A Lego model of the Renault 5 Turbo 3E — built by Dave Collins — may soon be available in stores after passing a key milestone. The creation, submitted to Lego Ideas in April, has now earned 10,000 public votes, a threshold that could lead to production. Renault UK’s endorsement added weight to the proposal, though the final decision rests with Lego’s internal reviewers.
Lego Ideas allows fans to submit original designs for potential mass production. Collins’ model, which captures the 1980s rally car’s angular lines and turbocharged look, stood out among thousands of entries. The platform’s guidelines require a minimum of 10,000 votes for a project to move forward, a hurdle Collins cleared in late 2023. The Renault 5 Turbo 3E, a cult classic in motorsport circles, has long appealed to enthusiasts for its bold styling and racing heritage.
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The creation’s approval process highlights a growing trend: Lego’s willingness to let fan creativity shape its product lineup. In recent years, sets based on Star Wars, Harry Potter, and even the Nintendo Switch have emerged from the platform. However, automotive models remain rare. Collins’ design, which uses over 2,500 pieces, required meticulous attention to detail. The car’s rear-wheel-drive layout and distinctive air ducts are faithfully replicated in plastic.
The company’s involvement was unexpected but welcomed by Collins. The entity, which owns the Renault 5’s modern revival, saw the Lego model as a way to engage younger audiences. “It’s a unique way to connect with fans,” said a spokesperson, though the automaker declined to comment further. The vote tally, which surpassed expectations, suggests broad interest beyond the entity’s core demographic.
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Once Lego’s internal team reviews the design, the company will decide whether to proceed. If approved, production could take 12–18 months. The final set would likely retail for around $150, placing it in Lego’s mid-tier range. While no official timeline exists, similar projects have taken about a year to reach shelves. The model’s success could pave the way for more automotive-themed sets in the future.
Collins, a self-described “car guy” with no formal design training, spent over 300 hours building the model. He used reference photos and scale drawings to ensure accuracy. “It’s not just about the car,” he said. “It’s about making something that feels real.” His work has already drawn praise from Lego fans and automotive historians alike, though some critics question whether the set will appeal to younger builders.
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The Renault 5 Turbo 3E’s legacy is tied to its 1980s rally dominance, but its modern revival has struggled to gain traction. A Lego set could rekindle interest, though it’s unclear how much impact that would have. For Collins, the project was about proving that niche passions can translate into mainstream appeal. “If this makes even one kid excited about cars,” he said, “it’s worth it.”
The company’s decision will hinge on factors like market demand and production costs. The entity has not announced a price or release date, but similar sets often debut in spring or fall. If approved, the Renault 5 Turbo 3E would join a small but growing collection of automotive models, including the Ford Mustang and McLaren F1. For now, the fate of Collins’ creation rests with a group of engineers and designers in Denmark.