they will release each version from '53 onward, or that someone creates them and sells instructions and parts list so I can build them. ..... alas, a girl can dream can't she?
@Be_hapi said:
"The C8.R driver looks like he’s wearing underpants, socks, and a tank top."
Now that you mention it, I'm getting undergarments, socks, and chaps vibes...and it cannot be unseen. haha
IIRC, the designer interviews in 2020 said part of the reason for the switch to 8 wide was that it would allow them to do more brick built shapes and need fewer stickers. Guess they didn't quite think through that all the way. This was the Speed Champions set I was most looking forward to based on the set list rumors, but it leaves a lot to be desired.
@Paski said:
" @Be_hapi said:
"The C8.R driver looks like he’s wearing underpants, socks, and a tank top."
Now it cannot be unseen! It even looks a bit like a diaper."
That was my first impression as well.
What a stupid design choice. Looks totally ridiculous, even ignoring the horrible print quality on the torso.
@rljf311 said:
"I guess all this is to say that LEGO screwed up here."
I wasn't familiar with the source material at all, but those photos really drive home just how poorly they've been replicated here. Not sure it'd be possible to do them much better with the current parts inventory, but still. Bloody hell.
I was at a LEGO store recently about to buy this set and then my dad decided to buy it for himself. Like father like son I guess.
I'll buy it, but I'm not very happy about the Stingray. It probably lends itself to a bigger model where the beautiful curves can be more faithfully recreated.
Though it may look off, I do appreciate the accuracy in the C8.R driver’s racing uniform. https://media.chevrolet.com/dld/content/dam/Media/images/US/Racing/Chevrolet/2021/corvette-c8r/032021/4CorvetteC8RRoarWin10.jpg
This was the set I was most interested in when the 2021 wave was revealed, but having read/seen a few reviews I think I'll go for the Ford set instead. Both of the Chevy models lack certain distinctive design features that they really shouldn't be missing. That said the price in the US is pretty good for two cars.
Geez, this is so disappointing. How hard would it really have been to drop the modern Vette, and instead make three identical copies of the dark-red one, only in drum-lacquered gold with the names Alan Bean, Pete Conrad, and Dick Gordon on the doors? So disappointing!
Doesn't look like there is any colour inconsistency with the dark red pieces? Is it just the photography or were you lucky Cap? JangBricks's set had major discrepancies which detracted from the model.
Disappointing to see actual photos of the set. I may still get it, but that C8.R isn't great and the deck lid area of the dark red Corvette does leave a lot to be desired.
Plus part of me still hates the fact that the C8.R is no longer a front engine car.
The 8-wide cars have a real heft to them when you’re playing around with them. Very meaty. Even on the slicker, streamlined vehicles.
I kinda like that.
Maybe I'm easy to please with the SC line, but I really like this pair.
Slightly off topic, but is the Ford set an exclusive? It seemed like a general release prior to June, but only Lego S&H seems to be listing and selling it.
With regard to colour inconsistencies, I have not found that to be a problem here. The 2x2 curved slopes are perhaps slightly brighter than other pieces, although not to a significant extent.
Having just watched JANG's review, the colour differentiation on his model is dramatic and mine is certainly nowhere near that bad. Perhaps the colour problem relates to a particular
production batch, on this occasion.
The littlest red Corvette
Baby, it's not too fast
@Be_hapi said:
"The C8.R driver looks like he’s wearing underpants, socks, and a tank top."
And a trench coat. Stylish
@rljf311 said:
"Though it may look off, I do appreciate the accuracy in the C8.R driver’s racing uniform. https://media.chevrolet.com/dld/content/dam/Media/images/US/Racing/Chevrolet/2021/corvette-c8r/032021/4CorvetteC8RRoarWin10.jpg"
That photo is also good for showing how the Lego rendition misses the "pointed nose shapes", as the reviewer put it.
I just built this set last night, the classic 'vette is quite disappointing. I generally don't complain much about accuracy, they are just LEGOs (and small models at that), but I don't understand the completely flat rear end at all. I think with a convertible the curves could have been captured a bit better. The colors were off on my model too, which is irritating.
