Lightning McQueen - Muddy (Chester Whipplefilter)
car053 · Cars (Disney/Pixar)
Cars 3 / Juniors · 2017: Released as part of the Cars 3 wave in the Juniors line, focusing on easy-to-build sets with printed parts instead of stickers.
Figure ID
car053
Theme
Cars (Disney/Pixar)
Year Released
2017: Released as part of the Cars 3 wave in the Juniors line, focusing on easy-to-build sets with printed parts instead of stickers.
Rarity
Uncommon: Exclusive to a single set (10744). While mass-produced originally, it is retired and highly sought after by Disney Cars completists.
Head
Unique windshield piece (Part 18973pb04) featuring Lightning McQueen's blue eyes with a determined expression on a white background with red trim.
Torso
The 'body' consists of a specialized curved 4x4 red roof piece (Part 93590pb02) with intensive brown 'mud' splatters printed over the top and sides.
Legs
The 'chassis' uses 1x4x1 red bricks with specialized printing (Part 3065pb012) featuring the number '15' and brown mud textures.
Accessories
Includes red rims (87058) and black tires (56891). This version does not typically carry external minifigure-scale tools but is an accessory-heavy build.
Color Scheme
Primary Red with prominent Dark Brown mud splatters and Yellow/Orange flame highlights. Features White for the eyes and Black for the tires.
Printing Details
High-quality pad printing across four distinct elements. No stickers were used, which is a hallmark of the Juniors line, ensuring longevity of the design.
Variants
Standard McQueen, Radiator Springs McQueen, Dinoco McQueen, and Silver McQueen. This 'Muddy' version represents his undercover 'Chester Whipplefilter' persona.
Condition Notes
Watch for paint scuffs on the corners of the printed bricks and 'roof' piece. Mud printing is resilient, but red plastic can show stress marks if the chassis is disassembled frequently.
Estimated Value
Used: $8.00 - $12.00 | New (assembled from set): $15.00 - $20.00. Value has remained stable since the retirement of the Juniors movie line.
Price (New)
Original set (Thunder Hollow Crazy 8 Race) retail price was $29.99 USD in 2017, containing 4 vehicles including this exclusive McQueen.
Compatible Sets
Set 10744: Thunder Hollow Crazy 8 Race (2017).
Character Background
Based on the scene in Cars 3 where Lightning McQueen enters a demolition derby at Thunder Hollow under the pseudonym Chester Whipplefilter to avoid being recognized.
Design Notes
Utilizes the 'Juniors' car chassis car base. The design successfully captures the chaotic 'Thunder Hollow' aesthetic using only four printed LEGO components.
Similar Minifigures
Cruz Ramirez (Muddy), Miss Fritter (car052), and Broadside (car055) from the same sub-theme.
Collectibility
High for Disney and Cars fans. It is the only 'disguised' version of McQueen produced by LEGO, making it a niche collector's item.
History
Follows the transition of the Cars license from DUPLO/System (2011-2012) to the Juniors line (2017). This represents the peak of detail for the small-scale brick-built cars.
Interesting Facts
Despite being McQueen, the number on the side is '15' instead of '95' to help maintain his disguise during the derby race.
Display Suggestions
Best displayed on a dark grey/brown 'dirt' baseboard or within a Thunder Hollow MOC. Pairs perfectly with the Miss Fritter figure.
Modification Potential
The 1x4 side bricks can be swapped to create custom racing liveries, though the mud printing is very specific to this character's look.
Overall Assessment
A standout variant in the LEGO Cars 3 line. The mud splatter printing is exceptionally detailed, making it a must-have for those tracking McQueen's movie evolution.