Which retiring LEGO Technic Cars should you buy as an investment in 2024
Published: 5 months ago
Last Updated: 5 months ago
ked as the popularity of the LEGO car continues to grow immensely among both enthusiasts and collectors due to their intricate designs and realistic functionalities. We have looked at 4 LEGO cars from the LEGO Technic collection that are expected to retire at the end of this year, LEGO Porsche 911 RSR (42096), LEGO Ford Mustang Shelby (42138), LEGO NASCAR Next Gen Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 (42153) and LEGO Bugatti Bolide Agile Blue (42162).
We think all 4 of these LEGO Technic Licensed cars are great models to build but the big question for us at Investabrick is whether any of them make for strong LEGO Investments and provide the required level of LEGO Investment returns that we would be looking for from these LEGOs cars. We have looked at the set details and the LEGO investment potential for each of the LEGO Technic cars as well as an analysis of the LEGO Technic theme.
Read on to see which LEGO Technic car makes for the best LEGO Investment.
42096 LEGO Porsche 911 RSR
Developed in partnership with Porsche, the LEGO Technic 42096 Porsche 911 RSR meticulously crafted replica captures the spirit of the renowned sports car with impeccable accuracy. From its sleek lines to aerodynamic features such as the rear wing with 'swan neck' mounts, extended rear diffuser, and bespoke side mirrors, every detail mirrors the car's formidable profile. The car also has operational differential, independent suspension, and a six-cylinder boxer engine equipped with moving pistons. The accessible cockpit offers a radar screen, functional steering, fire extinguishing system, and a Laguna Seca circuit track map adorning the driver's door. Adorned with black spoked rims, lifelike headlights and taillights, and the iconic white, red, and black colour scheme, this LEGO Technic masterpiece epitomizes automotive engineering brilliance.
LEGO 42096 Investment Potential
LEGO Porsche 911 RSR has been at retail sale for 5 years now, and is finally expected to retire this year. At a relatively expensive 11c per brick cost, LEGO Porsche 911 RSR comes with just over 1500 pieces.
LEGO 42096 has seen strong demand for all its long shelf life, rarely discounted and has sold above RRP on Amazon when out of stock on LEGO. We think this will be a solid investment for the medium to long term and will outperform the overall theme.
138 LEGO Ford Mustang Shelby
Experience the raw power and exhilarating speed of the iconic Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 with the LEGO Technic Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 (42138) set. This 544-piece model faithfully replicates the 750bhp muscle car in striking 'Grabber Green,' a shade remarkably similar to LEGO lime green. Equipped with two 12799 PULL-BACK 6x3x5 elements, one on each rear wheel, the vehicle boasts a ratchet mechanism between them. This allows you to pull back the car and control its launch using a lever to release the ratchet, delivering a thrilling and authentic racing experience.
LEGO 42138 Investment Potential
LEGO Ford Mustang Shelby will have had a shelf life of just under 3 years when it retires at the end of this year. LEGO 42138 comes with just over 500 pieces and a 9c price per brick cost.
Whilst there has been good demand for the set, there has been some very deep discounting (as much as 50% off RRP) and this would deter us from recommending this an investment, especially at the RRP, that said, if the 50% discounts are available again then we would see enough potential upside post-retirement to buy at that level.
42153 LEGO NASCAR Next Gen Chevrolet Camaro ZL1
vrolet Camaro ZL1
With 672 pieces, this LEGO Technic NASCAR Next Gen Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 (42153) set offers intricate details and realistic features, including functioning steering, an opening hood, and a V8 engine complete with moving pistons. Emblazoned with the iconic number 75, commemorating NASCAR's 75th anniversary, this set celebrates the heart-pounding excitement of motor racing. While sticker-heavy for aesthetic appeal, the meticulously printed decals on silver foil backing add a touch of authenticity to this dynamic LEGO Technic creation, making it a must-have for NASCAR enthusiasts and LEGO fans alike.
LEGO 42153 Investment Potential
LEGO NASCAR Next Gen Chevrolet Camaro Z1 is due to retire at the end of the year having had a shelf life just under 2 years. LEGO 42153 comes with just under 700 pieces and a 7c price per brick.