This is the set I was most looking forward to, and most disappointed by, from this series. I cannot get over how dull the C3 is - the rear being completely flat, the roof line and front windscreen being so chunky, and the somewhat lazy sides with the chrome rockers just being a series of stickers. It's so tremendously underwhelming.
edit: Oh! Also you mentioned that the 1 x 4 slopes are new in dark red, but those have been around for a while. Might be a part number change or something.
My favorite ones! The shapes don't really detract for me though. However I hate the back of the C3.
@CapnRex101 said:
"With regard to colour inconsistencies, I have not found that to be a problem here. The 2x2 curved slopes are perhaps slightly brighter than other pieces, although not to a significant extent.
Having just watched JANG's review, the colour differentiation on his model is dramatic and mine is certainly nowhere near that bad. Perhaps the colour problem relates to a particular
production batch, on this occasion."
Maybe the run of promotional freebies get that extra little bit of quality control!
I guess '68 because this was first year of C3 and back end looks like on early model.
For brick build it look great! I'm buying one
@sjr60 said:
" @CapnRex101 said:
"With regard to colour inconsistencies, I have not found that to be a problem here. The 2x2 curved slopes are perhaps slightly brighter than other pieces, although not to a significant extent.
Having just watched JANG's review, the colour differentiation on his model is dramatic and mine is certainly nowhere near that bad. Perhaps the colour problem relates to a particular
production batch, on this occasion."
Maybe the run of promotional freebies get that extra little bit of quality control!"
I thought that as well. No way TLG would let review sets get in the hands of LAN sites that are of a quality as bad as the one Jang bought through regular retailers. Would be totally embarrassing.
@Sethro3 said:
" @Be_hapi said:
"The C8.R driver looks like he’s wearing underpants, socks, and a tank top."
Now that you mention it, I'm getting undergarments, socks, and chaps vibes...and it cannot be unseen. haha"
All right, everyone, after me: "AUGH! WHY?!"
@Modeltrainman said:
" @Sethro3 said:
" @Be_hapi said:
"The C8.R driver looks like he’s wearing underpants, socks, and a tank top."
Now that you mention it, I'm getting undergarments, socks, and chaps vibes...and it cannot be unseen. haha"
All right, everyone, after me: "AUGH! WHY?!""
LOL...First thing I thought of when I saw the C8.R driver: Why is this minifig wearing a diaper?!?? The overall design and the subtle change from the minifig yellow don't help the image either.
On the '68 Corvette I can recommend to put one 2x4 plate and two 1x2 under each wheelbase to make it less low profile. I also switched out the wheels with last years Nissan GT-R (which are thicker), which made both of these cars look much better.
Ill be getting a set of these when they appear for 20% off on Amazon.
It still is a great set, even though the driver is wearing a diaper.
Is it wrong that I keep hearing a certain 'Prince' song every time I see this set...
Seriously though, while I like both interpretations, has anyone here seen the new Vettes out this year?
https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1131326_should-the-c8-chevrolet-corvette-look-more-like-a-corvette
I saw...something like around where I live: I thought 'Is that a new Mustang or a GT? Something by Lamborghini? Wait...Corvette?!?!'
@DaBigE:
It is pretty weird. Don’t they just soak their pants during the race? If they win, there’ll be a jug of Gatorade dumped over their head as they climb out of the car. If they don’t win, they could climb out of the car naked, because nobody will be looking at them anyways.
@brick_r:
“Wow” as covered by Soraia? Yeah, Zouzou does have a phenomenal voice, doesn’t she? I’m pretty sure she swallowed Nigel Tufnel’s amp.
No, no P.D., "Little Re..."...ya' know, never mind...:)
@brick_r:
Let’s see, “Like a Woman Would”, “Love Amnesia”, “Love Like Voodoo”.... Nope, not seeing any songs that start with “Little”.
*Ahem*: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Little_Red_Corvette
"Now you Know...and knowing is half the Battle" (the other half is a split of red and blue lasers:))
Little Red Corvette by Prince! Come on guys! I'm disappointed!
And I'm disappointed in the C3 'Vette. The nose is not pointy enough.