LEGO Icons 10337 Lamborghini Countach 5000 Quattrovalvole sees the LEGO Group bring petrol-heads one of the most celebrated supercars of all time – but should you be revving up to grab it on day one?
The Lamborghini Countach, first unveiled as a prototype in 1971 and produced from 1974 to 1990, redefined automotive design and performance, became a poster child for a generation of teenagers during the 1980s and remains an enduring symbol of luxury and speed.
The Countach introduced the world to a futuristic and radical design language that included sharp, shallow angles, a low and wide stance, and the famous scissor doors, which became a hallmark of Lamborghini supercars. The 5000 Quattrovalvole, introduced in 1985, is also an icon of pop culture, epitomising the excess and flamboyance of the decade. Its striking looks and blistering performance made it a favorite among car enthusiasts and celebrities alike. The Countach's distinctive design and aura of exclusivity meant it was frequently featured in hit movies such as The Cannonball Run and iconic TV series like Miami Vice and Magnum PI.
Capturing the 5000 Quattrovalvole’s unique aesthetics and low, aggressive stance no doubt posed a significant challenge for the LEGO designer and the question remains: how well have they produced a LEGO model that not only looks authentic, but also stays true to the original supercar's revolutionary design?
--- LEGO Icons 10337 Lamborghini Countach 5000 Quattrovalvole set details ---
Theme: LEGO Icons Set name:
Price: £159.99 / $179.99 / €179.99 Pieces: 1,506 Minifigures: 0
LEGO:
--- Where to buy LEGO Icons 10337 Lamborghini Countach 5000 Quattrovalvole ---
LEGO Icons 10337 Lamborghini Countach 5000 Quattrovalvole is available to buy from July 1, 2024 through LEGO Stores and LEGO.com.
--- LEGO Icons 10337 Lamborghini Countach 5000 Quattrovalvole build ---
Right from the start, 10337 Lamborghini Countach 5000 Quattrovalvole feels fresh; from the way the box is presented (with a large lid rather than a single sealed box, in line with other summer 2024 sets) to the paper bags that contain the 1,506 pieces. Even the introduction featured within the opening pages of the manual alludes to the fact that new techniques and exclusive parts had to be produced in order to create this model.
On the surface, the Countach looks like one of the simpler cars to recreate in LEGO form. The Lamborghini is famed for its clean, straight lines that feel like a natural fit for the medium of LEGO. However, what makes the Countach's silhouette so iconic are the shallow angles that feature all over the body. According to senior model designer Sven Franic, these are some of the hardest and most challenging to recreate in brick form. In order to successfully overcome the challenge several new elements have been created and some very advanced building techniques have been employed – and they are used to great effect throughout the entire building process.
As with the vast majority of LEGO Icons cars, the construction of this model starts by piecing together the framework and chassis. A combination of Technic and System parts go together to form the rudimentary framework of the model. However, as soon as bag two you'll begin to attach some of the bodywork (connected by various brackets) and even in this early stage the sleekness of the Countach begins to shine through.
Even though the first sections of the build will feel familiar to fans of the Icons series, there are several new techniques spread throughout that will no doubt pique the interest of even seasoned builders. The steering column has been redesigned and updated, with a completely new design that uses a small Technic sub-assembly that almost floats in the chassis, sliding left and right to steer. It's a slick and innovative design that also functions incredibly smoothly. The 1x1 round tile with printed Lamborghini emblem is a nice finishing touch to the middle of the steering wheel too.
There's also a very clever yet simple technique used to create the required shallow angles. A Technic brick is sandwiched between two smaller bricks, which then pivots ever so slightly, creating the necessary angle. It's another unique technique that separates this particular model from others in the subtheme.
Clips and bars are put to great use in helping to create accurate angles too, with sub-assemblies on both the rear windows and the roof clipping into place before being angled down into position. However, the best example of this technique is used on the front bonnet. A large sub-assembly is first clipped straight on to the front before very subtly being angled down and clipped on to a bar underneath. It creates a very sleek and accurate angle for the rest of the bonnet, and is super satisfying to connect.
The rear bumper is constructed in a different but no less clever way. Two sub-assemblies make up the bottom of the bumper with Technic pins being slightly offset from one another, and when attached to the main model this creates a slanting angle upon which other parts can be built, creating the distinctive look of the rear of the Countach.
The shaping throughout the model is absolutely superb and as more of the model is built up, the more the distinctive look of the Lamborghini becomes visible. The front wheel arches in particular look fantastic with two chunky sub-assemblies merging beautifully with the curved tiles that make up the wheel arch.
It's not just clever techniques that are employed throughout the build, as you'll also spot plenty of examples of smart parts usage. The various curves, slopes and wedges used on the scissor doors are excellent, and the way the distinctive black diamond that sits in between the doors and rear panels has been created is tantamount to genius.
