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LEGO Technic has become a sensation among builders who love to get hands-on with mechanics and engineering. One of the cool things about Technic LEGO is the diverse range of vehicles it offers, from supercars to construction machines. It’s not just about building a model; it’s about creating something that actually works, with moving parts and realistic functions. Take the LEGO Technic App-Controlled Transformation Vehicle (42140), for example. It’s not just a car; it’s a shape-shifting, remote-controlled marvel that adds an extra layer of excitement to the building process. So, whether you’re into high-speed supercars or heavy-duty construction vehicles, LEGO 42140 Technics lets you explore the intricate world of engineering while having a ton of fun along the way. It’s an amazing blend of learning and play!
Set Details
The LEGO® Technic App-Controlled Transformation Vehicle (42140) set is a one-of-a-kind LEGO Technic toy flips over upon impact, revealing a whole new vehicle. No wall for impact? No problem! You can easily turn the model over to switch between the two vehicles. On one side, there’s a sleek tracked racer, while on the other side, there’s an exploration vehicle with tracks and a truck bed. The ‘pop-up’ feature, powered by 2 shock absorbers, changes the vehicle’s shape when it flips. The set also includes 2 large motors and 1 hub. With the CONTROL+ app, you can steer the vehicle and take on thrilling challenges. The app adjusts to each vehicle and seamlessly switches screens when the model flips. This 360° double-sided vehicle is over 12 cm tall, 26 cm long, and 20 cm wide, ensuring endless fun and exploration!
| Model Name | App-Controlled Transformation Vehicle |
| Model Number | 42140 |
| Theme | Technic |
| Sub Themes | N/A |
| Pieces | 772 |
| Minifigures | N/A |
| Launch Date | March 2022 |
| Current Status | Retiring Soon |
| Date Retired | N/A |
| RRP | £130 |
Investment Potential
The LEGO Technic™ App-Controlled Transformation Vehicle, priced at £129.99 on LEGO.com, and currently discounted to £109.99 at Amazon and Argos, seems more inclined towards being a set to enjoy building rather than a primary investment focus. While the launch RRP of £130 and the projected 5-year value of £164 indicate a modest 26% increase, the annual growth estimate of 5% suggests a slower gradual appreciation over time.
| Launch RRP | £130 |
| Price Per Piece | £0.17 |
| Launch Price per piece | £0.17 |
| 5th Year Value | £164 |
| Percentage Increase | 26% |
| Expected Annual Growth | 5% |
| Theme Growth | 7% |
| Sub Theme Growth | N/A |
Theme Analysis
The LEGO® Technic App-Controlled Transformation Vehicle stands as an interesting investment option within the Technic theme, especially when compared to other sets in a similar price range. While it is currently priced competitively, historical performance data from sets like the 42054 CLAAS XERION 5000 TRAC VC, the 8258 Crane Truck, the 41999 4×4 Crawler Exclusive Edition, and the 42078 Mack Anthem showcases strong growth rates, with annualized growth ranging from 10% to 12%. These sets, retired and performing well, demonstrate the investment potential within the Technic theme at a comparable price point.
| Set Number | Set Name | Retired Date | RRP | Current Value | Total Growth | Annualised Growth |
| 42054 | CLAAS XERION 5000 TRAC VC | December 2017 | £130 | £243< | /td>87% | 11% |
| 8258 | Crane Truck | December 2011 | £130 | £393 | 202% | 10% |
| 41999 | 4×4 Crawler Exclusive Edition | December 2013 | £140 | £415 | 196% | 12% |
| 42078 | Mack Anthem | December 2019 | £140 | £204 | 46% | 10% |
Comparable Set Analysis
When considering the investment potential of the LEGO Technic App-Controlled Transformation Vehicle, it’s crucial to approach with caution, especially in comparison to other app-controlled sets. The only other app-controlled set, the App-Controlled Top Gear Rally Car (42109), retired in Dec-21, initially priced at £125, currently holds a concerning valuation of £111, indicating a total growth of -11% and an annualized growth of -6%. This unfavourable performance raises a red flag for potential investors, urging them to be wary of expecting robust returns in the app-controlled LEGO Technic category.
| Set Number | Set Name | Retired Date | RRP | Current Value | Total Growth | Annualised Growth |
| 42109 | App-Controlled Top Gear Rally Car | December 2021 | £125 | £111 | -11% | -6% |
Conclusion
In conclusion, the LEGO Technic App-Controlled Transformation Vehicle is an appealing set for building enthusiasts, particularly given its imminent retirement and potential for purchase at a discount. However, it is advisable to approach this set with caution as an investment. Despite belonging to a solid theme, its unspectacular performance, coupled with consistent and prolonged discounts, raises concerns about its post-retirement value. The cautionary tale of the closest direct comparator, the App-Controlled Top Gear Rally Car, which experienced negative growth post-retirement, further emphasizes the need for potential investors to exercise prudence and consider alternative options for more reliable returns in the LEGO Technic market.
