All About LEGO Icons Ford Model T Runabout (11376)

The new LEGO Icons Ford Model T (11376) launched in March, and it caught our attention - so much so that our Ford Model T Display Case for LEGO 11376 has not one, but two printed vinyl backgrounds to choose from.

Select 'Vinyl Background & Floor', and you can use the 'Colour of Base' option to choose your pre-applied vinyl background and floor effect:

• Black: Model T Runabout blueprint with wood-print base
• White: Vintage street scene with cobblestone-print base

If you don't want a backdrop at all, just select 'None', and you can choose between a black or white base as normal.

But what got us so interested in this 1,060-piece build? Let's take a closer look at the full details of LEGO Icons 11376 Ford Model T, and why we think it deserves its place in your bedroom LEGO display.

LEGO Icons Ford Model T (11376)

Price: $129.99

Release Date: Available Now

Ages: 18+

Pieces: 1,060

LEGO Insider Points: 845

Size: 20 x 29 x 13 cm (H x L x W)

First of all, let's be clear: the LEGO Model T Ford is a display piece, not a toy car. There's plenty to explore on it, including some completely new approaches to LEGO car-building, but overall it's aimed at adults.

Younger motoring enthusiasts might also find it interesting, and the assembly instructions are nothing too tricky, so the educational opportunities with this set are pretty strong.

Here's some of what you'll find in this vintage-styled build...

Authentic Runabout Chassis Style

The LEGO Icons Model T Ford Runabout is (for the 1910s...) a sporty design, with a single bench seat for the driver and passenger.

Some reviews have incorrectly labelled it as a Ford Model T Touring Chassis, but there's no back seat - so it's definitely a Runabout, and is mostly based on the 1913 model.

Interactive Ford Model T Functions

LEGO Icons 11376 has an impressive number of interactive features, including:

• Fold-back fabric roof
• Fold-down split windshield
• Opening passenger door
• Opening rear trunk
• Functional steering
• Lift seat to see gas tank
• Lift hood to see engine
• Turn crank to spin fan

All of that, plus the Model T Ford's genuinely iconic aesthetic, makes this an extremely desirable set.

Iconic Aesthetics

In terms of appearance, this set is gorgeous. Black bodywork with golden accents, a fold-back fabric roof, tall spoked wheel rims and white rubber tyres create an authentic vintage aesthetic.

The look and feel of it is just fantastic - which is one of the main reasons why we created not one, but two custom backdrops and printed floor options for our LEGO 11376 Ford Model T Display Case.

Secrets of the LEGO Ford Model T

The LEGO Ford Model T is full of accurate details, as senior model designer Ann Healy revealed on LEGO.com:

"We added unique details, like the throttle that is built into the steering wheel, and you can see how the three pedals operate on the bottom.

"We also have the emergency brake or the handbrake on the side as well, and just like on the original Model T, we have the gas tank underneath."

It's unusual for LEGO to feature a fuel tank on a vehicle build - but for historical accuracy, if you lift the driver's seat, you'll find it in there.

A New Style of Steering

The steering in this set is also a first, as Ann explained: "We have a very specific way of how we build steering for typical LEGO sets, but that is nothing like the original Model T."

Because of that, the set's designers had to figure out a whole new way to translate the Model T's steering method into a brick-built form.

"We ended up with a new type of steering that we have never done before, and which is very authentic to how the actual car steering would have worked," Ann added.

A Zero-Carbon Footprint?

Tailpipe emissions were not yet a worry, but one part of the Ford Model T was zero-carbon: its rubber tyres. Because of that, they were actually white, as shown on this set.

"The car is so black in general, it's also nice to have a little bit of contrast for design," said Ann on LEGO.com. "We also worked with element designers to get new rims in here as well, as we wanted them to have the spindly look of old tyres."

It really shows, giving LEGO Icons Model T Ford (11376) even more authenticity. Those white tyres add a stunning visual pop, along with the golden elements, for a surprisingly vibrant LEGO bookshelf display piece.

An 'Illegal' Building Technique?

One more unusual reason why this set could become a collector's item: the official LEGO building instructions contain an 'illegal' building technique.

In step 167, one headlight element is placed directly up against another. But this puts pressure on the brick's side studs.

While it's all held in place by other pieces, there's definitely a little extra stress in the finished build, and this assembly step usually would not be allowed.

Of course, for die-hard LEGO enthusiasts, the prospect of an officially sanctioned illegal build just adds to the appeal - sometimes it feels good to be bad!

Any Other Trivia?

A few final facts to put in your Ford Model T trivia bank:

• LEGO 11376 pays tribute to the Ford Model T's famous black livery - but in the early years, it was available in red, green, blue and grey! It wasn't until 1914 that Henry Ford introduced his infamous "any colour so long as it is black" policy.
• The driver's door on the LEGO Model T doesn't open. That's not a mistake or LEGO cutting corners. The real-life 1913 Model T only had one door, on the passenger side of the car!
• Part of the Model T's success was down to Henry Ford's pioneering use of a moving assembly line. This cut the cost of the car from $850 in 1908 down to a low of just $250. Could you assemble the LEGO Ford Model T on a moving conveyor belt??

We love that LEGO worked closely with Ford's historians on this set, referring to diagrams and archive photos to get it right.

How to Display It

Did we mention our custom display case for LEGO 11376 Ford Model T Runabout? A set so elegant deserves to be showcased in style - so we gave it our very best effort, with four variations in total:

• No background, black base
• No background, white base
• Vinyl background: 'Blueprint' with wood-effect base
• Vinyl background: 'Street scene' with cobble-effect base

All of these are expertly designed to perfectly fit the dimensions of the finished LEGO Ford Model T Runabout, protecting it from dust and damage, while allowing excellent visibility of all the lovingly crafted brick-built details.

Which of our LEGO Ford Model T display cases will you choose? We'd love to see it on show in your room!