This is a limited-edition series build and will not restock after its initial production run.

About the VBL Panhard – Light Armored Vehicle:

At the height of the Cold War, European nations were in an arms race to keep up with the Soviet military. Everything from tanks, jet fighters, and missiles were developed and introduced at a break-neck pace. That same energy was applied to light armored vehicles. In the mid-1970s, France needed to replace its aging fleet of Hotchkiss M201 utility trucks–a Jeep variant built under license in France. The French army needed a vehicle that offered improved protection against enemy small arms fire, while supporting weapons systems capable enough to defend against enemy infantry and armor. Solicitation began in earnest in the early 1980s. Models from Renault and Panhard entered the fray with the eventual selection of the Panhard prototype in 1985. In 1987 the Panhard Véhicule Blindé Léger—translated as Light Armored Vehicle, or VBL for short—was committed for production and entered formal service in 1990.

The standard VBL uses an all-welded hardened steel hull, giving it heightened protection against IED threats and varies in thickness from 5 to 11mm. Entry and exit are found via doors on the left- and right-hand side while a hatch in the rear provides access to cargo space. Furthermore, a roof-mounted hatch offers access to the armored car’s primary weapon. The VBL is powered by a Peugeot XD3T turbo-diesel engine that pushes the car to speeds of 95km/h. With a 100L fuel tank, the VBL has an impressive range of 600km to 800km. A central tire inflation system furthers the VBL car’s offroad capability. While many iterations of the VBL exist, some with more sophisticated weapons system, the base model uses a M240 machine gun to fend off armed combatants as well as offer covering fire for allied forces. Other common loadouts include the addition of the Eryx short-range portable line of sight wire-guided anti-tank missile. This elevates the armored car’s mission capabilities, but still relegates it to a more traditional scout/reconnaissance role. The VBL has been involved in every conflict and hot zone that France has been associated with (including UN peace-keeping forces) since its introduction. This comprises of locales such as Serbia, Bosnia, Kosovo, Somalia, Lebanon, Afghanistan, and various African nations. The Panhard VBL is a very capable light armored vehicle that is in current use by over a dozen nations.

Additional information about this Brickmania® custom building kit:

This compact yet durable build features a new kit exclusive Perfect Caliber™ BrickArms® M240B-USMC and 1x custom minifig. All details are custom printed. Play features include functional doors and hatches, interior space, mounted BrickArms, extra tools, a weapons rack, and spare fuel can. Upgrade your build with up to 2x Modern French Rifleman custom minifigs!

Model Statistics:

Designed by Andreas Eggen
266 LEGO®, Brickmania® & BrickArms® elements
1x custom minifig
Custom printed elements
Full-color printed building instructions
1/35th scale to match other Brickmania kits
Intermediate Skill Level (4-6 years building experience recommended)

Designer Studio Video:

All Brickmania® model kits are made of new-condition LEGO® bricks. This model comes disassembled and includes complete printed building instructions. This is a limited-edition kit and production may be discontinued at any time.

This is not a LEGO® Product. LEGO and the LEGO minifigure are trademarks of the LEGO Group, which does not sponsor, authorize, or endorse this product. The LEGO Group is not liable for any loss, injury or damage arising from the use or misuse of this product.