#LEGO 1961 Chevrolet Corvette convertible longs for your miniature garage

The 1961 Chevrolet Corvette defines the American automotive evolution with small but significant design changes to the earlier models. The transition from the single headlamp to a pair of lights on each side, the striking circular taillamps (aka ducktail) and tailfins for the rear are some good examples.

Owning the iconic Corvette from the late 50s and early 60s – which truly signified America on Wheels movement – is not everyone’s privilege. First of all, they are very rare to find, and then they come at an understandably steep price tag running into $50,000 to $100,000 depending on condition. For those who want to revere the cult following status of the cult favorite convertible without breaking the bank, Chevrolet has teamed up with LEGO for an intricate version for collectors.

Designer: LEGO

The 10321 Corvette LEGO Icons set pays an ode to the first-ever Vette that rolled out of production lines on June 30, 1953. Choosing the 1961 Corvette convertible as the reference model is a logical choice given its radical design language. The bright red damsel mirrors the key details of the original version including the hard or open-top configuration, opening hood and truck that houses the V8 engine replica with its own spinning radiator fan.

Other clever touches include a radio, rearview mirrors, a working tie-rod steering set-up in the engine bay, gear lever, and even a set of brake, gas and clutch pedals. To take the nostalgic element a notch further, the 1210-piece LEGO set comes with three different sets of license plates to traverse millennials to a different era.

Truly a worthy inclusion to the LEGO Icons line, the classic Chevvy measuring 13 inches in length, 6 inches in width and 4 inches in height will be a pleasant weekend task to piece together for the living room shelf or geeky den. For that, you’ll have to wait till August 1 (for LEGO VIPs) or August 4, when the LEGO Corvette set will be finally released for a price tag of $150.