New Classic Space piece in LEGO 21359 Italian Riviera wasn't intentional

There's a new Classic Space recolour in LEGO Ideas 21359 Italian Riviera, but it wasn't intentional, despite previous Classic Space cameos.

From two full minifigures in 21358 Minifigure Vending Machine to specifically-needed parts in Seasonal sets, and cameos in Build a Minifigure tower part selections, the LEGO Group has been known to spread around necessary parts required to make new Classic Space astronauts, much to the dismay of collectors' wallets.

The latest occurrence of this is a light blue air tank in 21359 Italian Riviera, but this time the design team didn't include it on purpose. The news broke during a recent roundtable interview with Brick Fanatics and other LEGO fan media, where the design team were able to explain the Classic Space coincidence.

"No, it was not," explains designer Mary Wilson. "I thought it was a nice contrast between the red flippers and the orange life jacket. And then today, my coworkers are making fun of me because I didn't know that it was perfect for the space. It was not on purpose."

"I realised yesterday, the air tanks are a recolour, and everyone's excited because of the Classic Space connection," said fan designer of 21359 Italian Riviera, Alex Sahli. "I can't believe I didn't realise that, like I collect those guys. I was wondering, like, is that something that you all do intentionally, like, hide the pieces in different sets, or something just happens?"

"This one just happened," replied Mary and LEGO Ideas Creative Lead Jordan Scott in unison.

This happy accident has led to a new piece that will pair perfectly with the light blue Classic Space torso from a recent Build a Minifigure tower selection. Now, we're just left waiting for the matching light blue helmet.

In the meantime, LEGO Ideas 21359 Italian Riviera debuts on August 7 for LEGO Insiders (and August 10 for everyone else) for £249.99 / $299.99 / €279.99. That's a steep price to pay for a new Classic Space part, but this will be nothing new to collectors. Check out our thorough review of the new LEGO Ideas set by clicking here.

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