Full Review – Corvette 10321

Classic, Classy, Costly.

What a scarlet stunner! The LEGO Icons Corvette is certainly something special to look at. There’s just something sleek and elegant about all that flat red contrasted with just enough white to make this classic car absolutely pop. Even the silver-printed accents are cleeeeean. It sounds like I might be in love with all 1210 pieces that craft this beauty, and I very nearly am. At a $249.99RRP, we should really take a closer look at that ‘nearly’ part though right?

Before we critique the ‘Vette’s every cosmetic detail, let’s dive into the actual build for a moment. If you’re dangerously allergic to any sort of Technic like my boss is, then you won’t enjoy the initial chassis work and the latter bits and bobs that make the front wheels turn with the steering wheel. At this point, it’s pretty standard in these more pricey car models but something to note. Any sore Technic fingers are soon forgotten. My lasting building memories are of satisfyingly rounding off nearly every edge and creating some fun, sleek contours. There are some new parts here too that make up the distinct contrasting red-on-white curve in the door paneling – insetting it by half a stud was a clever move.

One little building snag I stumbled across was a bit of a fiddly front end. Arguably, it’s saved with the use of banana and hotdog pieces. So, I suppose you could say it has a fiddly yet delectable front end.

Now for some design and detail. The engine bay is simple but serviceable. Some chrome tiling on the motor was all it needed and I’m glad to see the effort. The front-pivoting bonnet requires a delicate touch to open but no deal-breaker. Doors fit flush yet feel solid too. Nice.

You can spy more of those satisfying curves as we circle around back. This car is certainly sleek. The back half doesn’t quite match the slight receding angle towards the boot of the real thing but the designers here have really done a remarkably fine job all things considered. You also have the choice to customise your number plate and throw the spares in the boot. They are stickers of course but it’s nice to have the option. There are plenty of other printed pieces here so don’t fret over the sticker count.

About that boot though: the thing is so darn sleek it cannot be opened without removing parts. Form over function right..? And then there is the hardtop roof. Honestly, it’s just awful. There’s a reason the front box art depicts the open-top convertible version. In short, the reuse of the same front windshield piece on the reverse creates an oddly uniform bubble shape and the design is just all wrong. The roof also has a strange number of studs showing in contrast to the rest of the very smooth build. The roof really feels like an afterthought and its only redeemable quality is that it can be removed and sent to the parts bin. Harsh, but deserved.

Topless, the classic 1961 stylings of the Corvette are absolutely captivating and captured here elegantly in plastic brick form. I really want to love this particular Corvette but it just doesn’t quite reach the lofty heights the original car has set. What it does share is a high price tag and this is where I say ‘Let’s just be friends’. At nearly $250 dollarydoos, that’s the same as the Camaro Z28 (10304) which has nearly 250 more pieces. And if we were to ignore licensing costs, when the Corvette launched late 2023, you could still buy the charming Pickup Truck (10290) for fifty bucks less and more than 450 extra pieces. I just don’t see the value. So Corvette (10321), just like the real thing, you’re beautiful, and better with your top off but I just can’t afford you!

.

Words by Lukas Mack
Photos by Lukas Mack

Editors Note:
This post may contain affiliate links that generate income for the website.
This set was provided free of charge by The LEGO Group. Opinions expressed in the review are those of the reviewer.

.

Keep up to date with every article and review delivered straight to your inbox as soon as it’s posted!