Honestly, I remember when the first rumors of a new, large-scale DeLorean started circulating. Fans were skeptical. We’d already been burned once by the original LEGO Ideas 21103 version back in 2013, which—let’s be real—looked like it had been through a car compactor before it even left the box. It was blocky, the hood was stepped in a way that defied the sleekness of the real DMC-12, and the windscreen was just... off. But when the LEGO DeLorean Back to the Future Time Machine (set 10300) finally dropped in 2022, it changed the conversation entirely.
It’s huge.
It’s also incredibly detailed in ways that most casual builders might miss if they’re just rushing to finish the chassis. LEGO didn’t just give us a car; they gave us three different eras of cinematic history in one box. You’ve got the choice. Do you go with the classic 1985 plutonium-powered version, the 2015 "Mr. Fusion" flying model, or the 1955 version with the hood-mounted circuit board and whitewall tires? You can’t build all three at once, which is a bit of a bummer, but the modularity is where the genius lies.
The Engineering Behind the LEGO DeLorean Back to the Future
The first thing you notice when you pick up this box is the weight. It’s dense. LEGO used a mix of Technic and System bricks to ensure the frame doesn’t sag, which is a common problem with larger 1:13 scale vehicles.
One of the most complex parts of the build is the folding wheel mechanism. In the movies, the wheels flip down for "hover mode." Recreating that with plastic bricks without making the whole thing feel flimsy is a genuine engineering feat. There’s a lever tucked underneath the car that triggers the transformation. It’s smooth. It feels mechanical. It’s the kind of thing you find yourself clicking back and forth while you’re supposed to be doing something productive.
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The interior is where the deep-cut references live. You have the "Time Circuits" printed on a specialized piece—thankfully not a sticker—and the iconic flux capacitor. LEGO actually included a light brick specifically for the flux capacitor. When you press the button, it glows. It’s a small touch, but for anyone who grew up watching Marty McFly and Doc Brown, it’s the centerpiece of the whole experience.
Why the 3-in-1 Format Matters
Most LEGO sets are static. You build it, you display it, you dust it occasionally. But the LEGO DeLorean Back to the Future set demands that you make a choice.
- The "A" build is the original 1985 version with the lightning rod attachment. It’s the purist's choice.
- The "B" build adds the barcode license plate and the Mr. Fusion reactor, which is basically a coffee grinder in the film's universe.
- The "C" build is the most visual, featuring the 1955 tech strapped to the hood with those glorious red wheels.
The fact that LEGO included the parts for all three versions shows a level of respect for the source material that we don’t always see. They could have easily sold three separate sets. Instead, they gave us the toolkit to tell whichever part of the story we prefer.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Build
People often complain about the price of LEGO Icons sets, and at roughly $200, this isn't a "stocking stuffer." But when you look at the part count—1,872 pieces—the value starts to make sense.
There’s a misconception that this is a "Technic set." It isn't. While it uses Technic for the functional bits like the gull-wing doors and the wheel folding, the exterior is almost entirely System bricks. This allows for that smooth, brushed-steel look that the DMC-12 is famous for. If it were pure Technic, it would be full of holes and visible pegs. By using System plates and tiles, LEGO captured the "stainless steel" aesthetic using light bluish-gray bricks. It’s not metallic, which some fans hated, but let’s be honest: chrome LEGO bricks are a nightmare for fingerprints.
The doors are another sticking point. Gull-wing doors are notoriously heavy. In the real car, they’re held up by cryogenic gas struts. In the LEGO version, they use friction pins. If you don't push them in all the way during the build, the doors will sag. It’s a precision build.
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Minifigure Exclusivity
We have to talk about the figures. Marty and Doc are included, and they aren't just rehashes of the old Dimensions figures. Marty has the 2015 "auto-adjusting" jacket and the hoverboard. Doc has the yellow trench coat and the futuristic glasses. These figures are currently exclusive to this set. In the secondary market, these two little pieces of plastic alone can command a significant price, which adds a layer of "investment" value to the set for the collectors out there.
