I’ll admit it – I’m a sucker for LEGO creations that nail character design, and this Tow Mater MOC by besbasdesign absolutely crushes it. Spotted recently on Rebrickable, this build takes the lovable, rusty tow truck from Disney Pixar’s Cars and translates him into brick form with uncanny accuracy. The 413-piece creation captures everything that makes Mater instantly recognizable, from his patchwork body panels to that signature goofy grin with the prominent buck teeth. What’s particularly impressive is how the designer managed to maintain the cartoonish proportions while still creating a structurally sound model that fits perfectly alongside the upcoming Lightning McQueen set (77255) launching in January 2026.
If you’ve ever tried building vehicle MOCs at this scale, you know capturing personality ranks among the hardest challenges. Cars characters present a unique problem since their entire personality lives in the vehicle itself. Besbasdesign solves this brilliantly with custom stickers (soon available from brickstickershop) that transform the windshield into Mater’s expressive eyes and add authentic “Tow Mater” signage to the doors. The combination of those stickers with the expertly crafted physical form creates a build that feels pulled straight from Radiator Springs. The build even includes the A-113 Easter egg on the license plate, a detail hardcore Pixar fans will appreciate.
Designer: Besbasdesign
The color work on this MOC is just technically flawless. I’ve seen countless attempts at replicating Mater’s weathered appearance, but most builders either go too uniform or too chaotic. This version nails the balance with strategic placement of different brown tones interspersed with blue panels that mimic Mater’s mismatched, salvaged look. The designer understands that Mater isn’t randomly rusty; his design tells the story of a truck that’s been pieced together over decades of service. The model measures approximately 8.0 × 18.8 × 9.3 centimeters (or about 3.2 × 7.4 × 3.7 inches), making it substantial enough for display while remaining compatible with Speed Champions scale vehicles.
Technical execution is top notch, particularly in the functional tow assembly. Unlike many LEGO tow trucks where the mechanism is purely decorative, this one features a working hook attached to a pivoting arm. The assembly uses gray Technic beams and connectors to create a sturdy rig that maintains the cartoon aesthetic without sacrificing functionality. The consistent use of SNOT (studs not on top) techniques around the front end creates the rounded shaping essential to Mater’s friendly face. Clever parts usage extends to the roof-mounted warning lights, built from transparent orange elements rather than relying solely on stickers.
The instructions for this MOC cost €6.50 on , which feels like a bargain considering the quality of the design and the PDF documentation. The built-in parts finder on Rebrickable streamlines the process of sourcing the 413 elements needed. You could technically build this using bricks from approximately 3-4 mid-sized LEGO sets, though specialty elements like the wheels and some of the curved pieces might require specific hunting. The investment yields a display piece that achieves something official LEGO Cars sets have struggled with, personality and screen accuracy at a reasonable scale. Now I’m just wondering if besbasdesign has plans for the rest of Radiator Springs. A Sally Carrera or Doc Hudson built to this standard would certainly find a spot on my shelf next to Mater.
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