The engine cleverly uses animal claws and red whip pieces to create the look of the internal mechanics, and the 1x2 grille brick and translucent panel look perfect when recreating the rear windows. New parts have also been created in order to depict the shallow angles that feature all across the bodywork. A new cone-shaped element helps recreate the characteristic wing of the Countach, while a new LEGO 1x2 slope element achieves the short, shallow angles and a new, smaller 4x4 arch has also been developed for the wheel rims.
The Lamborghini is presented in a white and dark red colour scheme, the same used on the much smaller 76908 Lamborghini Countach, and you'll probably be delighted to learn that there are no stickers across the entire model. All the extra detailing is achieved through printed parts, including Lamborghini logos on 1x2 slopes, round 1x1 tiles, a 'Countach' printed 1x3 brick and a printed 1x6 brick with dashboard details. All of this helps to create the sense that this is a grown-up set, and is really something that 18+ sets should be doing as a given.
All that's missing are a few interchangeable license plates from the various movies and TV series the Countach has featured in, but as senior model designer Sven Franic recently told Brick Fanatics, Lamborghini requested that the LEGO Group only include the single 'Countach' beauty plate.
Overall the build process here is both challenging and rewarding, providing a deep sense of satisfaction. Intermediate to advanced builders will find the complexity of this set engaging, while those new to LEGO might find it a bit daunting but ultimately rewarding.
The final model captures the iconic silhouette of the Countach excellently and the set feels very authentic to the real-life Lamborghini. Super fans of the supercar will notice a few omissions from the final model, but the attention to detail spread across the entire set is second to none, leaving the finished product feeling like a real love letter to a true icon of the 1980s.
--- LEGO Icons 10337 Lamborghini Countach 5000 Quattrovalvole price ---
LEGO Icons 10337 Lamborghini Countach 5000 Quattrovalvole is a beautiful recreation of the legendary supercar. The attention to detail, accuracy and final model are all equally superb. The build feels fresh and grown up and the entire set from the box to the final model smacks of innovation.
All of this is pitched at a price point that feels fair and totally in-keeping with other sets in the theme at £159.99 / $179.99 / €179.99. As a result, there's very little to complain about when it comes to the cost of the set.
--- LEGO Icons 10337 Lamborghini Countach 5000 Quattrovalvole pictures ---
--- LEGO Icons 10337 Lamborghini Countach 5000 Quattrovalvole pros and cons ---
LEGO Icons 10337 Lamborghini Countach 5000 Quattrovalvole is a spectacular addition to the LEGO Icons series, celebrating one of the most iconic supercars of the 1980s (if not all time) while masterfully blending a sense of nostalgia with innovative building techniques. The set feels both familiar and fresh, paying homage to the legendary automobile while introducing unique elements that enhance the building experience.
From the scissor doors to the detailed V12 engine, you'll appreciate the intricate details and clever engineering that go into replicating the Countach's distinctive features every step of the way. The use of advanced techniques ensures that the build is engaging and rewarding, offering surprises and challenges that keep even seasoned builders invested.
All that said, the Countach still maintains the core enjoyment that defines the LEGO Icons cars subtheme. It captures the essence of the Lamborghini Countach, allowing builders to connect with the car's history and cultural impact. Whether displayed on a shelf or included in a larger collection, the finished model is a testament to the enduring appeal of both the Lamborghini brand and LEGO craftsmanship.
10337 Lamborghini Countach 5000 Quattrovalvole is a must-have for motoring enthusiasts and will likely take pride of place in your growing LEGO garage.
| LEGO Icons 10337 Lamborghini Countach 5000 Quattrovalvole pros | LEGO Icons 10337 Lamborghini Countach 5000 Quattrovalvole cons |
|---|---|
| Fresh and innovative design and build process | Studs on the rear spoiler look slightly out of step with the otherwise sleek design |
| Stunning result, capturing the sleek silhouette of the 1980s classic | No personalised licence plates |
This set was provided for review by the LEGO Group.
You can support the work that Brick Fanatics does by purchasing your copy of
--- Alternatives to LEGO Icons 10337 Lamborghini Countach 5000 Quattrovalvole —
If 10337 Lamborghini Countach 5000 Quattrovalvole hasn’t got your motor running or you're looking for even more stunning LEGO cars to add to your growing garage, then there’s a whole parking lot's worth of models to choose from.
LEGO Speed Champions 76908 Lamborghini Countach offers up the same slick '80s icon, just at a much more affordable price. Or if you're after an even bigger challenge than 10337, you could check out the highly impressive LEGO Technic 42115 Lamborghini Sián FKP 37.
If you want to steer away from the Lamborghini brand but stay within the Icons lane, then either
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