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I’ve always wanted a Porsche 911. There, I said it. Don’t shoot me. I just love them. I love the shape of them, their usability, compact dimensions and beautiful engineering. I love the history, the racing lineage, and heck, I even love the yuppiness (remember yuppies?).

It was, therefore, the gift I most wanted to receive, but least expected to. I mean, I knew Jules was an amazing wife, and I’m sure if she sold everything she owns and went cap-in-hand to a bank, she could raise the funds to get me one (ok, maybe just a late 90’s 996, but it’d still be a 911). However, I also know we, as a family, have more pressing uses for the funds.

On the morning of our 10th anniversary in sunny Reykjavik, Iceland, Jules informed me that she had gone and done it. She had only gone and bought me a Porsche 911! I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.

Fortunately, when I arrived home, it turned out this 911 could fit in a box under our bed. I was relieved and disappointed in equal measure. As I removed the gift-wrap, I realised that this 911 was not a toy car. Well, ok, it kinda was a toy car, but it was one that I had to build. Yes, folks, it was a LEGO Technic Porsche GT3 RS!

LEGO Technic Porsche GT3 RS

And, what an experience it was to build! From the moment I tried to open the box I was intoxicated with excitement, my hands like jelly as I tried to ease the lid off. Then, frustratingly shaking as I more forcibly tried to get the lid off. Then, slapping my head as I realised the lid was held fast with those little circle-shaped stickers that you need to cut with a knife. Doh!

LEGO Technic Porsche GT3 RS

Once inside the box, it was packaged with achingly cool style. More like a sophisticated male grooming product, or an expensive watch, than a box of LEGO. It came complete with a manual that resembled a coffee-table book, which gives you some idea of how many instructions I needed to follow to get this baby on the road (or on top of the piano in my case).

LEGO Technic Porsche GT3 RS

It took me around a week to complete the build, starting at 8pm and working through to the wee small hours over the course of 3 evenings. That’s over twenty hours of LEGO-building joy. I’m sure I could have completed it quicker if I hadn’t been drinking wine and watching television at the same time!

I love showing my sons the working pistons, steering and sequential gearbox (I still don’t understand how that works). Archie (7) is more interested in the adjustable rear wing and the tailored luggage that fits in the frunk (front-trunk, geddit!).

Anyways, thanks to my lovely wife, Jules, I am now the owner of a bright orange, Porsche 911. And, I even built it myself! Can’t wait for our 25th!