With 544 pieces, the LEGO Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 (42138) is a compact build that doesn't waste a piece. It launched in 2022 under the Technic banner at $49.99.
The price-per-piece works out to $0.092, which is solid for what you're getting.
It's a straightforward, well-designed set that does what Technic does best.
Key Features
544 pieces — Solid build size with a good level of detail
$0.092 per piece — Strong price-per-piece for this theme
Licensed collection — Sought-after corner of the Technic lineup
Released 2022 — Technic sets from this period are known for their build quality
Theme Background
The Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 falls under the LEGO Technic theme, sitting in the Licensed subtheme — one of LEGO's most established and popular product lines. Launched in 2022 at $49.99, it sits in the accessible end of Technic. At $0.092 per piece, it punches above its weight on value.
The Licensed subcategory within Technic has its own collector base, and sets in this range tend to hold interest well after retirement. Worth keeping on the radar if you're building a Technic collection.
Why This Set Is Special
Strong part-out value at 1.7x. Parts are worth $83.37 vs $49.99 retail (1.7x ratio). Theme average is 1.9x.
Frequently Asked Questions
[{"q": "How many pieces are in the LEGO Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 (42138)?", "a": "The LEGO Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 (42138) contains 544 pieces, making it a mid-range set. This set offers a manageable build that can be completed in a sitting or two, making it a good choice for builders of all experience levels."}, {"q": "How much does the LEGO Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 (42138) cost?", "a": "The retail price (MSRP) for the LEGO Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 (42138) is $49.99 in the United States. Regional pricing is \u00a344.99 in the UK, CA$64.99 in Canada, \u20ac49.99 in Europe. This works out to $0.09 per piece. This is a competitive price-per-piece for the Technic theme, offering a good balance of piece count and build quality for the price."}, {"q": "Is the LEGO Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 (42138) a good investment?", "a": "The LEGO Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 (42138) shows moderate investment potential based on several factors. Technic sets have historically been among the best-performing themes for post-retirement appreciation. As with any LEGO investment, buying at or below retail price maximizes potential returns. Use the BrickBucks price tracker to find the best entry point."}, {"q": "What age is the LEGO Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 (42138) suitable for?", "a": "The LEGO Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 (42138) is recommended for ages 9+. The build is designed to be approachable for younger builders while still providing an enjoyable experience."}, {"q": "How big is the LEGO Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 (42138)?", "a": "The LEGO Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 (42138) measures approximately 38.2cm \u00d7 26.2cm \u00d7 7.1cm (W\u00d7H\u00d7D). It makes for a great display piece that won't take up too much shelf space."}, {"q": "Is the LEGO Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 (42138) still available?", "a": "The LEGO Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 (42138) retired on December 31, 2024 and is no longer available at retail. You can find this set on secondary markets including Amazon, eBay, and BrickLink. Retired Technic sets often trade at a premium above their original retail price, with demand typically increasing over time as sealed inventory decreases."}, {"q": "Where can I buy the LEGO Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 (42138)?", "a": "The LEGO Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 (42138) is retired and only available on secondary markets. Check Amazon, eBay, and BrickLink for current listings. Use the BrickBucks price tracker to compare prices across retailers and find the best deal."}]
