Review: 76925 Aston Martin Vantage Safety Car & AMR23
Posted by CapnRex101,The superb 76919 2023 McLaren Formula 1 Car was launched earlier this year and 76925 Aston Martin Vantage Safety Car & AMR23 provides an excellent companion. Though I normally favour variety in Speed Champions sets, releasing two Formula 1 cars to race makes sense.
The safety car is welcome too, albeit inherently similar to LEGO's last attempt, produced in 2022. Even so, the previous model was appealing and this version is even better, using a few elements introduced more recently to improve the car's bodywork shaping.
Summary
76925 Aston Martin Vantage Safety Car & AMR23, 564 pieces.
£44.99 / $44.99 / €49.99 | 8.0p/8.0c/8.9c per piece.
Buy at LEGO.com »
Although these cars are designed very well, both are also somewhat repetitive
- Formula 1 car is stunningly detailed
- Expert use of newer elements
- Improvements to Aston Martin Vantage
- Complements the McLaren MCL60
- Debatable colour choice
- Relatively expense
The set was provided for review by LEGO. All opinions expressed are those of the author.
Minifigures
Drivers for both cars are included, as normal. The first is intended for the AMR23, dressed in green overalls to match her car and displaying the major sponsors. Though greatly simplified and lacking Aston Martin branding on the legs, sadly, the design is pretty realistic. Additionally, the helmet features the Aston Martin logo, which is quite unusual for Speed Champions.
There are no female Formula 1 drivers, so using a female head is unexpected. This choice is perfectly fine, but I wish the torso had been gender neutral. The safety car driver, meanwhile, does bear a notable resemblance to the vehicle's actual driver since 2000, Bernd Mayländer, thanks to his distinctive glasses.
The dark brown hair element also works well for Mayländer, while his simple overalls are fairly accurate too. The AMR23 driver also comes with a medium nougat hair component, as well as the requisite wrench.
Reference
Source - astonmartin.com
Source - Formula1.com
The Completed Model
The most contentious aspects of these cars is the colour. In reality, both are a darker shade of green with a metallic finish, but I think using LEGO's dark green would be much too dark. With that in mind, the lighter shade was probably a wise choice, especially in combination with black accents. I have also seen teal suggested, but that would be far too vivid, in my opinion.
Regardless of colour, the shape of the Aston Martin Vantage is instantly recognisable and this model borrows much from 76910 Aston Martin Valkyrie AMR Pro & Aston Martin Vantage GT3. The shape of the bonnet and doors are certainly familiar, although the bodywork further back is completely different, taking advantage of the 2x2 curved wedge slopes and 5x1 wedge slopes introduced since the older set was released.
Furthermore, the Vantage's distinctive radiator has been changed, using 1x2 inverted curved slopes instead of the tooth elements from the previous model. The design looks much neater and I love the subtle angle of the 2x2 curved slope between the inverted slopes, which makes the whole shape look more realistic.
The headlights and the windscreen are both printed, but most of the other decorations require stickers. Even so, the total of 17 stickers is reasonable for a Speed Champions car and minor details like the bonnet vents are welcome. There are also plenty of brick-built features though, including black 1x1 tooth plates forming grilles behind the front tyres.
Inside are two seats, a steering wheel and a stickered centre console. These colourful buttons match the real safety car, although many other controls are omitted for simplicity. However, my favourite detail is the time of 14:10 shown on the passenger side screen, which is a fun addition because races often begin at 14:00 local time and incidents requiring the safety car do tend to happen early on!
The trans-orange roof lights look superb and I am impressed with the rear windscreen as well, comprising trans-black elements. The transition between these parts and the wedge slopes on either side is truly seamless. Moreover, the proportions of the rear wing are accurate, as are the yellow highlights. Yellow stripes should adorn the side skirts as well, but they would need to be extremely thin.
Among the Aston Martin Vantage's distinguishing features are its rear lights, forming a single band across the back. Their shape is cleverly recreated using trans-red 1x1 slopes and other small pieces, just as it was in 2022. The result looks excellent, although the connection for the rear wing above is noticeably fragile.
I was delighted with 76919 2023 McLaren Formula 1 Car earlier this year and this rendition of the AMR23 is quite similar, unsurprisingly. The bodywork shaping is incredible, making full use of the many versatile elements designed for Speed Champions sets over the last several years. Also, this car's proportions and 19cm length feel realistic beside others across the range.
While the shade of green is not ideal, its combination with black matches the real car and this model does include yellow stripes along both sides, which are subtle, but remarkably effective. The low ground clearance is accurate and I love the model's aerodynamic profile, which is very visible from the sides.
Formula 1 cars from the same season are certain to look extremely alike at this scale, although there are differences between the pair. Beyond their different liveries, the bodywork behind the cockpit varies and the rear wings are uniquely constructed, reflecting real differences between these cars. Nevertheless, they definitely look like they belong on track together.
