Lego's Vintage Taxi: A Missed Opportunity?

The world of LEGO, much like the bustling streets of London, is no stranger to iconic vehicles. From sleek sports cars to sturdy construction trucks, the brick-built automotive landscape is vast and varied. Recently, LEGO released a special promotional item, the 40532 Vintage Taxi, as a gift with purchase. While the model itself has been lauded for its aesthetic appeal, a pertinent question arises: should LEGO have included specific taxi stickers to truly solidify its identity? This review delves into the nuances of the 40532 Vintage Taxi, exploring its design, its inclusions, and what might have been.

A Glimpse of 1930s Elegance

The 40532 Vintage Taxi, a set boasting 163 pieces, is undeniably a striking model. Its design evokes a sense of 1930s automotive luxury, with prominent curved wheel arches front and rear that lend it an air of sophistication. As the provided review notes, it bears a resemblance to classic vehicles like the Rolls Royce Phantom or the Citroen Traction Avant. This is a testament to clever brick utilisation, particularly the new inverted curved arch piece (70681 BRICK 1X3, OUTSIDE HALF ARCH, W/ CUTOUT) which masterfully bridges the gap between the front fenders and the footplate. The use of the 79389 PLATE 1X1, W/ 1.5 PLATE 1X2, DOWNWARDS allows for the vertical attachment of 1x2 curved slopes, creating a pleasingly rounded silhouette at both the front and back.

Interior Space and Access

In line with contemporary minifigure-scale car designs, the 40532 Vintage Taxi foregoes traditional opening doors. Access to the interior is achieved by simply lifting off the roof, a common and practical solution in the LEGO system. Inside, there's comfortable seating for two minifigures, which is the bare minimum one would expect from a vehicle intended to serve as a taxi. Furthermore, there's just enough space at the rear to accommodate a modest amount of luggage, a thoughtful touch that enhances the playability and narrative possibilities of the set.

The Minifigure Enigma

The inclusion of a single minifigure adds a layer of intrigue. This character, described as a "shady-looking character," sports an unshaven appearance and a beret, immediately drawing parallels to the newsstand operator from the 10278 Police Station set. The presence of baked goods in his case further fuels this connection, hinting at a shared universe or perhaps a recurring character. However, this singular minifigure raises more questions than answers. Is he the driver or the passenger? If he's the driver, is this a side hustle, and why is he carrying luggage? If he's a passenger, where is the driver? This ambiguity, while potentially sparking imaginative play, also highlights a potential area for improvement.

Complementing the Modular Cityscape

The 40532 Vintage Taxi is clearly designed to integrate seamlessly with LEGO's popular modular building series. Its classic styling makes it a perfect companion for recent additions like the 10297 Boutique Hotel. Parking this vintage cab outside the hotel adds a touch of realism and charm to any LEGO city display. For those who have invested in the latest modular building, receiving this taxi as a complimentary gift is a welcome bonus, enhancing the overall appeal of their collection.

The Question of Stickers

This brings us back to the central question: should LEGO have included taxi stickers? While the model's shape and proportions strongly suggest a taxi, the absence of explicit branding leaves its identity somewhat open to interpretation. Traditional taxis often feature distinctive markings, such as "TAXI" signs on the roof or doors, and specific colour schemes. While the provided model is undeniably attractive, the inclusion of a few well-placed stickers could have elevated it from a "vintage luxury car" to a definitive "vintage taxi."

Arguments for Inclusion:

• Enhanced Identity: Stickers would leave no doubt about the vehicle's purpose, making it immediately recognisable as a taxi.
• Increased Playability: Specific taxi markings can inspire more targeted role-playing scenarios for children and adult fans alike.
• Authenticity: Many real-world vintage taxis featured prominent signage, and including these would add a layer of historical accuracy.
• Completeness: For a promotional set designed to represent a specific type of vehicle, the lack of definitive markings feels like a minor oversight.

Arguments Against Inclusion (or for the current approach):

• Versatility: Without specific markings, the model can be re-imagined as a classic car for various display purposes, not just a taxi.
• Aesthetic Purity: Some builders prefer sticker-free models, valuing the clean look of printed bricks or the purist approach of no markings.
• Cost Considerations: While minor, stickers do add a small cost to production, which might have been a factor in a promotional item.

Comparison: 40532 Vintage Taxi vs. Other LEGO Vehicles

To better understand the significance of stickers, let's consider other LEGO vehicles:

As the table illustrates, many LEGO vehicle sets rely on stickers to define their specific roles and add brand authenticity. The absence of such elements in the 40532 Vintage Taxi is noticeable when compared to other, often more detailed, vehicle models.

Marketing and Availability Concerns

Beyond the design itself, the marketing and availability of the 40532 Vintage Taxi have also drawn some criticism. Requiring a substantial spend of £200 / $200 / €200 to acquire this promotional item is a significant barrier for many fans. Furthermore, its release schedule, which began on January 28th and ends on February 13th, means it missed the initial launch of the 10297 Boutique Hotel at the start of the year. Early adopters of the modular building, for whom the taxi was clearly intended as a complementary piece, might feel "short-changed" by this staggered release.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is the 40532 Vintage Taxi?
A1: It is a promotional LEGO set, a gift with purchase available at LEGO.com during a limited period, featuring a vintage car designed to resemble a 1930s taxi.

Q2: How much do I need to spend to get the 40532 Vintage Taxi?
A2: You need to spend £200 / $200 / €200 on LEGO.com to receive it as a gift.

Q3: Does the set include stickers?
A3: No, the 40532 Vintage Taxi set does not come with any stickers. The identity as a taxi is implied by its design and the small pavement section acting as a taxi rank.

Q4: How many minifigures are included?
A4: Only one minifigure is included with the set.

Q5: Is the 40532 Vintage Taxi a good model?
A5: The model is generally praised for its sleek design and effective use of new brick elements, making it a visually appealing addition to a LEGO city, particularly alongside modular buildings.

Conclusion: A Stylish Ride, But Could It Be More?

The 40532 Vintage Taxi is a well-designed and aesthetically pleasing LEGO set. Its 1930s styling is captured effectively through clever brick building techniques, and its compatibility with modular buildings is a definite plus. The inclusion of a small taxi rank further enhances its thematic context. However, the absence of any taxi-specific stickers is a point of contention. While the model is undeniably attractive and can be interpreted as a taxi, dedicated markings would have solidified its identity and potentially increased its appeal for fans seeking a truly authentic representation. The high spend requirement and the staggered release also detract from an otherwise positive offering. Ultimately, the question of whether LEGO *should* have included taxi stickers is subjective, but the opportunity for greater thematic clarity and play value was certainly present.