LEGO 42153 has seen high demand for what is a great looking set but has also seen 20-30% discounts regularly and this discount does deter us from seeing too much upside as a potential investment. If we were looking to buy, we would be aiming to buy at a maximum of $35 (30% below RRP).
LEGO Technic Bugatti Bolide Agile Blue, comprising of 905 pieces, captures the essence of the legendary supercar, boasting true-to-life details such as a working W16 engine, functional steering, and scissor doors. However, it's the car's striking appearance that truly steals the spotlight, featuring a captivating blue colour scheme complemented by authentic sticker details. Whether you're a fan of Bugatti's iconic designs or simply appreciate finely crafted LEGO replicas, the Bugatti Bolide Agile Blue is sure to delight enthusiasts of all ages with its blend of engineering precision and aesthetic appeal.
LEGO 42162 Investment Potential
LEGO Bugatti Bolide Agile Blue is due to retire at the end of the year having been released in June 2023, so just an 18 month shelf life for LEGO 42162, which is the more recent “brother” to LEGO 42151 LEGO Bugatti Bolide (the yellow original version). LEGO 42162 comes with just over 900 pieces and a very low price per brick of just 5c.
A short shelf life, limited supply of a limited edition style model, we think there is potential for LEGO 42096 to outperform the theme in decent fashion.
LEGO Technic Theme Analysis
LEGO Technic was launched at the start of 1978 and in over 45 years since there have been 500 sets released, the vast majority of which are now retired LEGO. The average set within the LEGO Technic theme has an RRP of just under $60, and the current average value is just under $200.
Across all the retired sets the LEGO Technic theme has delivered annualised growth of 6%, a solid performance over such a large sample both in terms of number of sets and longevity across 45 years. There are obviously some sets that have far outperformed that, and we’ve taken a look at a sample of them below;
LEGO Dirt Bike (8291) retired in 2009 with an RRP of $25 and is now valued at 8 times that much at $208 (16% annualised growth), LEGO Combine Harvester (8274) has been retired just over 15 years going from an RRP of $70 to todays value of $420 – 500% profit (12% annualised growth). More recently LEGO Fire Plane (42040) has seen 170% growth from its $50 RRP in 2016 (15% annualised growth) and LEGO Ocean Explorer (42064) has doubled its $!20 RRP since retiring in 2018 (14% annualised growth).
LEGO Technic Licensed Sub Theme Analysis
The Licensed sub-theme is a more recent addition to the LEGO Technic theme with the first set released in 2011 and the first LEGO Technic licensed car in 2016.
2 of the earlier LEGO Technic Licensed models that did very well were LEGO Porsche 911 GT3 RS which retired in 2018 with an RRP of $300 and is now valued close to $800 representing average annual LEGO investment returns of 20%. LEGO BMW R 1200 GS had similar performance at a lower price point, also showing 160% total growth and 20% annualised growth.
More recently sets have struggled to have the same success post-retirement. Both LEGO 42093 and LEGO 42110 have seen annualised growth of just 4% since retiring in 2021 and 2022 respectively.
Conclusion
We think that 2 of the 4 LEGO Technic cars would make for solid investments.
We project 11% annualised growth in the future for LEGO Porsche 911 RSR equating to 57% increase in value in 5 years time compared to RRP, its possible there will be some small discounts available ahead of retirement.
We also like the limited-edition appeal of LEGO Bugatti Bolide Agile Blue, combined with limited supply and a very low price brick and expect future growth at 12% per annum, another to keep an eye out for small discounts.
At RRP LEGO Ford Mustang Shelby isn’t for us at Investabrick, previous deep discounting would deter us unless the discounts are available again. Likewise, LEGO NASCAR Next Gen Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 has seen greater discounting than ideal and is another set we would want to buy at these discounts if it was a set we were to consider.
Keep an eye on prices of the LEGO Technic sets at both LEGO and Amazon, set yourself a target purchase price and add them to your collections when you can at those prices.
