What has 380,000 miniature bricks, four wheels, a slick red and black coat, and weighs 2,654 lbs? If you guessed the brand-new LEGO Ford Explorer then you're be spot on. The life-sized LEGO creation that recently rolled off the line at the Ford Chicago assembly plant is the unique masterpiece of 22 creative designers and 2,500 hours of hard work.

Why build such a vehicle? Apart from fulfilling the childhood fantasy of many Ford enthusiasts, Ford created the LEGO Explorer in light of its partnership with LEGOLAND Florida, a theme park opening this month just outside of Orlando. In addition to eliciting "ooohs" and "ahhhs" from the greater Chicago area, the giant toy model serves as an innovative marketing tool for Ford. It made its way from Illinois to Florida in a trailer with translucent sides so that motorists in each state it crossed could grab a glance at what the automaker can do.

Now settled into its home at LEGOLAND, the Explorer model will be part of the park's Ford Driving School. The attraction features a mock driving experience which allows children to get behind the wheel and reach the parent-approved speed of three miles per hour.

"Ford is excited to support the alliance between LEGOLAND Florida and the Southeast Ford dealers. 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,"¹ said Tracy Magee, Ford Experiential Marketing manager.

Jerry's Ford Leesburg can assure you there won't be any toy Ford Explorer models to test drive at 847 East Market Street Leesburg, VA anytime soon. However, we do invite you to check out any of our real new Ford vehicles made up of real parts. Also, don't hesitate to contact us with any questions you may have.

Source:¹ http://media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=35337