Here it is - the largest car I've ever done, built to immortalise the finest thing on four wheels.
About this creation
This is a fully functioning Technic model of my favourite car. I've owned this 1970 Citroen DS 20 Special for eight years now and I will never part with it. It's main claim to fame is the high pressure engine-driven hydraulic system that powers the suspension, steering and brakes (semi-auto gearbox and clutch on some versions although mine's a manual) as well as that sublime, other-worldly style and superb comfort. In 1955, when it was introduced, it rocked the world.
My own example isn't perfect but it's just right for regular use and I still marvel at it's beauty and effectiveness..
And here it is again in Lego. So glad I've got plenty of blue (though I did have to change the colour of the Facel Vega..) It's exactly 1:8 scale - 28 studs wide at it's widest and 77 studs - nearly 2 feet - long.
All four doors, bonnet and bootlid all open. Here you can see some detail for the door cards, showing interior handle, window winder and bins on the front doors. The bootlid is sprung to stay open in the same way as the real thing.
Under the bonnet, we have independent suspension, front wheel drive, a four cylinder in-line engine behind the axle line and a linear gearbox in front. Above this is the steering-driven mechanism to turn the inner driving lights with the wheels.. 40 years before this feature became commonplace. They turn approximately twice as much as the wheels do, just as they do on the real one. The green bits are there to represent suspension spheres and fluid reservoir.
Underneath, you can see the gearbox at the front with selector mechanism running under the diff and crankshaft, leading to the column mounted change lever. Three speeds only though; it should be four.
At the rear (not visible here) it has simple rear suspension, independent by trailing arms which, like the front, is softish with a very long travel.
A nice shot of the swivelling lights in action..
Here is the dashboard of the real one - For Lego purposes I'm lucky mine's a late model as these have a much blockier dash design than earlier ones.
And here's the same thing in Lego. You can probably see the three dials in front of the driver (the left one is a bank of warning lights - the first car to group a comprehensive set of these together). I also did a custom single-spoke steering wheel, but it looked awkward so this is a standard one, and provided a slide out ashtray in the centre, an opening glovebox and moving heater controls on the centre console (this protrudes into the car by about 2 studs too much due to my old friends, those big square pistons..) The mirror is dash-mounted and moveable.
A closer view with ashtray and glovebox open. Another thing I did, though you can't see it here, is build folding and swivelling sunvisors in the roof.
This car is equipped with the squashiest, comfiest seats imaginable - unless they're made of Lego, but these do recline and slide; the seat runners are mounted on a slope, so they rise a bit as they come forward to help shorter drivers. One of many thoughtful design touches that permeate this whole car. Also, and again just like the real thing, with the front seat right forward and fully reclined, it meets the rear seat to form a bed. You may also notice the folding ashtray in the back of the front passenger's seat. There's also a folding armrest in the centre of the rear seat.
In this shot you can see the tapering form of the car - I wanted to reproduce that aerodynamic teardrop shape - the rear bumper is 6 studs narrower than the front. All the pillars incline inwards as well and the roof tapers towards the rear. And are those the coolest indicators ever fitted to a car ?
And not forgetting it's stablemate, our equally beloved 2cv. Oddly, this picture could be used to illustrate Citroen's entire car range in the late 1950s
I loved making this and I hope you've enjoyed it!
Comments
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December 11, 2012 |
Quoting Mitchell Smith
Just want to tell you, I saw one of these yesterday!
