The best LEGO Speed Champions sets: awesome models on a budget

You don't need to break the bank to get some seriously cool (and fully licensed) LEGO car sets.

The best LEGO Speed Champions sets

by Ryan Gilmore |
Updated on

Look through the 21st-century equivalent of the Argos Catalogue (i.e. the internet) and you'll see how much some LEGO cars can go for. Just as a LEGO Death Star or robotic Technic kit were once the most expensive and complex kits, some LEGO car models can now seep into the hundreds and require a Masters degree in engineering to properly work it all.

But not all is lost, there are plenty of smaller, simpler LEGO models that are completely licensed that you can pick up for reasonable sums.

These models may lack sophisticated suspension and detailed engines of larger models, but are infinitely easier to build and will offer plenty of fun, no matter your age. In short, the Speed Champion cars are an excellent

The best LEGO Speed Champion sets

LEGO Speed Champions Lamborghini Countach

LEGO Speed Champions Lamborghini Countach
©CAR

Brick Bertone

Tried and tested by Senior Commercial Content Writer Chris Williams: "Wedge-shaped and angular, the Countach seems quite a good subject for LEGO. Although, there are a lot of subtle details in the Countach shape that make it quite a challenge.

"But LEGO has done a sterling job, upgrading its version of the Countach from a potential doorstop into an excellent model car that looks much better in the flesh than the pictures. Just don't rush the stickers."

LEGO Speed Champions Lotus Evija

Lotus Evija Lego Speed Champions
©CAR Magazine/Adam Binnie

Incredible attention to detail

Tried and tested by Commercial Content Editor Adam Binnie: "Easily one of the most visually pleasing supercars of the century, the first electric offering from Lotus represents an enormous challenge for Lego to convert into brick form.

"That's because, traditionally, the best Speed Champion cars are ones that are already quite blocky (the Audi Quattro S1 for example) rather than sleek, curvaceous creations like the Evija.

"Not only that, but the car is a masterpiece of aero with vents and slashes on every surface. Omitting these or worse, replacing them with a sticker, would result in an inferior model.

"Somehow Lego has managed to recreate all of this to a very impressive level, which is even more impressive when you consider the small scale.

"That does mean a few tricky stages of the build - from the fiddly sinuous vents on the side to the installation of the front bumper. I found this resulted in a slightly longer construction time than some of the other Speed Champions on this list, but even more pride and satisfaction in the finished item. As a result, it's my new favourite addition.

"Like lots of things in life, if you want something to look as good as this, you need to be willing to put in the work."

Hyper car performance

Alternative retailers
Walmart$29.94View offer

If you're a child (apparently LEGO's target audience) then the Speed Champions Koenigsegg Jesko will be the ultimate toy car that will give you all the bragging rights on a playground. With 1,603hp (on biofuel) and insane styling, the Jesko is the ultimate hypercar to be turned into a LEGO model. The kit contains 280 pieces and can be built by children aged 7 and up.

Icon in LEGO form

LEGO 75890 Speed Champions Ferrari F40 Competizione Racing Driver Minifigure Building Set, Vehicle Toys for Kids, Forza Horizon 4 Expansion Pack Model
Price: $29.99
Alternative retailers
Walmart$29.75View offer

From one end of the supercar spectrum to the other, The Ferrari F40 is a simple, mechanical supercar that translates well into LEGO form here. It comes with 198 pieces and can even be transformed into the ultra-rare Competizione model, complete with different wheel trims, bonnet and rear end.

Boxy, blocky rally car

Speed Champions LEGO 76897 Audi Sport quattro S1 Racer Toy, with Racing Driver Minifigure, Race Cars Building Sets

Rrp: $64.99

Price: $51.00

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If you're after something a little different and want to tackle the muddy roads of a rally stage, this LEGO Audi Sport Quattro S1 is ideal. Made from 250 pieces this set includes configurable wheel designs, a LEGO Minifigure and attachable spotlights at the front. This is a must-have for Audi/rally fans and a great gift for any car fan.

A modern LEGO Ferrari

LEGO 76895 Speed Champions Ferrari F8 Tributo
Price: $68.83
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Walmart$68.82View offer

We like the Ferrari F8 Tributo a lot here at CAR so a smaller LEGO model is ideal. We concluded the F8 Tributo is useable excitement, which is high praise given this car has 710bhp. In Lego form, itu2019s far more affordable and you can take it for a spin whenever you please without worrying about fuel costs. We're especially impressed by how LEGO has managed to make the car look so realistic and give it proper curves.

Something for the drifters

LEGO Speed Champions Toyota Supra

Rrp: $34.95

Price: $26.95
Alternative retailers
Best Buy$19.99View offer
Walmart$22.94View offer

The new Toyota Supra has certainly divided fans with its BMW underpinnings. This Speed Champions example features Danish underpinnings and is finished in a stylish yellow colour. It features 299 pieces and includes a change of wheel trim as well as a cool Minifigure.

Ultimate McLaren supercar (for now)

LEGO 76906 Speed Champions 1970 Ferrari 512 M
Price: $38.15
Alternative retailers
Walmart$51.00View offer

During a period of wild and experimental styling, the 512 still managed to stand out. Now you can have it sharpen up your bookcase in mini form.

Vantage point

For years Aston Martin has been at the top of cars you can classify as bewitching. With a brace of Astons, you get double the fun.

Ryan Gilmore is the Deputy Autos and Tools Editor for CAR, specialising in car cleaning and hand tools. With an MA in Automotive Journalism, when he's not testing buckets he can be found looking at old Porsches.

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