Building the COBI Maserati MC20 Cielo Super Car

Quick answer

Build the COBI Maserati MC20 Cielo Super Car by following the numbered bag sequence, checking alignment at each step, and using a small tool to press bricks firmly. Pay extra attention to the rear diffuser and door hinges to avoid common fit issues.

Build steps

1. Sort pieces by bag: Open only the first numbered bag. Empty the pieces into a shallow tray or organizer. Sort by color and shape—dark gray and black can look similar under poor lighting. Check the manual to confirm you have all parts before starting. Missing a piece early? Double-check the bag and the floor before contacting support.
2. Build the chassis frame: Follow steps 1-15 to assemble the central floor pan and front/rear subframes. Press each brick until you hear a click. Use a brick separator or the back of a small screwdriver to push stubborn axle pins fully home. Common mistake: leaving a gap between the front bumper mount and the chassis, which causes the body panels to sit unevenly later.
3. Install the drivetrain and suspension: Attach the differential housing, rear axle, and front wishbones. Ensure the wheels spin freely before moving on. If they bind, check that the axle pins are not inserted too far or that a brick hasn't shifted out of alignment. Spin test: after each axle step, rotate the wheels by hand to confirm smooth movement.
4. Build the engine and rear diffuser: Assemble the V6 engine block and the rear diffuser panel. The diffuser uses angled slope bricks—line them up against a flat surface before attaching to the chassis. A common mistake is forcing the exhaust tips into misaligned holes, which can crack the plastic. If the exhaust tips don't slide in easily, loosen the diffuser screws and realign.
5. Attach the body panels and scissor doors: Fit the front fenders, side skirts, and rear quarter panels. Install the scissor door hinges exactly as shown in the manual—the hinge pin orientation determines whether the door opens upward or flops forward. Test the door movement before securing the hinge cover. Doors not staying up? The hinge pin may be reversed. Flip it and retest.
6. Add the windshield, mirrors, and decals: Press the clear windshield into the frame from the inside out. Apply decals using tweezers for precision. A common mistake is applying decals over dust or fingerprints—clean the surface with a microfiber cloth first. Use a hairdryer on low heat to soften stubborn decals for easier positioning.
7. Final alignment and display: Check all panel gaps are even. Tighten any visible screw connections. Place the model on a clean, level surface. For display, consider a clear acrylic case to protect the large 1:12 scale model from dust. Rotate the wheels and open the doors one last time to confirm everything moves freely.

About this set

• COBI Maserati MC20 Cielo Super Car: Set #24352: Maserati MC20 Cielo model in 1:12 scale - designed to stimulate the senses with every detail! The open version of the Maserati MC20, called 'Cielo' (meaning 'heaven' in Italian), is a car that changed everything we knew about super cars. The large 1:12 scale means more intricate details and larger pieces, making the build more engaging but also requiring careful alignment to keep the body lines smooth.