NOTE: This article was updated after publication as the initial price listed for the Chevrolet Camaro Z28 in the official press release was incorrect.
One of the most iconic muscle cars is here – the Chevrolet Camaro Z28 (10304)! The classic design of the 1969 Camaro Z28 has finally been recreated as an official LEGO® set. In general, the large-scale vehicle sets are my favourite. They have lots of details and functional elements, and they connect me back to my early love of Hot Wheels. The Camaro Z28 follows other classics like the Porsche 911 (10295) and the Ford Mustang (10265). Let’s take a look at the specs!
SET SPECIFICS
- SET NAME: Chevrolet Camaro Z28
- SET #: 10304
- THEME: 18+
- COST: $209.99 CAD
- BRICK COUNT: 1,458
- MINIFIGURES: None
- RELEASE DATE: August 1, 2022
- COST/BRICK: $0.14 CAD
- DIMENSIONS: 14cm (l) x 14cm (w) x 10cm (h)
- OF NOTE: Customizable
The Chevrolet Camaro Z28 will retail for $209.99 CAD. With 1,458 pieces, this is relatively expensive when compared to other sets in the 18+ range. However, it is fairly average when compared to LEGO® sets overall. Regardless, I find the large-scale vehicle sets to be extremely good value. Specifically, they typically offer a top-notch build experience with interesting techniques and parts usage, and the final model always looks great on display.
Customization
Similar to the Porsche 911, the Camaro Z28 can be built as a hard top or a convertible. It also comes with enough elements to customize the racing stripes in three different colours – dark red, white, or light grey. Additionally, you can build classic or hideaway headlights. With all these options, you can build your Camaro Z28 the way you want.
Details
The large scale of adult-oriented vehicle models provides a lot of space for details. And the Chevrolet Camaro Z28 has loads of details. Like most of the recent large-scale vehicles, the Camaro Z28 has a functional steering wheel and doors that open and close. It also has two different license plate options. Interestingly, the model has a cowl hood, yet it was quite a rare option in the original 1969 production run vehicles. However, the cowl hood has become a common site among restored Camaros. Perhaps that is where LEGO® got their inspiration. Look under the hood and you will find a highly detailed V-8 engine. There are some great subtle details as well, like the dice hanging from the rear-view mirror. One of my favourite NPUs (nice parts usage) is the white popsicle elements as the side-view mirrors.
Why not Hugger Orange?
Perhaps the strangest aspect of this model is the choice of black as the exterior colour. While black is a nice classic look, it was the least common exterior colour of all options offered on the original 1969 Chevrolet Camaro Z28. I would have preferred something that makes more of a statement like Hugger Orange. Plus, it would have been a nice throwback to “The Hugger” promotion used by GM back in the day. Alternatively, if a large orange car was too adventurous for LEGO®, they could have at least thrown in orange as one of options for the racing stripes. However, the orange would have clashed with the two-toned red interior. While the two-toned interior looks quite sharp, it isn’t one of the interior colour combinations offered in the 1969 production run. That said, it wouldn’t be too hard to change if you wanted to make it more authentic.
Press Release
Built for Speed – the new LEGO Camaro Z28 set
12th July 2022: Today, the LEGO Group announces its latest vintage car set, the iconic LEGO® Chevrolet Camaro Z28. The new set is a detailed recreation of one of the slickest muscle cars of all time, beloved by automotive enthusiasts from when it launched in the late 60s through to today.
The new LEGO set brilliantly detailed with functional elements including a working steering wheel, an intensely detailed engine and opening and closing doors. Allowing builders to customise the car to their desired design, the vehicle comes in gloss black with the iconic racing stripes available in red, white or grey. You can also choose to build it as a hard top or a convertible, plus choose classic or hideaway headlights to complete the look.
Chevrolet Camaro Product Marketing Manager Harlan Charles said, “The 1969 Camaro Z28 has been turning heads on and off the roads for decades, which is why we are so proud to see it come to life in a brand-new way via LEGO bricks. Anyone who loves the iconic design of the 1969 Camaro Z28 now has the thrill of building this set and displaying it in their home.”
LEGO Designer Sven Franic said, “With its classic lines and sleek design, the 1969 Camaro Z28 is unrivalled in its elegance – which is why it was such a wonderful inspiration for this LEGO design. By building this set, you can envision yourself at the wheel, and all but feel the rumble of the engine taking you down an open road.”
Vintage car lovers and LEGO fans alike can now recreate this ultra-stylish model in brick form, creating a fantastic 1458 piece to display. The LEGO® Chevrolet Camaro Z28 is available to buy from 1st August 2022 via LEGO Stores and www.LEGO.com/camaro, at the recommended retail price at: $149.99 /€169.99.
Overall, I am happy I get to add another large-scale vehicle to my collection. Although I would have preferred a different colour for this model, I do appreciate that you can customize the racing stripes. That said, I imagine I will see if I can build this model in one of the more exciting original colours such as Hugger Orange and possibly without the cowl hood. What do you think of the Chevrolet Camaro Z28? Is it too far from the original? Or do you like the potential references to restored versions of the iconic vehicle? Let us know below or on social media.
Play well folks,
-Krista (she/her)
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