Building block sets have been a beloved hobby for both children and adults for years. While Lego is the most well-known brand, more and more people are turning to alternative sets that offer intriguing quality and competitive pricing. One such set is the Peugeot 9×8 24H Le Mans, a hybrid hypercar in a 1:10 scale. Purchased for under 35 euros on Aliexpress, this model boasts over 1,700 elements and provides a fascinating building experience. Below, I share my impressions of assembling this impressive model.
Packaging and Build Quality
The set arrived in minimal packaging, without a traditional box, but with a well-organized interior. Each element was sorted into individual, numbered bags, making the building process significantly easier. The included instruction manual was large and clear, nearly identical to those found in official Lego sets. Unfortunately, the quality of the stickers fell short of expectations. They were poorly secured, with two sticking to the bags and one of the twelve—crucial for the rear lights—missing entirely.
The Peugeot 9×8 model impresses with its advanced design and detail. The front and rear suspension construction is highly precise, making this aspect of the build especially enjoyable. The hybrid drivetrain with a V6 engine adds realism to the model and makes the building process even more engaging. The front headlights, made from fluorescent elements, leave a lasting impression by softly glowing after exposure to UV or regular light. For those interested, optional LED lighting can be purchased separately, although I decided not to include it this time.
Building Process and App Compatibility
The entire building process was incredibly satisfying. The quality of the bricks is excellent, though a few pieces required more force to assemble or slight sanding for a proper fit. Out of over 1,700 pieces, only about ten presented such issues. It’s also worth noting the set’s compatibility with the official Lego app, which allows you to view each step of the build in 3D from any angle. This feature made checking assembly accuracy significantly easier.
The finished model is truly impressive. Measuring a substantial 50 cm in length, the Peugeot 9×8 is perfect for display on a shelf or desk. All moving parts, including the suspension and drivetrain, work flawlessly. Comparing the wheel size of this model to other cars, such as the Mustang from the Speed series or the larger Camaro Technic, it’s clear that this is a true beast. The lengthy build process offers immense satisfaction.
Instruction Manual and Technical Details
The instruction manual, while very helpful, required some adjustment. The format was slightly larger than in official Lego sets, with more steps compressed into fewer pages. Some assembly sequences flowed from top to bottom, while others moved from left to right, requiring extra attention. The stickers were printed on a single sheet instead of two, making them more prone to damage during transport. The lack of markings on certain bricks, such as left and right spoilers, meant these pieces had to be matched manually, though this wasn’t a major issue.
The biggest advantage of this set is its price. At roughly 15% of the cost of an equivalent Lego set, the Peugeot 9×8 offers incredible value. Despite minor flaws such as poorly secured stickers and tightly fitting pieces, the price-to-quality ratio is unbeatable.
Summary and Recommendation
Assembling the Peugeot 9×8 24H Le Mans was an absolute joy. The model features advanced functions and details that set it apart from standard building block sets. For those interested, I have prepared a special video showcasing the most interesting moments of building this set. You can find the link in the description.
