42172 LEGO Technic McLaren P1 | LEGO Technic McLaren P1: A Masterclass in LEGO Technic Cars Engineering and Detail
Published: 4 months ago
Last Updated: 2 months ago
LEGO Technic sets have become incredibly popular among builders of all ages, thanks to their intricate designs and focus on engineering and mechanics. These sets range from beginner-friendly models to advanced builds that challenge even the most experienced LEGO enthusiasts. With a wide variety of themes, including construction vehicles, aircraft, and robotics, LEGO Technic offers something for everyone at different price points—from affordable, entry-level sets to larger, more complex builds that come with a heftier price tag. Among the most popular categories are LEGO Technic cars, which allow fans to construct highly detailed replicas of real-world vehicles. From LEGO Mercedes, LEGO Bugatti to LEGO Technic Porsche, these models bring the LEGO car thrill of high-performance engineering to life. Now, the latest addition to the line-up is the stunning LEGO Technic McLaren P1, offering an exciting new build for both car enthusiasts and LEGO fans alike.
Set Details
The LEGO® Technic McLaren P1™ (42172) is an incredibly advanced and immersive build, designed to captivate supercar enthusiasts and LEGO fans alike. At an impressive 1:8 scale with 3,893 pieces, this set stands as one of the most detailed and intricate LEGO Technic models ever created. The attention to detail is great, from the 7-speed gearbox with its shifter drum to the V8 piston engine and adjustable rear wing. The butterfly-style opening doors add another level of realism, while the model's sheer size makes it a striking display piece. Although some minor details, like the wobbly doors and exposed rear wing actuator, could be improved, the overall experience is deeply rewarding. Plus, with a unique serial number unlocking exclusive online content, this set goes beyond just being a model—it's a full experience for any McLaren P1 lover.
Set Details
| Model Name | McLaren P1 |
| Model Number | 42172 |
| Theme | Technic |
| Sub Themes | Technic Licensed |
| Pieces | 3893 |
| Minifigures | N/A |
| Launch Date | 01/08/2024 |
| Availability | Available |
| Retirement Date | N/A |
| RRP | $450 |
Investment Potential
Another LEGO Technic Supercar launched on the 1st of August 2024 is LEGO 42172, the LEGO Technic McLaren P1 that comes with nearly 4,000 pieces and a price per brick of 12c / 10p. This incredible 1:8 scale model is being classed as “our most advanced LEGO Technic Ultimate set yet” and is sure to prove popular with Supercar and LEGO fans alike but will it make its way into LEGO Investors “garage”?
| Launch RRP | 450 |
| 5th Year Value | $550 |
| Theme Growth | 6% |
| Sub Theme Growth | 0% |
Theme Analysis
In general, we see the nearly 50 year old LEGO Technic theme as solid if unspectacular with underlying average annualised growth of 6% across over 500 sets and nearly 50 years!
We have taken a look at some of the historic larger LEGO technic retired sets including LEGO Bucket Wheel Excavator (42055) which has seen 55% total growth from its $280 RRP since retiring in 2018 (8% annualised growth), LEGO Car Transporter (42098) which has seen 57% growth from its $180 RRP since retiring in 2020 (13% annualised growth) and LEGO Mobile Crane MK II which has more than doubled its $220 RRP since retiring in 2015 (9% annualised growth).
| Set Number | Set Name | Retired Date | RRP | Current Value | Total Growth | Annualised Growth |
| 42009 | Mobile Crane MK II | 31/12/2015 | $220 | $411 | 87% | 7% |
| 42055 | Bucket Wheel Excavator | 31/12/2018 | $280 | $466 | 66% | 9% |
| 42070 | 6x6 All Terrain Tow Truck | 31/12/2019 | $290 | $313 | 8% | 2% |
| 42098 | Car Transporter | 31/12/2020 | $180 | $279 | 55% | 12% |
Comparable Set Analysis
The LEGO Technic Licensed sub-theme slightly outperforms the overall theme with average annualised growth of 8%. In recent times there has been an increase in Licensed cars and especially the Supercars and this may be the pinnacle of these LEGO Technic supercar models. It will be interesting to see how this raft of larger Technic supercar sets perform when they retire.
We have looked at some of the closest comparators within the LEGO Technic sub-theme below. The closest comparator is clearly LEGO Porsche 911 GT3 RS which retired in 2018 with a $300 RRP and is now valued above $800 (19% annualised growth). A more recent set LEGO Bugatti Chiron (42083) has seen less stellar gains since retiring at the end of 2022, seeing just 10% growth from its $350 RRP.
| Set Number | Set Name | Retired Date | RRP | Current Value | Total Growth | Annualised Growth |
| 42043 | Mercedes-Benz Arocs 3245 | 31/12/2017 | $230 | $452 | 97% | 10% |
| 42056 | Porsche 911 GT3 RS | 31/12/2018 | $300 | $836 | 179% | 20% |
| 42083 | Bugatti Chiron | 31/12/2022 | $350 | $381 | 9% | 5% |
| 42100 | Liebherr R 9800 | 31/12/2021 | $450 | $693 | 54% | 17% |
Conclusion
A stunning 4,000 piece LEGO McLaren P1 will definitely prove popular with supercar fans but its hard to see this as a viable option at least in the short term. By the time retirement comes we will have some far better information from the other retired LEGO Technic supercars and we may then see this as a LEGO investment but for now it’s a buy, build and display set for us at Investabrick.
