ONE of my most-awaited car models of the year carries a price tag of just £69, making it the cheapest 'must-have' car of 2016 - though it doesn't come with its own engine, the top speed is about 6mph and you have to build it yourself...
The car in question is a recreation of a Caterham 620R crafted from Lego bricks - 770 of them, to be precise - and the latest in a line of car models from the Danish toy manufacturer. It's a kit car of a kit car, if you like.
The pain of finally accepting that I'll never be able to own a real Ferrari F40 or Porsche 911 GT3 RS has been softened a little by the fact that I've been able to buy Lego's highly effective models, and the Caterham falls into the same category.
The model is part of the company's Ideas line, which means it was originally created by a Lego fan, in this case the wonderfully-named Carl Greatrix.
More than 10,000 other Lego fans voted for Carl's idea to be turned into an official set, with the model that goes on sale on October 1 the result.
The Lego Caterham is 10cm tall and 28cm long, and includes a replica 620R engine and gear stick.
Other features of the real thing to be reincarnated in Lego include a removable nose cone and engine cover, an opening boot and functioning axle stands which allow the wheels to be removed.
All concerned, with justification it would seem, are pleased with the way the Lego model has turned out.
David Ridley from Caterham said the company had "always prided itself on producing bespoke, hand-built cars for its customers".
"Our army of fans who build their own Caterham Sevens are equally discerning when it comes to the detail and craftsmanship which is central to Caterham, and we worked closely with the Lego team to ensure the Lego model replicated that," he said.
"The Lego 620R has various unique features - the intricately-designed engine was certainly a surprise when we lifted the bonnet for the first time.
"It's really satisfying to know that fans can recreate and build their own 620R with Lego bricks."
