There's some synchronicity going on when a car described from its early days as "the brick" is replicated, in small scale, by a construction made of bricks. They might not be your normal clay bricks, but they are bricks nevertheless – and don't try to tell any LEGO enthusiast otherwise.
The car in question is the just-announced LEGO version of the original Mini Cooper that will be available online from August 1 this year as part of the Danish company's Creator Expert series.
The mini Mini, once built, measures 25 centimetres long, 14 centimetres wide and 11 centimetres high and comprises no less than 1007 parts guaranteed to focus the attention of any keen LEGO fan.
The British racing green body is complemented by white details including the rear view mirrors, bonnet stripes and roof, while the wheels, bumpers, door hinges, headlights and tail lights all strive to replicate the original.
And, of course, the doors, bonnet and boot lid of the Mini Cooper are hinged to reveal details such as the transverse engine, the boot – complete with spare wheel, packed picnic basket and chequered blanket – and the interior with movable steering wheel, gear lever, handbrake lever and seat backrests.
Emblems on the rear side body panels state the LEGO mini "is based on the Mini Cooper produced from August 1997 to July 1998 to mark the 40th anniversary of the classic Mini."
According to LEGO, the recommended age for the small-scale Mini Cooper is "16+" and "young and old alike can fulfil the dream of reconstructing their own original without tools or a driving licence."
The LEGO Mini Cooper is available via exclusive online sales at shop.LEGO.com from August 1.