Editor’s pick
CrunchLabs by Mark Rober The Crunchinator
A hand-cranked crusher that shows how gears multiply force
About $35brand list price View on Amazon
Thames & Kosmos V8 Race Car Engineering Set
Build a motorized race car with a V8, gearbox and suspension.
Best for kids who want to see how real engines and gearboxes work.
$39.95Thames & Kosmos list price
This is Thames & Kosmos’s own list price (checked November 13, 2026). Amazon’s price is often lower; tap above for today’s price. Paid link: Electroys may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Listing verified October 28, 2026. See Thames & Kosmos’s product page.
At a glance
- Age guidance
- Ages 10+
- Price
- $39.95 list price
- Screen needed
- No, fully screen-free
- Batteries
- Required, not included
- Adult help
- Some, for setup
- Play style
- Solo or together
- What it is
- Motorized race car kit with V8 engine and 40-page manual
- Great for
- Holiday, Birthday
Kids assemble a vintage-style motorized race car from the inside out, including a visible V8 engine with crankshaft and pistons, a four-speed transmission with reverse and neutral, a differential and shock-absorbing suspension. A 40-page illustrated manual explains each mechanical system.
Why we picked it
- 01Real car mechanisms you can watch working
- 02Converts between left- and right-hand drive steering
- 03Two to three hours of build time, then hands-on experiments
What they’ll learn
Always follow the manufacturer’s age and safety guidance. Small parts may be a choking hazard for children under 3.
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