The dramatically swept back front wing was a defining feature of Formula 1 cars in the 2023 season and 2x2 curved wedge slopes recreate this shape perfectly. The end plates also look good, as do the 1x1 rounded tile and 1x6 slope in the middle. These elements are printed and the decoration on the sides is impressive in particular.
The plastic wheels are printed too, featuring the same Pirelli branding as the earlier McLaren. They look quite different though, thanks to unique decoration on the 2x2 dishes placed inside each wheel. These designs are faithful to the source material and I appreciate the fine texture around the tyres, giving an illusion of rubber.
Despite the numerous printed parts, 35 stickers are included. It goes without saying that fewer stickers would be nice, but on a sponsor-covered Formula 1 car, stickers are unavoidable. The designs do look good, at least, matching the green pieces and replicating many advertisements from the original car.
Spoons form mirrors on either side of the cockpit, while the halo protecting the driver is neatly constructed with a flexible hose and a black accessory holder. In addition, you can lift the halo and position the driver inside, although I wish their helmet was a brighter colour, as black tends to blend into the surrounding pieces.
The printed steering wheel inside returns from 76919 2023 McLaren Formula 1 Car, although 76909 Mercedes-AMG F1 W12 E Performance & Mercedes-AMG Project One introduced this idea of using a video game controller as the steering wheel. This element looks perfect and the digits on the wheel are reversible, so they can be read either way up.
1x4 curved wedge slopes are used to stunning effect on the side pods, alongside similar 1x2 elements. The rounded shape is fantastic and I like the continuous bands of yellow and black across a couple of stickers. I prefer the McLaren's orange colour on the whole, although I also find the stickered patterns on this model superior.
The clever combination of 2x5 wedge slopes attached using clips and a ski sandwiched in the middle originates with the McLaren and looks marvellous, once again. However, the bodywork on either side is unique, mirroring the slightly bulkier ducts seen on the Aston Martin from 2023, compared with the McLaren.
I am pleased with this attention to detail, as a simple colour swap would obviously have been easier. The rear wing is completely different as well, integrating a 1x4 curved brick rather than various smaller slopes. The result seems fairly accurate, but stickers tend to peel when applied to elements with such strong curvature.
If anything, the difference between the rear wings on these models actually exaggerates their variation in reality. Nonetheless, I appreciate the distinction between them, giving each car its own character, to some degree.
Overall
76925 Aston Martin Vantage Safety Car & AMR23 was always likely to appeal because I am a fan of Formula 1 and 76919 2023 McLaren Formula 1 Car is easily among my favourite Speed Champions sets. As expected, the AMR23 complements the McLaren and shares almost all the same qualities, with its questionable colour scheme being the only exception.
The accompanying Aston Martin Vantage is also well executed, improving on its precursor far more than I envisaged. Even so, the car is not particularly exciting to me, so soon after its last version. Also, the price of £44.99, $44.99 or €49.99 is a little higher than I would like, especially in relation to 76924 Mercedes-AMG G 63 & Mercedes-AMG SL 63, which costs the same, but contains nearly 250 more pieces.
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31 comments on this article
Great cars. I Like when the cars in Speed Champions release in rare or uniqe colors rather than just white and black!
It's so cool how the AMR23 has all the official sponsors on it!
Excellent looking cars. As always, I'm looking for Lego representations, not diecast scale models, and these hit the spot perfectly. Really looking forward to what's rumoured for next year!
I have both the McLaren set (x 2) and Aston Martin set, both were highly anticipated day 1 purchases. As a life long F1 fan, I consider them the best LEGO representation of an F1 car to date, by a significant margin.
Hopefully next years sets match or exceed these. Fingers crossed…
On a totally unrelated note, I see the 'humorous' glow in the dark 'Lego Building Nightmare' prints have been reduced from the outrageous 1750 Insider Points, to the tiny bit less outrageous 1200 Insider Points!
See, this is what I was saying in the last post. I'm fine that Speed Champions cars are 8-wide, because they're meant to be hyper-accurate, minifigure-scale recreations of the actual vehicles. City cars shouldn't have to worry about that much detail, but just getting across the basic idea of a police car or a pickup truck or what-have-you. 4-wide and 6-wide vehicles are perfectly okay with me.
@sjr60 said:
"Excellent looking cars. As always, I'm looking for Lego representations, not diecast scale models, and these hit the spot perfectly. Really looking forward to what's rumoured for next year!"I
Currently it's a bunch of formula one cars to go along with the rest of the formula one themed sets in 2025
@DaLegoNerd1 said:
" @sjr60 said:
"Excellent looking cars. As always, I'm looking for Lego representations, not diecast scale models, and these hit the spot perfectly. Really looking forward to what's rumoured for next year!"
