What if I told you that you could own either a 930-generation 911 Turbo or a classic Targa from the impact bumper era between 1974 and 1989 for under $300? Don’t believe me? Just take a trip to your local Lego store and you’ll see for yourself. The new Lego set numbered 10295, modeled after the Porsche 911 Turbo or the classic Targa, is available for $199.99 plus tax. Go ahead and get yourself one and a few hours later and 1458 pieces connected, you will have your very own Porsche 911.
Both the Targa and the Turbo are meticulously detailed models, as far as Legos go. It's an interactive set, as the doors swing open revealing a smart tan interior with a gauge cluster, moveable shifter, emergency brake, and working steering. At the rear, the decklid props open to give a peek at the air-cooled flat-six engine, complete with air pump, intake, and the large central fan. This model kit is unmistakably a 911 by including a real spoiler integrated into the engine cover. In the instructions, you are given two options, create a 911 Turbo or a Targa top that is easier to remove and store under the front hood than the real-life version. The Targa version features a different wheel design, a fixed rear window, and that iconic blacked-out rollbar-hoop framing the passengers. The Turbo rides on a wider rear axle under that flat rear wing. Predictably, the Turbo build incorporates a turbocharger and intercooler in the engine bay, framed between swollen rear fender flares. Both Turbo and Targa models feature authentic Porsche 911 details like the iconic front and rear bumpers, angled headlights, printed logo and number plates.
The original 1974 Porsche 911 boasted a rear-mounted air-cooled flat-six engine that produced 260 bhp and 255 lb-ft of torque mated to a 4-speed manual gearbox as the 5-speed from the Carrera couldn’t handle the torque. At the time of its launch, it was the fastest production car in the world and the flagship of the Porsche carmaker. Unlike today’s cars, it required an abundance of muscle, skill, and experience to drive it fast. The car itself weighed 2635 lbs, had no power steering, no ABS, no traction control and could accelerate from 0-100kmph in 5.5 seconds and onwards to a max speed of 249kmph. That’s faster than a 2021 Chevrolet Camaro RS 3LT 1LE and a 2021 Lexus IS 350 F-Sport, but nowhere as easy to harness.
Now although you can’t drive the Lego Porsche, it is much more affordable. Current prices for a similar year Porsche 911 in real life go for upwards of $150,000 but the Lego version goes for $200 plus tax. It is also easy to store and move around, no maintenance costs, and no one will get mad at you when you randomly show up at home with it. If you can afford the real deal, I encourage you to do so as it really is a fine piece of motorsport art.
Written September 2021