It's nice to see these beautifying our roads isn't it ? |
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Just want to tell you, I saw one of these yesterday! |
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I like it |
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November 5, 2012 |
This is so cool. I think you are so gifted in building with technics parts. I think this is the best car of yours. |
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October 4, 2012 |
Quoting Starscream Soundwave
Awesome! Each and every line is perfect to the real DS. And you own one?! And an MG B! Anything else? haha :)
Yep. I'm a lucky boy ;-) And a 2CV, and a... thanks SS! |
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October 4, 2012 |
Awesome! Each and every line is perfect to the real DS. And you own one?! And an MG B! Anything else? haha :) |
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August 24, 2012 |
I haven't the slightest idea why I haven't commented on this masterpiece, I've marveled at it at least 3 times already. 4th was just as good. =P It gives me loads of ideas for some things I should try out, although I lack the proper pistons. Phenomenal interior, so much detail. Even the details seem to reveal more details inside them. And the exterior shaping is superb, all those bizarre angles and curves replicated without huge gaps or odd bits. |
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May 14, 2012 |
Looks good. I'm gonna make this in small scale, just to make my friend (which owns a DS20) happy. Mine gonna be black then. Anyway this, 5/5 like it very much. Greetzz from Jan BTW, Jan is the DS-owner. He likes old Citroëns. |
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May 8, 2012 |
Wow,how havent i comment this??This is excellent!I love this.Well done as always!;) |
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May 8, 2012 |
Hi Nick, great to hear from you, thanks for your comment. I can’t believe I haven’t commented on this!!. It’s fantastic and so realistic. As with all your creations the more you look the more you see. Those lights are fantastic. Great use of 8880 parts too. I remember getting in one of these as a kid and being completely blown away by the rear suspension - Those were the days. And for some reason it has always reminded me of Thunderbirds 2 :D. FAB. Talk soon buddy |
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September 18, 2011 |
nick on my PC i cant see the photos
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September 7, 2011 |
The best car by far on this entire forum. I love big Citroens and I have unsucessfully as a kid tried to get their curves in Lego. I deemed it impossible until yours. It's an absolute beauty (although currently the photos here are no longer viewable) and the only I would question the interior and the steering wheel. But otherwise it's so I'm referring to your model as a guide for building my own. I can't believe you own a real one as well. I'm so jealous. Me and my girlfriend just have a clio. |
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September 1, 2011 |
Congratulations !
You just won 4th prize in my 4th car contest; the results are up in the conversation if you're curious who won the other places :)
- Dan |
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I like it |
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June 20, 2011 |
Amazing creation! Old-school foam-tyres at the back, love it. The bodywork angles are very realistic! 5/5 |
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June 15, 2011 |
Quoting Vincent Rozenberg
this is great but one thing bothers me, the rear wheels where they the only ones that fit or what?
Well, kind of. They're not quite right are they ? I will say that, as on the real thing, they are narrower than the fronts. |
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June 14, 2011 |
this is great but one thing bothers me, the rear wheels where they the only ones that fit or what? |
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June 11, 2011 |
Amazing MOC, you managed to capture the shape of the original very well and I like the fact that it is also functional. |
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I like it |
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June 2, 2011 |
DUDE, where do you find all this awsome stuff? YOU HAVE GOT TO BE MY ON MY FAVOURITES LIST. |
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April 27, 2011 |
Quoting Vincent Rozenberg
I WISH I COULD FAVOURITE YOU MORE THAN ONCE
Haha! That's very nice of you. Glad you like it! |
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I like it |
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April 27, 2011 |
I WISH I COULD FAVOURITE YOU MORE THAN ONCE |
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I made it |
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April 13, 2011 |
Quoting Lola TruckDriver
Add Ackerman steering to it and everyone line up throwing plastic flowers on your path to to the nearest Legoland park where a permanent shrine in your honour will be built using exclusively 4-studs pistons. :P
Thanks Lola. You've made my day again! |
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Add Ackerman steering to it and everyone line up throwing plastic flowers on your path to to the nearest Legoland park where a permanent shrine in your honour will be built using exclusively 4-studs pistons. :P |
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I like it |
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March 23, 2011 |
Hi,
it has been a while since I played with my Lego’s, but seeing a replica of my favourite car...
Very good, keep up the good work.
Best regards. |
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I like it |
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March 17, 2011 |
I am amazed by not only how you got all the mechanisms like the suspension and motor, but also how you got the interior and a great outside look. The diagonals in the windows must not have been easy to make. It must have been a challenge, and I appreciate that someone made this great car. |
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February 7, 2011 |
Quoting Sonny Doin
How long put you building it ?
About 6 weeks of spare time.. say around 80 hours (stuff like this is not easy!) |
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I like it |
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February 5, 2011 |
My father collects all the miniature DS! It has a constructed of it with a bottle of Coca-Cola. He saw your DS he said that it was great beautiful! Thus I being a fan of lego and he of DS, she would have been able to make a great present! How long put you building it ? |
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February 4, 2011 |
Quoting Sonny Doin
Hello !
