Driveable Volvo from LEGO bricks will stop by at the Baltic Motor Show Riga “Auto 2025”

Ķīpsala is getting ready to welcome the international automotive industry trade fair “Auto 2025” on 25-27 April and a never-before-seen and unusual guest that will surprise the visitors. Life-size Volvo V70 made from Lego bricks will travel straight from Sweden where it was made. And it can actually drive.

Childhood dream
What would you do with 400 thousand Lego bricks? That is exactly the dilemma faced by David Gustafsson, the winner of Swedish Lego Masters competition and mega fan of Lego, five years ago. His prize – 1.2 tonnes of Lego bricks – made David, who was 20 at the time, embark on a journey to fulfil his childhood dream of making a life-sized car. He decided to replicate the Volvo V70, a car he actually owned at the time.
Initially, he envisaged to complete the project in one year. However, as time went by, he realised that the task is much more complicated and will take more time. Building Lego structures was not David’s main job, yet he was still capable of finding 100 hours each week to complete the project. And completing project took whole four years eventually.

Driveable car
Car made of Lego bricks will not only impress you with its size but also the fact that it works – it can actually drive. To make it sturdier, Lego car has frame made of tubes and floor made of steel sheets. The car even has real discs and tyres, and also the steering wheel for turning. It has 2 HP electric engine drive. It will not, of course, be able to face off Tesla on a drag racetrack, but it is definitely a convenient means of transport – both if you drive it while inside or drive it using a remote control. That is the signature feature that sets this project apart from similar life-size cars that are made from Lego bricks.
Interior replicates all the finest details of the real car and it is also fully functional, with doors that open and lights that come on. All in all, it is almost like the real car. It has electric car door mirrors, AC dials that turn and also turn signal switch that moves. David agrees that seats made of plastic Lego bricks are really stiff if you sit on them and that is why seats have been moulded after the shape of his back to make it more comfortable for him.

International fame
The real third-generation Volvo V70 estate car weighs the whole 1.8 tonnes, whereas its Lego counterpart that has the same size does not fall far behind with the total weight of 1.6 tonnes. After completion in 2024, project has already been presented at numerous shows, including eCar Expo, a trade show for EVs and EV solutions, which takes place in Gothenburg. It won the hearts of many visitors and also wide recognition from the Lego fan community. Moreover, this is not David Gustafsson’s last project of this kind. He already has his sights firmly set on the next, more ambitious and complex project. He wants to build a life-size replica of the Swedish supercar Koenigsegg from Lego bricks.

Anyone can do the same, David says
This project is not just a childhood dream of David. It is also a PR instrument that his company BrickScale employs to promote its core business – building of Lego brick constructions for both corporate and private clients. Moreover, his company’s webpage also has instructions for building your own Lego brick motorbike, bus or, for example, a tractor.

Fun events for the whole family
Visitors that will come to the Baltic Motor Show Riga “Auto 2025” on the first day of the trade fair, 25 April, will have an opportunity to witness really impressive Baltic reveals. Car dealers have promised the unveiling of Renault 5, Dacia Bigster, Opel Mokka, Opel Frontera, Forthing V9, Forthing S7, Citro?n C3 Aircross, Nissan ARIYA NISMO, Škoda Enyaq, Škoda Elroq and Škoda Kodiaq RS, as well as many other new models that will be premiered at the Ķīpsala International Expo Centre. For the whole three days, Baltic Motor Show Riga “Auto 2025” will offer its younger visitors an opportunity to see and take photos next to the unique Lego brick car, and also a chance to drive one of the Active Park children’s go karts, try one of the “Rīgas moto halle” motorbike simulators and VR Gaming car simulators, or take part in a VR tournament. Full programme of events available here: www.bt1.lv/auto/program.php

Largest motor show in the Baltics
The biggest Baltic automotive industry event, Baltic Motor Show Riga “Auto 2025”, will take place on 25–27 April, and it will be the 30th time that petrolheads and industry professionals gather at the Ķīpsala International Expo Centre. As per usual, trade show will have three sections: New Cars, Auto Mechanica and Auto Exotica. More at: www.balticmotorshow.com

BT1 International Expo Company has been organising automotive trade shows annually since 1995.

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Opening hours:
25–26 April: 10:00–19:00
27 April: 10:00–17:00

Entrance fees:
Adults: €9
Students, pupils, seniors, disabled: €6
Children under 7: free
Family ticket (2 adults +1 child under 18): €19 + 2 EUR for each additional child
Ticket pre-sales for special prices until 21 April: www.bt1.lv/auto/buytickets.php

Parking options:
Ķīpsala International Expo Centre parking: €5 (up to 4h) + €2 for each additional hour
During the trade show, Olimpia Shopping Centre will also provide free parking