LEGO Harry Potter Flying Ford Anglia (76424) Review

What's Included

The economical 165-piece set delivers surprising value through careful component selection and character inclusion. Harry Potter arrives in his distinctive red and blue plaid shirt with dark tan legs, more screen-accurate than previous black or dark gray versions. Ron Weasley sports his characteristic tan knitted jumper with excellent texture detailing through uneven line printing. Both minifigures feature double-sided heads capturing scared and smiling expressions, perfect for recreating various flight scenarios. Hedwig receives the standard owl mold in white, while Scabbers appears as a simple tan rat element. Accessories include two wands in brown, Harry's trunk in reddish-brown, and the crucial license plate stickers reading "7990 TD". The vehicle construction emphasizes the new light blue color palette, notably lighter and more accurate than the medium blue of set 75968. Key specialized pieces include new 1x2 slopes without grilles that dramatically improve the rear profile, trans-orange and trans-red elements for lighting effects, and large windscreen pieces creating the distinctive cabin shape.

Building Experience

Construction unfolds across approximately 30 minutes of satisfying building that maximizes impact from minimal pieces. The build begins with the chassis utilizing basic plates and brackets to establish the car's footprint and wheel mounting points. The body assembly showcases clever part usage, with curved slopes and arches creating authentic Ford Anglia proportions despite the limited piece count. The new 1x2 slopes prove transformative for the rear section, eliminating the blocky appearance that plagued earlier versions. Door construction employs simple hinge plates allowing full opening functionality, while the roof attaches via basic studs for easy removal. The interior, though spartan, includes essential details like a dashboard sticker and sufficient space for both minifigures to sit comfortably. The boot design deserves particular praise, with the door folding neatly under the rear windscreen when open, providing perfect storage for Harry's trunk. Throughout construction, the improved color consistency creates visual cohesion absent from previous multi-blue versions. The quick build time makes this ideal for younger builders while still offering enough interest for experienced fans.

Design Evolution

This 2024 iteration represents remarkable evolution from the 2020 version in set 75968 4 Privet Drive, addressing every significant criticism while maintaining the same 12cm length. The light blue color shift proves most impactful, better matching the movie vehicle's powder blue paint than the previous medium blue attempts. Structural improvements center on the new 1x2 slopes that create seamless transitions at the rear, replacing the stepped appearance of earlier models. The widened interior now accommodates both minifigures sitting side-by-side rather than the awkward single-file arrangement of predecessors. Hedwig can perch on the rear parcel shelf while maintaining roof attachment, solving the either/or dilemma of previous versions. The refined front end uses fewer pieces more effectively, with cleaner lines around the distinctive grille and headlights. Even minor details show improvement – the door printing, while still imperfect, integrates better with the overall design than the jarring pad printing of earlier attempts. These cumulative refinements transform what could have been a lazy re-release into genuinely the definitive LEGO Flying Ford Anglia.

Play Features

Despite its compact size, the Flying Ford Anglia delivers impressive play functionality that captures the movie's key moments. The opening doors provide satisfying access to the interior, where Harry and Ron fit comfortably even with their non-poseable short legs. The removable roof facilitates easy minifigure placement without the fumbling common to enclosed vehicles. The boot opens to reveal storage for the included trunk and both wands, with Scabbers able to hide among the luggage. The car's sturdy construction survives enthusiastic "flying" around rooms, with secure wheel attachment and robust body connections preventing mid-flight disintegration. Interior space allows for creative scene arrangements – Hedwig perches behind the passengers, wands store in door pockets, and the dashboard sticker adds cockpit detail. The light weight enables convincing swoosh effects for aerial adventures, while the smooth underside prevents snagging during play. Even display-focused collectors appreciate the poseability options, from doors ajar suggesting recent landing to fully open configuration showcasing the complete interior layout.

Minifigure Quality

The included minifigures represent thoughtful updates rather than lazy repacks, with costume choices specifically matching the Chamber of Secrets flight sequence. Harry's torso printing showcases exceptional detail in the plaid pattern, with subtle color variations creating realistic fabric texture. The dark tan legs prove more screen-accurate than previous versions, properly representing Harry's khaki trousers from the scene. Ron's tan jumper features deliberately uneven horizontal lines suggesting hand-knitted construction, a delightful detail at this price point. Both characters include the same worried/happy expression combinations from recent sets, maintaining consistency across the theme while providing emotional variety. The printing quality appears crisp and well-aligned, avoiding the common offset issues plaguing some recent Harry Potter figures. Hedwig and Scabbers, while basic molds, add essential story elements without inflating costs. The absence of alternative hairpieces or additional accessories feels appropriate given the budget pricing rather than corner-cutting. These figures work equally well for display or play, with universal appeal transcending specific scene recreation.

Value & Market Performance

At $14.99 for 165 pieces, the Flying Ford Anglia achieves an excellent 9.1 cents per piece, significantly undercutting typical licensed set pricing. Historical data reveals remarkable price stability with averages hovering between $12-14 across major retailers, suggesting healthy supply meeting steady demand. The best recorded price of $9.59 represents exceptional value, though even at full MSRP this remains competitively priced. European markets show similar patterns at €14.99, maintaining parity without the usual regional markup. Sales rankings demonstrate impressive performance with a best position of 3 and average of 420, indicating mainstream appeal beyond Harry Potter collectors. Review counts averaging 52 with peaks at 94 suggest strong consumer engagement and satisfaction. The set's standalone nature makes it perfect for gift-giving without requiring additional purchases for complete play value. Comparison to the $40 Hogwarts Express (76423) with 198 pieces highlights this set's superior value proposition. Investment potential remains modest given low entry price, though complete retirement could drive moderate appreciation. For immediate enjoyment rather than speculation, this delivers unmatched value in the current Harry Potter lineup.

Editor's Verdict