I am French and I am thus sorry for the faults which I could make by expressing me.
It is a particularly magnificent model.
I wanted to know if it was possible to have a list of pieces and a note of assembly because I would like to make this DS in present for a passionate person (my dad).
Good bye
Hello. Thanks for your interest, I don't have a list of pieces, but I can tell you I used sets 8860 and 8880 to make the chassis (plus lots of other bits !) and a big pile of blue bricks and plates. I haven't made instructions for this - it would take me ages! PS Your dad has excellent taste! :-) |
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February 3, 2011 |
Hello !
I am French and I am thus sorry for the faults which I could make by expressing me.
It is a particularly magnificent model.
I wanted to know if it was possible to have a list of pieces and a note of assembly because I would like to make this DS in present for a passionate person (my dad).
Good bye |
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January 22, 2011 |
Quoting Lola TruckDriver
Add Ackerman steering to it and everyone line up throwing flowers on your path to to the nearest Legoland park where a permanent shrine in your honour will be built using exclusively 4-studs pistons. :P
:-) |
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January 20, 2011 |
Quoting simon stahel
This is certainly the best Lego DS i've ever seen. The shape and proportions are perfect! Unbelievable that under this smooth body there's so much functionality.
The only thing missing is that TLG would develop a hydraulic system so we can build a HP syspension ;-)
Yes, it would be good to watch this pump itself up :-) I did try with regular Lego pneumatics but they're just not man enough (this is a heavy beast!) |
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I like it |
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January 20, 2011 |
This is certainly the best Lego DS i've ever seen. The shape and proportions are perfect! Unbelievable that under this smooth body there's so much functionality.
The only thing missing is that TLG would develop a hydraulic system so we can build a HP syspension ;-) |
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Last Pie December 20, 2010 |
Un-Freakin' Believable!
The greatest car I've seen yet! |
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December 20, 2010 |
Wow! nice car! |
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November 20, 2010 |
Delightful! Clearly a labour of love (like keeping the 55-year old original going!)and packed with detail. I love that you've combined a nice job of sculpting the shape with all those working details in technic form. Great job. |
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November 7, 2010 |
Unbelievable! I´m also somenone who likes more to work with the old bricks, but theese things what you are building are so fine that I can´t describe it. The design is so real. Wow |
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October 30, 2010 |
Excellent! It's got a lot of studs, but at this scale, it doesn't really make a difference, 'cause it still looks awesome. The blue is just perfect for this car! You've managed to capture the shape perfectly - but the steering wheel and engine bay doesn't seem to fit in with the rest of your car (but it's still pretty good, nevertheless.) So, keep up the great work, I'll be looking forwards to other (very) large scale cars from you, and keep up the great work! <Komioh Ransack> |
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October 25, 2010 |
Classic! |
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October 21, 2010 |
This is a masterpiece !
AMAZING ! |
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October 21, 2010 |
This is gorgeous. Superb work, absolutely flawless. |
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October 10, 2010 |
Very nice job on this one! |
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September 27, 2010 |
A work of art. Maybe you could add some LEDs and battery box to have working headlights. |
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September 27, 2010 |
Well proportioned, lots of functions, zillions of little details... Nice! I think the interior could use a little "polish," but I still like this MOC. |
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When it said DS, I thought it would be a DS you play games on. |
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I like it |
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September 27, 2010 |
Amazing! Fantastic shape, the real DS lines and still in real Lego, lots of studs but nowhere annoying. The working parts are a nice bonus. |
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September 24, 2010 |
Wow, your 2CV was a delight, but this one is even better! Nice working features. Well, nothing beats a goddess! ~Cheers |
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Love your work,great detail cant wait to see what you build next (how about a truck) |
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September 14, 2010 |
My gim-class teacher owns one. And three other Citroen oldtimers. Where does he get the money? Anyway, this is my second favourite Citroen (the first is the new DS3). Whoever makes a Citroen DS, gets to be my favourite builder right away. |
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September 9, 2010 |
Amazing! I love this car. Nice details on the back. |
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September 3, 2010 |
awsm car , my dad had the same car about ten or 15 years ago:) |
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September 2, 2010 |
An already classic design in classic LEGO-style. French car design is often kind of "weird" - in a good way! Just think about the rear of a Renault Megane or the GT by Citroen... and it looks so perfectly right next to the 2CV |
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September 1, 2010 |
Fantastic work my friend.I think it´s the most detailed france-car i´ve ever seen built with bricks. |
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August 31, 2010 |
By far my favorite car ! You're lucky to own one (and a beautiful one). I've seen several MOCs of the DS and yours is truly great, especially because it is functionnal, and the body shape is very well done. Nice choice of color too. A very enjoyable work !
