Released as a companion set alongside the LEGO Technic 42171 Mercedes-AMG F1W14E Performance set in March 2024, the LEGO Technic 42165 Mercedes-AMG F1W14E Pull-Back is LEGO’s latest offering for kid fans of fast cars.
Whereas the 42171 is a 1:8 scale collector’s item targeted at experienced builders and adult, 42165 is decidedly for kids and for play!
LEGO Technic 42165 Mercedes-AMG F1W14E Pull-Back: For Fans of F1 and Technic
At 240 pieces, the set is itty-bitty compared to its big brother. But it is still a Technic build, which requires familiarity with Technic pieces and building techniques, even if it is age rated 7+.
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My 7-year-old had limited experience with Technic prior to this build and he struggled a little initially, especially with fitting the connector pins. After some demonstration on how to manage them, he subsequently completed the build largely unassisted.
The initial part of the chassis build around the pull-back motor was the toughest for him and he reported that some of the 101-steps in the printed manual were tricky to follow.
In retrospect, the 3D function in the LEGO Builder App – which is available for this set – might have been helpful to enable him to better visualize what he was meant to do.
Beyond that, the rest of the build did not prove overly challenging.
All in, total build time was about two hours, though not in a single sitting – parents of 7-year-old males will be familiar with their attention spans!
The Little (Race) Car that Could
Overall, my builder was very pleased with the final product, which is a solid good-looking little race car.
Even on such a scaled-down model, LEGO has managed to cleverly incorporate many of the design features that make the real-world Mercedes F1 AMG car instantly recognizable. An extensive sticker sheet adds detail to the livery, giving it a truly authentic look and feel.
But the set’s unique selling point (USP) – which was also the undisputed highlight for my builder – was the pull-back mechanism.
The 42165 is the only set in LEGO’s 2024 race car line-up with this play feature. My young builder could not wait to test it out. To the car’s credit, it proved fairly sturdy and remained intact despite multiple run-ins with furniture during play.
Build and Bond with your Mini-Me
Officially retailing at just over $40, the LEGO 42165 is priced comparably to similar-sized LEGO models on the market. It would make a great gift for a young F1 fan or even a young builder looking to get into Technic.
And if Dad is already sold on the 42171, having Junior build the 42165 alongside could be great a father-child bonding idea!
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