The Challenges of the Design
Is it perfect? No. Nothing is.
The biggest gripe from the community has been the windscreen. It’s a massive, custom-molded piece. Because it’s clear plastic, it’s prone to scratching. LEGO has started bagging these pieces separately to prevent scuffs during shipping, but you still have to be careful during the assembly.
Then there’s the sticker situation. For a set at this price point, you’d hope for everything to be printed. While the time circuits and the flux capacitor are printed, there are still a handful of stickers for things like the dashboard and the plutonium cases. It’s a minor annoyance, but it’s there.
A Note on Scale
This DeLorean is built to the same scale as the LEGO Ghostbusters ECTO-1 and the LEGO Land Rover Classic Defender. If you’re a movie car collector, they look incredible next to each other on a shelf. It stands about 4 inches (12 cm) high and 14 inches (35 cm) long. It’s a shelf-hogger. Make sure you have the clearance before you start building, especially if you plan on displaying it with the doors open.
Real-World Value and Longevity
Back to the Future is one of those rare franchises that doesn't seem to age. It’s a cross-generational touchstone. That’s why this set has remained one of the top-selling items in the LEGO Icons line since its release.
From an investment perspective, LEGO cars usually appreciate once they retire. Looking at the history of the "Expert Creator" or "Icons" vehicles, they tend to see a 20-40% jump in value within the first two years of leaving store shelves. If you’re buying this to keep it in the box, the LEGO DeLorean Back to the Future is about as safe a bet as you can make in the hobby. But honestly? It’s too fun to build to leave it in the cardboard.
The building process itself takes about five to seven hours depending on your pace. It’s not a weekend-long marathon like the Titanic or the Colosseum, but it’s meaty enough to feel like a project.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Build
If you’re sitting down to build this, don't just follow the manual blindly. Take a second to look at the "hidden" details the designers tucked away. There's a crate of plutonium under the hood. There's a tiny "OUTATIME" plate.
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One practical tip: when you’re building the wheel mechanism, test it every few steps. If a single gear is slightly misaligned, the "hover mode" flip will feel crunchy or stick. It should be effortless. Also, pay attention to the orientation of the flux capacitor light brick. If you put it in backward, you’ll have to take half the dashboard apart to fix it.
Beyond the Box: Lighting Kits
If you want to take this to the next level, look into third-party light kits like those from Light My Bricks or BriksMax. These kits add LEDs to the headlights, the taillights, and—most importantly—the blue "fluxing" strips along the side of the car. It transforms the set from a toy into a high-end display piece that looks like it’s about to hit 88 miles per hour in your living room.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Collectors
If you're looking to add this to your collection, here is exactly what you need to do:
- Check the Version: Ensure you are buying set number 10300. Avoid the older 21103 set unless you are a completionist; the design of the newer one is vastly superior in every way.
- Space Planning: Clear a shelf space that is at least 16 inches wide. If you want to display it in hover mode on its stand, you'll need extra vertical clearance.
- Handle with Care: When cleaning, use a soft makeup brush or compressed air. The "brushed" look of the plates shows dust easily, and the large windscreen piece is a magnet for fingerprints.
- The Modular Choice: Decide which movie version you want to display before you reach the final bags. Switching between versions requires some light "de-construction," so it’s easier to pick a favorite from the start.
- Monitor Retirement: LEGO sets in the Icons line typically have a shelf life of 2–3 years. Since this was released in 2022, keep a close eye on "Last Chance" tags on the official LEGO site toward the end of the current year.
This set isn't just about nostalgia; it's a testament to how far LEGO has come in terms of adult-oriented design. It’s complex, it’s accurate, and it finally does justice to the most famous car in cinema history. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of Doc and Marty or just someone who appreciates high-end model building, this is one of those rare instances where the product actually lives up to the hype.