Currently it's a bunch of formula one cars to go along with the rest of the formula one themed sets in 2025"
Yes. That's why I'm looking forward to it... Especially in Red Bull livery!
The biggest flaw of this set is the lack of a Lance Stroll minifig!
(And if that's too much to ask for, maybe Fernando Alonso then?)
@WizardOfOss said:
"The biggest flaw of this set is the lack of a Lance Stroll minifig!
(And if that's too much to ask for, maybe Fernando Alonso then?)"
Or, better still, no minifigures and a few quid cheaper!
@sjr60 said:
" @WizardOfOss said:
"The biggest flaw of this set is the lack of a Lance Stroll minifig!
(And if that's too much to ask for, maybe Fernando Alonso then?)"
Or, better still, no minifigures and a few quid cheaper!"
Don't give them ideas.......more likely would be no minifig and a few quid more expensive....
@sjr60 said:
" @DaLegoNerd1 said:
" @sjr60 said:
"Excellent looking cars. As always, I'm looking for Lego representations, not diecast scale models, and these hit the spot perfectly. Really looking forward to what's rumoured for next year!"
Currently it's a bunch of formula one cars to go along with the rest of the formula one themed sets in 2025"
Yes. That's why I'm looking forward to it... Especially in Red Bull livery!"
There is a CMF coming too. Apparently it's akin to the old Xalax theme from Racers circa 2001... though we will see if that's actuallly true.
I was tipped off on a visit to the Lego store in Amsterdam while over there for the GP in August that Red Bull and others would be included in the FIA/Lego Collaboration for 2025. How true that is I dunno, so far we have had Mercedes, McLaren and Aston Martin in the speed champions format would make sense to keep this format for the remaining 7 teams I guess..
Better late than never, Captain!
Speed Champions is my 4th favourite Lego theme, but I did not pick up this set. Didn't really interest me. I got 76924 instead.
@WizardOfOss said:
" @sjr60 said:
" @WizardOfOss said:
"The biggest flaw of this set is the lack of a Lance Stroll minifig!
(And if that's too much to ask for, maybe Fernando Alonso then?)"
Or, better still, no minifigures and a few quid cheaper!"
Don't give them ideas.......more likely would be no minifig and a few quid more expensive...."
OK. Keep the minifigs but add a few substantial sets along the lines of 75913 rather than just double packs.
@Murdoch17 said:
" @sjr60 said:
" @DaLegoNerd1 said:
" @sjr60 said:
"Excellent looking cars. As always, I'm looking for Lego representations, not diecast scale models, and these hit the spot perfectly. Really looking forward to what's rumoured for next year!"
Currently it's a bunch of formula one cars to go along with the rest of the formula one themed sets in 2025"
Yes. That's why I'm looking forward to it... Especially in Red Bull livery!"
There is a CMF coming too. Apparently it's akin to the old Xalax theme from Racers circa 2001... though we will see if that's actuallly true."
Yikes. An Ex-Lax racing team. That should move fast!
@sjr60 said:
" @Murdoch17 said:
" @sjr60 said:
" @DaLegoNerd1 said:
" @sjr60 said:
"Excellent looking cars. As always, I'm looking for Lego representations, not diecast scale models, and these hit the spot perfectly. Really looking forward to what's rumoured for next year!"
Currently it's a bunch of formula one cars to go along with the rest of the formula one themed sets in 2025"
Yes. That's why I'm looking forward to it... Especially in Red Bull livery!"
There is a CMF coming too. Apparently it's akin to the old Xalax theme from Racers circa 2001... though we will see if that's actuallly true."
Yikes. An Ex-Lax racing team. That should move fast!"
I got your joke, but I feel these are going to be more like shelf warmers if rumors are true.
@Murdoch17 said:
" @sjr60 said:
" @Murdoch17 said:
" @sjr60 said:
" @DaLegoNerd1 said:
" @sjr60 said:
"Excellent looking cars. As always, I'm looking for Lego representations, not diecast scale models, and these hit the spot perfectly. Really looking forward to what's rumoured for next year!"
Currently it's a bunch of formula one cars to go along with the rest of the formula one themed sets in 2025"
Yes. That's why I'm looking forward to it... Especially in Red Bull livery!"
There is a CMF coming too. Apparently it's akin to the old Xalax theme from Racers circa 2001... though we will see if that's actuallly true."
Yikes. An Ex-Lax racing team. That should move fast!"
I got your joke, but I feel these are going to be more like shelf warmers if rumors are true."
more like shelf dust collectors
@dmcmonagle said:
"I was tipped off on a visit to the Lego store in Amsterdam while over there for the GP in August that Red Bull and others would be included in the FIA/Lego Collaboration for 2025. How true that is I dunno, so far we have had Mercedes, McLaren and Aston Martin in the speed champions format would make sense to keep this format for the remaining 7 teams I guess.."