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August 31, 2010 |
Great car choice. A classic look for a classic car. |
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August 31, 2010 |
great work nick the ds all time favourite because you cant clamp it try making a itroen mehari
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Nico71 - August 29, 2010 |
Wow ! This is a great tribute to his beautiful french car. Ahh, 60 years before, the DS was upscale, steered light, Hydra-active suspendion (really comfortable but lot of swaying). As usal I will linked your creation on Setechnic (biggest french forum of lego technic). If you want to post these comment, you can, we will traducte your english. Regards from a french builder who love seeing english people like french car |
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August 29, 2010 |
Wow, Incredible! Beautiful shape and design. The level of functionality in this is incredible too; overall a great build, very impressive! |
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August 29, 2010 |
Well, I enjoy seeing this as much as you loved making it.(^_^) |
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August 29, 2010 |
Incredible work! Your LEGO model, like the real one, is simply an engineering marvel! |
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August 29, 2010 |
Quoting Dan the Man
YES !
What a great model, I knew it'd be good :)
Sure maybe mine's a little bigger - but hey, you've managed to make everything work, so many different funcitoning bits; and you've had the added difficulty of having to accurately copy something real whereas I just made up with own thing.
You've done a wonderful job on this, it's rally nice :)
We've got an old 2CV and Dyane van in our barn (it seems to be some sort of unspoken tradition that most of the brits who move to the south of france buy some sort of old citroën), and I saw one of the rare DS cabriolets today in my village...
Again, great work - I don't know how long you spent on this; but regardless, it was well worth it !
- Dan
Ah, the DS cabriolet, what a car! And I did spend a helluva lot of time on this but I'm glad I did! |
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August 29, 2010 |
Quoting T.K .
WOW! youve got one of these? i do really want one when im older. Hay, i know someone who has a citroen mehari, why dont you make one of those? This an awesome moc. Perfect in every way!
A Citroen Mehari would be a great idea - did you know the body of those is made of ABS plastic, exactly the same substance as Lego? |
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August 29, 2010 |
Very very beautiful both in real and in LEGO. Impressive. |
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August 29, 2010 |
WOW! best oldschool creation ever! |
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August 29, 2010 |
This is really awesome. I like old skool. This is just like real thing. Very well done. |
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August 29, 2010 |
YES !
What a great model, I knew it'd be good :)
Sure maybe mine's a little bigger - but hey, you've managed to make everything work, so many different funcitoning bits; and you've had the added difficulty of having to accurately copy something real whereas I just made up with own thing.
You've done a wonderful job on this, it's rally nice :)
We've got an old 2CV and Dyane van in our barn (it seems to be some sort of unspoken tradition that most of the brits who move to the south of france buy some sort of old citroën), and I saw one of the rare DS cabriolets today in my village...
Again, great work - I don't know how long you spent on this; but regardless, it was well worth it !
- Dan |
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August 29, 2010 |
My grandpa used to have one of these. It's great car and you've made an amazing rendition of it! |
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August 29, 2010 |
Quoting Firas Abu-Jaber
That's amazing mate! I like how you round up the shape of the sides very original and creative idea, also great work on the details and the color and finally the scale, all in all the result is a massive piece of art, one of the best I've ever seen, bravo.
