LEGO Land Rover Classic Defender: Accurate Representation Given The Size [Review]

We said we never thought we’d review LEGO sets and we did, and then now we are doing it again because like the LEGO Star Wars Executor Super Star Destroyer (75356) we reviewed two months ago, the LEGO Land Rover Classic Defender (40650) is also a significant set because it is freaking Land Rover Series 1 which is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year.

LEGO Land Rover Classic Defender (40650) Set Review

The Package

It comes in the usual Creator box which, in addition to the images of the completed model and the Land Rover logo on the box, LEGO also took the opportunity to introduce the set’s bigger brother, the LEGO Icons Classic Land Rover Defender 90 (10317) released in March.

The Contents

This set has just 150 pieces, separated into three transparent bags (1 big and two smaller bags). It comes with a 56-page instruction booklet. Since this is a basic set, it does not come with a brick separator.

The Build Time

About 30 minutes or less.

The Overview

The Good

The build is very simplistic which is no surprise. Given its scale, LEGO has done an excellent job recreating the legendary off-roader. The proportion seems about right and it has enough details to model realistic. Details include roof racks, a detailed front fascia, color clear 1×1 round tiles for taillights, and adjustable side mirrors, made possible by Bar 1L elements.

The inclusion of a couple of printed tiles is a nice touch too. Though I wish LEGO could do the same for the iconic grille with the official Land Rover logo which is a sticker element. So, yeah, it has all but one decal. The printed tiles are 2×2 with a stud that has a yellow base color. Printed on each printed tile are details surrounding the headlight like the side lights, vent, et cetera against a black background with rounded corners.

The rounded corners create an illusion of a rounded front facade. However, it will remain the only illusion. Due to the size, round edges/corners cannot be replicated. Completing the headlight is the clear 1×1 round tile. Rolling is, as expected, smooth because, you know, LEGO Technic friction pins.

The Not-So-Good

Overall, it is a nice, accurate small-scale brick build of the Land Rover Defender Series 1. But it is not with its shortfalls. First, I have to rant about the rear assembly, specifically the cab over the truck bed. The rear cab is essentially made up of two side assemblies with each assembly having only one point of connection to the model through a 1x1x1 brick with studs on 1 side which served as the vehicle’s B pillar.

The rear has no stud connection. It is fine if the roof is on, but not so much if you remove the roof which is an advertised feature. To be fair, that one point is enough to hold the rear side window assembly in place but still, it is weird to not have it connected. If you push the rear of the rear side window assembly, it will move. It is definitely not a deal breaker but I just thought I mention it.

Another shortcoming, IMHO, is that it is a center drive. Yup. A Land Rover that has a center drive. LoL. I understand why though; it is done so a minifigure can be placed in the driver’s seat without obstruction. You can totally change it like I did after I completed the build. I placed the steering element to the right – as it should.

The trade-off, however. The minifigure’s right arm has to be raised to clear the corner of the windshield element. There’s no advantage in doing so except that it looks better and more accurate. Also, the newfound space on the left (or right if you relocate to the left) is of no use, btw. It cannot fit another minifigure if that’s what you are thinking.

This leads us to another shortcoming: an incredibly spartan interior. There is no seat for the driver. The included minifigure just sits on the floor of the vehicle. No gear stick either. I may add it in the future to make the interior more complete. The rear can fit a minifigure seated on the floor if anyone’s curious to know.

The Verdict

For:

Accurate look
Lots of details given the size
Printed front fascia elements

Against:

Only one point of connection for the rear window assembly
Spartan interior
It’s center drive

Overall, the LEGO Land Rover Classic Defender (40650) Set is a super fun build and it looks nice too. The spirit of the legendary Land Rover Defender Series 1 has been captured here despite it having just 150 pieces. I do recommend it to collectors and kids alike. If you are down, you may pick up the model from LEGO.com for US$14.99. The recommended age is 8 and up.