As far as I understand, Lego's partnership is with F1 itself. Any team involved in the series would therefor fall under that license. If you are signed up to F1, you are signed up for anything F1 wants to do to promote their series. The question then is only whether there will be any deeper or more specific collaborations with individual teams beyond that. And, of course, if Lego think they would profit from providing the sets. I expect there will be at least something from all top-4 or 5 teams, certainly top-3. Hopefully cars, but will they provide the entire grid? Would a KickSauber or Haas sell as well as a RedBull or Ferrari? Probably not. But if they basically do re-colors of the same model it should be very cheap to produce. As somewhat of a fan I could see the value in providing the entire grid, but if just one is missing, then that point is gone and they might as well skip 2/3'rds altogether. Time will tell.
British Racing Green is such a specific colour that I doubt Lego would license its use for just a single set. Forza doesn't even get it right.
I was looking at the inventory for 76919 to see if the printed 1x2 tile behind the driver's head (does someone with more knowledge of F1 than myself know what that tile is supposed to represent?) appears in any other sets besides that one and this one, and wow, that's a lot of missing images. Does Brickset not host those images internally? If Lego doesn't get working on getting images of parts back in their database, it's not just going to make looking through the parts database here annoying, it might well hurt their PaB revenue, as not everyone's going to feel like going somewhere else to see what the actual piece looks like, or just won't know how.
@sjr60 said:
" @Murdoch17 said:
" @sjr60 said:
" @DaLegoNerd1 said:
" @sjr60 said:
"Excellent looking cars. As always, I'm looking for Lego representations, not diecast scale models, and these hit the spot perfectly. Really looking forward to what's rumoured for next year!"
Currently it's a bunch of formula one cars to go along with the rest of the formula one themed sets in 2025"
Yes. That's why I'm looking forward to it... Especially in Red Bull livery!"
There is a CMF coming too. Apparently it's akin to the old Xalax theme from Racers circa 2001... though we will see if that's actuallly true."
Yikes. An Ex-Lax racing team. That should move fast!"
What a crappy joke.
@TheOtherMike said:
"I was looking at the inventory for 76919 to see if the printed 1x2 tile behind the driver's head (does someone with more knowledge of F1 than myself know what that tile is supposed to represent?) appears in any other sets besides that one and this one, and wow, that's a lot of missing images. Does Brickset not host those images internally? If Lego doesn't get working on getting images of parts back in their database, it's not just going to make looking through the parts database here annoying, it might well hurt their PaB revenue, as not everyone's going to feel like going somewhere else to see what the actual piece looks like, or just won't know how."
The parts images are missing from LEGO's server, but we will be bringing it up with them in this coming week.
As for what the 1x2 tile represents, it is a camera mount and it has only been in the two sets this year.
@DaLegoNerd1 said:
" @Murdoch17 said:
" @sjr60 said:
" @Murdoch17 said:
" @sjr60 said:
" @DaLegoNerd1 said:
" @sjr60 said:
"Excellent looking cars. As always, I'm looking for Lego representations, not diecast scale models, and these hit the spot perfectly. Really looking forward to what's rumoured for next year!"
Currently it's a bunch of formula one cars to go along with the rest of the formula one themed sets in 2025"
Yes. That's why I'm looking forward to it... Especially in Red Bull livery!"
There is a CMF coming too. Apparently it's akin to the old Xalax theme from Racers circa 2001... though we will see if that's actuallly true."
Yikes. An Ex-Lax racing team. That should move fast!"
I got your joke, but I feel these are going to be more like shelf warmers if rumors are true."
more like shelf dust collectors"
More like clearance bulk buys!
I appreciate that a lot of people like these, but they simply aren't Blacktron enough for me.
Will I get this set? Not likely. Will I source out some of those green window frames for the lattice window that have only appeared in the Armada flagship? Very likely.
Though the colour scheme is really sharp.....
I wish they'd retire the negative space/curves on "female" torsos. It's not like Lego minifigures are realistic anyway, and it just makes the parts less versatile.
@brickwich said:
"I wish they'd retire the negative space/curves on "female" torsos. It's not like Lego minifigures are realistic anyway, and it just makes the parts less versatile."
Why not remove makeup and lipstick from female heads also?
Mercedes F1 was good looking in dark color, so why not Aston Martin in dark green?!! More realistic
I think this torso is perfectly versatile in terms of gender. The only thing making it specifically "female" is the existing knowledge that "male" minifigs usually have perfectly trapezoidal torsos.
This has really been the year of F1 sets, hasn't it?
Not the year of cars, because that's every year and moreso each year.
They’re the wrong colour, simple as that. Also I don’t care if this is a controversial take, but there shouldn’t be a female driver of an F1 LEGO car until there’s a full time female driver in F1. As it is it’s unrealistic which is undesirable.