Octan Racer
cty0457 · City
Great Vehicles · 2014; it debuted in the Racing Car set (60053) during a period when LEGO was modernizing City designs with more expressive faces and detailed torso prints.
Figure ID
cty0457
Theme
City
Year Released
2014; it debuted in the Racing Car set (60053) during a period when LEGO was modernizing City designs with more expressive faces and detailed torso prints.
Rarity
Common; it was part of a popular, affordable entry-level vehicle set and was produced in high quantities, making it widely available in the secondary market.
Head
Yellow skin with a smirking expression, featuring black eyebrows, a small soul patch/chin tuft, and a white racing helmet. It is a single-sided print.
Torso
White torso with a zipper print down the center and the large green/red 'Octan' logo across the chest. It features black arms and yellow hands. The back is typically plain or has minimal zipper detailing.
Legs
Dark Blue unprinted legs with standard hip piece; consistent with the worker/racer aesthetic of the mid-2010s.
Accessories
Standard white racing helmet with an open face. In its original set, it also came with a gold trophy accessory.
Color Scheme
Primary white, red, and green (the Octan corporate colors), contrasted with black arms and dark blue legs for a professional racing jumpsuit look.
Printing Details
Pad-printed; the Octan logo is well-aligned across the zipper graphic. High durability, typical of 2010s City minifigures.
Variants
There are numerous Octan racers from 1992 to the present; this specific version is distinguished by the zipper detail and the modern smirk/soul patch face print.
Condition Notes
Common wear points include scratches on the white helmet and 'arm cracks' at the torso sockets. The white torso print is generally resistant to fading but can yellow if exposed to UV.
Estimated Value
Used: $2.00 - $4.00 USD; New/Mint: $5.00 - $7.00 USD. Value is driven more by nostalgia for the Octan brand than extreme rarity.
Price (New)
The original set (60053 Racing Car) retailed for $9.99 USD in 2014, making this figure effectively a $3-4 value at launch.
Compatible Sets
60053 Racing Car (2014).
Character Background
A generic driver for Team Octan, LEGO's fictional in-universe oil and gas company that has appeared in sets since 1992 and played a major role in The LEGO Movie.
Design Notes
Utilizes the iconic Octan branding which is a staple of LEGO history. The design bridges the gap between 'Classic Town' simplicity and modern 'City' detail.
Similar Minifigures
cty0458 (Octan Pit Crew), cty0017 (Classic Octan Driver), and various Octan-branded figures from the 60113 Rally Car.
Collectibility
Medium-Low; while Octan-themed items have a dedicated cult following, this specific figure is very easy to find and is not currently escalating in price.
History
Octan was introduced in 1992 to replace Shell branding. This 2014 version represents the 'Modern Era' of the brand's racing team aesthetic.
Interesting Facts
The Octan logo colors (Red, Green, White) were chosen because they are the colors of the Italian flag (referencing the heritage of racing), though the brand is entirely a LEGO creation.
Display Suggestions
Best displayed next to an Octan gas station or within a lineup of racing cars. Use a clear acrylic case to prevent the white torso from collecting dust.
Modification Potential
High; the torso and legs are excellent for creating custom mechanics or Pit Crew members for a MOC racing paddock.
Overall Assessment
A solid, classic representation of LEGO's most famous fictional brand. It is an essential, if inexpensive, piece for any LEGO City completionist.