Thanks to everyone for their kind comments.. I'm a little taken aback by the swift reaction to this.. and it's always nice to receive such praise from one as renowned as you, Firas - thankyou. |
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August 29, 2010 |
That's amazing mate! I like how you round up the shape of the sides very original and creative idea, also great work on the details and the color and finally the scale, all in all the result is a massive piece of art, one of the best I've ever seen, bravo. |
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August 29, 2010 |
This car is a design masterpiece and hard to nail in Lego, but you did very good! It might be even better studless as the design is really smooth, but i like your version a lot! Great job. |
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August 29, 2010 |
incroyable! une merveille! this car is also one of my favorites! this is the most detailed technics car i ve ever seen!
this is a wonder!
the shape you gave this car,is exeptional!
you really made it justice,bravo!
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August 29, 2010 |
Quoting Tom Simon
Neat. So not at all like some American cars with "silky suspensions" that remind you why you're a land lover.
No sirree! |
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August 29, 2010 |
Neat. So not at all like some American cars with "silky suspensions" that remind you why you're a land lover.
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August 29, 2010 |
Swippin' fleet. It reminds me of my days in Europa... |
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August 29, 2010 |
I have to repeat previous comments... you capterd the shape just right! I specialy like the front end from headlights - this part is my favourite! |
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August 29, 2010 |
Brilliant! |
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August 29, 2010 |
Quoting Henrik Hoexbroe
Very nice! You´ve captured the style and lines of the real car perfectly. Good colour-choice. Only thing I would change are the rear-wheels...
A good point, but the 8880 wheels on the front are too wide for the rear. The original car has narrower tyres at the rear - the only car I can think of that does this. |
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August 29, 2010 |
Quoting Nico71 -
Wow ! This is a great tribute to his beautiful french car. Ahh, 60 years before, the DS was upscale, steered light, Hydra-active suspendion (really comfortable but lot of swaying). As usal I will linked your creation on Setechnic (biggest french forum of lego technic). If you want to post these comment, you can, we will traducte your english. Regards from a french builder who love seeing english people like french car
That sounds great. Nice to be appreciated by the country that gave the world this great car! |
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August 29, 2010 |
Quoting Sebeus I
Very nice, it looks very accurate, it is a good car, didn't they say about this car that it can be driven with only Three of its wheels ? because of its great suspension, anyway, great job, 1/8 is a big scale
In a word, yes. See my reply to Tom Simon for a brief description of how it works.. if a tyre blows, the hydraulics automatically correct the height and the car doesn't waver. The first the driver knows of this is the sound of flapping rubber. |
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August 29, 2010 |
Quoting Tom Simon
Wait, so from your and Nico's description of the suspension, am I to understand that it drives like a spastic brick? ;^}
Haha! Not at all - it's incredibly soft-riding and comfortable. The suspension is interconnected front to rear and the hydraulic fluid pushes against diaphragms in nitrogen-filled spheres at each corner providing a controlled, pitch-free ride. Speed humps are no problem - the faster you go, the smoother it feels! |
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August 29, 2010 |
Superb. The shape and even the technical features look spot on and as usual, your old-skool studs-out style is fantastic. And this is huuuge! 10/10 - best car I've seen in ages |
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August 29, 2010 |
Cool! that must be very big! |
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August 29, 2010 |
Very nice, it looks very accurate, it is a good car, didn't they say about this car that it can be driven with only Three of its wheels ? because of its great suspension, anyway, great job, 1/8 is a big scale |
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August 29, 2010 |
Wait, so from your and Nico's description of the suspension, am I to understand that it drives like a spastic brick? ;^}
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August 29, 2010 |
Well first, the shaping is impeccable. Second, a delicious set of details. Third, it's funny that your first comment to me was regarding some technic work, because I'm a total poser in that regard, while you, sir, are the real thing. However, those lego seats might be just the thing to keep me awake on long drives and provide some sort of massaging. I believe I'll take them over the plush real ones. ;^}
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August 29, 2010 |
Nick, truly superb work, a great and inspirational subject, but clearly a very very tough subject to render in Lego, particularly with so many visible studs. Great working features, I can see a few details I'd do differently, but that's always the case and in no way is meant as a criticism of your efforts. Excellent work. |
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August 29, 2010 |
WOW! youve got one of these? i do really want one when im older. Hay, i know someone who has a citroen mehari, why dont you make one of those? This an awesome moc. Perfect in every way! |
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August 29, 2010 |
Very nice! You´ve captured the style and lines of the real car perfectly. Good colour-choice. Only thing I would change are the rear-wheels... |
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