With nine exterior colors, five interiors, three trim levels and a dizzying array of options and packages, every Explorer that rolls off the production line at Ford's Chicago Assembly Plant seems unique. But in a recent ceremony at the plant, Ford showed off an even more exclusive version of its popular midsize SUV: a life-size replica made entirely from Legos.
Created by 22 designers using 380,000 Lego bricks, the life-size Lego Explorer took more than 2,500 hours to create. According to Ford, the stunning piece weighs 2,654 pounds, about a ton less than the real thing. It's supported inside by a 768-pound aluminum base.
After its debut at the Chicago plant, the Lego Explorer was placed in a trailer with transparent sides allowing passing motorists to see the unique creation. Its final destination is the new Legoland Florida, a 150-acre amusement park outside Orlando dedicated almost entirely to Legos.
"Ford is excited to support the alliance between LEGOLAND Florida and the Southeast Ford dealers," said Tracy Magee, Ford's experiential marketing manager. "The LEGOLAND Florida Explorer and the Ford Driving School attraction are great opportunities to showcase our products and safety messages to families and visitors in a unique way."
According to Ford, the Lego Explorer will ultimately be featured in front of the Ford Driving School for Children, one of the park's many attractions. The driving school teaches basic rules of the road to children as young as three, from stopping at traffic lights and stop signs to the difference between the accelerator and the brake pedal. Ford says the driving school will even give children the opportunity to drive their own electric vehicles on curbed roads at speeds of up to three miles per hour.
"We're less than a month from opening and the anticipation level is incredibly high," said Legoland Florida general manager Adrian Jones. "This is the only park of its kind? built exclusively for kids ages 2 to 12, and it will be a total departure from anything families with young children have seen before."
Legoland Florida is scheduled to open October 15 and will feature more than 50 rides, shows and attractions.
