LEGO’s official theme series and set types are diverse, with each one seemingly offering a unique creative model and building experience. However, that’s not always the case. Among these imaginative LEGO sets, there are some distinctive ones where the models are exactly the same, but the color scheme has been changed and re-released. By simply altering the colors, these classic sets are given a fresh lease on life.
In this article, we won’t follow any particular order, but we’ll take a look at ten pairs of LEGO sets that were re-released with different color schemes. We’ll explore how these sets look under different colors and the visual effects they bring.
At the end of the article, we’ll also engage in a brief discussion to explore why LEGO Group might be choosing to do this.
LEGO Exotic Parrot 31136 vs LEGO Exotic Pink Parrot 31144
The LEGO Creator 3-in-1 series launched set 31136, Exotic Parrot, on March 1, 2023. With its 253 pieces, players can build an exotic parrot, as well as two alternative models: a fish and a frog.
Then, on August 1, LEGO released a new version with a different color scheme, set 31144, Exotic Pink Parrot. This version still contains 253 pieces.
Apart from the color of the pieces, these two sets are identical in every other way. They both include 253 pieces, have the same building techniques, and offer the same alternate models (the fish and the frog). Even the packaging design is exactly the same. The only difference is that deep pink pieces replace the original yellow and blue ones, and the flowers on the branch where the parrot sits are also in the new color.
LEGO Fiat 500 10271 vs LEGO Fiat 500 77942
On March 1, 2020, the LEGO Creator Expert series (the predecessor of the ICONS series) released set 10271, the Fiat 500, which recreated the classic Fiat 500 model using 960 pieces.
Later, the LEGO Creator Expert series launched a light blue version of the Fiat 500, set 77942. As part of a UK-exclusive trial, this set was sold only in LEGO stores in the UK.
In terms of parts and building techniques, the two sets are identical. The design, including the packaging, is exactly the same.
The only differences are that the yellow bricks have been replaced with light blue ones, and the numbers on the stickers have been changed. This color change introduced a significant number of new parts, with about 48 pieces appearing in light blue for the first time.
LEGO 31058 vs LEGO 77940 vs LEGO 77941
The Creator 3-in-1 series originally released the green version of set 31058, Fierce ReptoRaptor, followed by the brown version 77940 and the dark blue version 77941.
Apart from the color differences, the three sets are identical in terms of piece count, main model, and alternate models. The only notable difference is in the packaging design, mainly due to the fact that the green version was released in December 2016, while the latter two versions were released together in September 2021, five years later.
LEGO Cherry Picker 42031 vs LEGO Cherry Picker 42088
In addition to the sets mentioned earlier, the Technic series also had its own color change. In 2015, the Technic series released the yellow version of set 42031, a Mobile Crane, as an entry-level set. Then, in 2019, LEGO designers re-released the set as 42088, with the parts switched to orange.
Both 42031 and 42088 are compact mobile crane models made from just 155 pieces. In addition to being fun to roll around, the crane arm can also be raised and lowered, making them great beginner sets for the Technic series. When placed side by side, these two sets also make for a fun “spot the difference” challenge.
LEGO City Truck 3221 vs LEGO City Toys R Us Truck 7848
Let’s rewind time and forget that it’s 2024 for a moment. Back in June 2010, LEGO released set 3221, LEGO City Truck, and then followed it up with set 7848, Toys “R” Us Truck, in August 2010.
The trucks in both sets are identical in terms of parts and the overall design, except for the color and stickers. The only difference is that 7848 also includes a Toys “R” Us store as an additional feature.
As a tribute to the 3221 LEGO Truck, the LEGO City series introduced a new version, set 60440, the Yellow Transporter, in 2024. Which version do you prefer?
LEGO Porsche 911 RSR and 911 Turbo 3.0 75888 vs LEGO 1974 Porsche 911 Turbo 3.0 75895
Fans who remember the 6-slot car era of the LEGO Speed Champions series will likely recall the impressive 2018 set 75888, which featured the Porsche 911 RSR and Porsche 911 Turbo 3.0.
It seems LEGO realized how much fans loved the turquoise color of the Turbo 3.0, so in 2019, they released a white version of the same model as set 75895, the 1974 Porsche 911 Turbo 3.0 Racer.
Aside from the color change, one internal part was swapped out. However, since the stickers, design, and overall structure are identical, we consider the two Porsche 911 Turbo sets as a color variation.
LEGO Jetrax T6 8942 Yellow vs LEGO Jetrax T6 8942 Blue
The history of LEGO set color variations can be traced back at least to 2008. In the discontinued Bionicle series, there was a blue version of set 8942 Jetrax T6 (Jetrax T6), and that same year, a limited edition yellow version of the same set was released.
You’re not mistaken, and I haven’t made an error either—these two sets are identical not only in terms of piece count and design but also in their set number. It’s no wonder it’s so hard to tell them apart!
LEGO Bugatti Bolide 42151 vs LEGO Bugatti Bolide Agile Blue 42162
Fast forward to 2023, where LEGO released a yellow version of the Bugatti Bolide, set 42151, in January. Then, in June, a blue version, set 42162, called the Bugatti Bolide Agile Blue, was launched.
Apart from differences in the packaging design and the sticker patterns on the models, the parts used in both sets are identical.
LEGO Lamborghini Huracán Tecnica 42161 vs LEGO Lamborghini Huracán Tecnica Orange 42196
The story continues with the Technic series. On August 1, 2023, LEGO released set 42161, the Lamborghini Huracán Tecnica, a medium-sized sports car. Then, on April 1, 2024, LEGO launched a version in orange, set 42196, the Lamborghini Huracán Tecnica.
The models of the Lamborghini Huracán Tecnica in both sets are identical in terms of piece count and vehicle structure. From this point on, LEGO also began including the color in the official set names.
LEGO Koenigsegg Jesko Absolut Grey Hypercar 42173 vs LEGO Koenigsegg Jesko Absolut White Hypercar 42184
The latest pair of color variation sets are also from the Technic series. Following the Lamborghini, LEGO Technic released a new medium-sized model featuring the Koenigsegg brand. However, this time, the situation is a bit different from the previous 9 pairs of sets.
The two color variants, 42173 Koenigsegg Jesko Absolut in grey and 42184 Koenigsegg Jesko Absolut in white were both released on August 1, 2024.
Final Thoughts
The practice of re-releasing sets with a new color scheme has taken many forms over the years. From early variations of classic sets to re-released models with a single new color, and even launching multiple color versions of similar sets simultaneously, LEGO seems to be expanding the range of options for fans. Much like buying a smartphone, it seems LEGO players now have more color choices for upcoming sets.
This raises the question: why release sets that are essentially the same model but with just a color change?
We believe there could be several reasons for this:
- Expanding the User Base: By offering new colors, LEGO can appeal to a wider audience. For example, the recently announced Technic flagship set 42177, the Mercedes-Benz G 500 PROFESSIONAL Line off-road vehicle, is available in a red-orange color that might not be the first color that comes to mind for that classic model. LEGO takes risks when choosing colors during the design phase.
- Improving the Efficiency of New Set Development: It’s undeniable that re-releasing sets with a new color can save significant design costs. This includes savings in areas like model design, packaging design, and quality testing. Reusing existing parts, categorization, and packaging, as well as optimizing machine instructions in production, helps reduce costs across the entire process—from design iteration to manufacturing.
What do you think about the trend of re-releasing sets with different colors? Which set would you like to see in a completely new color?
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