Exploring the DeLorean with the Back to the Future Lego Set

Apr 28, 2022by Mark Gini

Remember that moment when Doc Brown's DeLorean hit 88 miles per hour and disappeared into the past? Now you can build that magic at home with the LEGO Back to the Future Time Machine set. This brick-built DeLorean captures every detail that made the time-travelling car a cinema icon, from its sleek stainless steel exterior to the crucial flux capacitor that bends the laws of physics.

What Makes the Back to the Future LEGO Set Special

The LEGO Back to the Future DeLorean isn't just another brick in the wall of collectables. With 1,872 pieces, this set delivers a build that's both challenging and rewarding. Once assembled, the model stands 5 inches tall, 8 inches wide, and 14 inches long – substantial enough to showcase yet compact enough for display on most shelves.

What really sets this set apart is its chameleon-like ability to transform. You can configure your Back to the Future LEGO car into any of the three versions seen throughout the trilogy. Start with the original 1985 version, complete with the lightning rod attachment that captured the clock tower's electrical surge. Or reimagine the hover-ready 2015 configuration with wheels folded neatly underneath for those futuristic flights. True Western enthusiasts might prefer the 1885 Wild West iteration, sporting distinctive whitewall tires and rustic modifications from the third film.

No need to buy multiple sets – one box contains all the pieces needed for any version you choose to build (though you'll need to pick your favourite, as you can only build one at a time).

lego back to the future time machine

Inside the Back to the Future LEGO Set

LEGO designers went all-out, capturing the essence of this time machine. The LEGO Back to the Future Time Machine features:

Working gull-wing doors that swing open just like the real thing
Glowing flux capacitor (the heart of what makes time travel possible)
Detailed dashboard with time circuits showing past, present, and future dates
Mr. Fusion home energy reactor on the rear deck
Wheels that fold up for flight mode
California "OUTATIME" license plate
Enough plutonium to fire up the time circuits (brick version, of course!)

The set also includes minifigures of Doc Brown with his wild white hair and clipboard, along with Marty McFly sporting his iconic vest and carrying a hoverboard accessory. These character figures let you pose scenes from the movies or create your time-travelling adventures.

Building Your Own LEGO Back to the Future DeLorean

A Journey Through Time and Bricks

Don't let the 1,872-piece count intimidate you. The building process for the Back to the Future Time Machine flows logically, with the instruction booklet breaking everything into manageable stages. The premium, perfect-bound instruction manual features full-colour diagrams and divides the build into 12 distinct phases, each corresponding to a numbered bag of parts. Most builders report completing the set in 4-6 hours, though many stretch it out over several days to savour the experience. The smooth difficulty curve starts simple and gradually introduces more complex techniques as you progress.

From Chassis to Time Machine

The construction sequence is particularly clever, starting with the chassis and working outward in a way that mirrors how actual vehicles are built. You'll begin with the sturdy Technic frame that forms the backbone of the model, then move to the interior with its time circuits and seating. Next come the iconic gull-wing doors with their ingenious hinging mechanism that allows them to open just like in the movie. The exterior silver panelling follows, creating that distinctive stainless steel look that defines the DeLorean. As you add layer upon layer, the time machine gradually materialises before your eyes, with each step revealing new details that fans will instantly recognise.

Expert Building Techniques

Since this falls under LEGO's Creator Expert series, the build offers some challenging moments that will satisfy experienced brick enthusiasts. The techniques used go beyond basic stacking, incorporating SNOT (Studs Not On Top) methods that allow bricks to be attached from multiple angles, creating the sleek lines and complex curves of the DeLorean's body. You'll encounter clever part usage throughout, like how the flux capacitor uses transparent elements with subtle colouring to achieve its iconic glow. The hood opens on a smooth hinge system, revealing additional details beneath. Even the wheels feature precise engineering that allows them to fold up for flight mode or remain grounded for standard driving configuration. These advanced building methods might teach even veteran builders a few new tricks and showcase why LEGO remains the pinnacle of construction toys.

Customisation Options

One of the most impressive aspects of this set is how it allows for three distinct versions of the time machine. After completing the main build, you can choose which era's DeLorean to display. Converting between versions requires some partial disassembly and reconfiguration, but the instructions clearly illustrate the process for each variant. The 1985 original features the lightning rod and plutonium chamber. For the 2015 hover conversion, you'll fold the wheels and add Mr. Fusion. The 1885 Wild West version includes rugged details and distinctive whitewalled wheels. This versatility gives you three models in one box, extending both the building experience and display options.

Taking Your Back to the Future LEGO to the Next Level

While impressive straight out of the box, true fans can supercharge their DeLorean with a custom Light Kit for Back to the Future Time Machine (10300). This aftermarket addition brings movie magic to your model with:

Pulsing, glowing flux capacitor that mimics the film's special effect
Illuminated time circuit displays that actually light up
Underglow effects for hover mode
Engine lighting that simulates the fiery time travel effect
Soft interior lighting for the cockpit

back to the future lego light kit

Installation takes about an hour, with the wiring cleverly hidden within the model's structure. The battery pack tucks discreetly underneath, allowing for a clean display while still being accessible for power switching.

For museum-quality presentation, consider adding an LED Nameplate for the Back to the Future Time Machine to your display. These custom nameplates feature illuminated text and logos, creating a professional exhibition feel for your prized build.

Why Every Fan Should Own This LEGO Back to the Future Set

This isn't just another brick set – it's a time capsule that captures movie history. Here's why it deserves a spot in your collection:

1. Movie accuracy that satisfies even the most detail-oriented fans

2. Triple-threat versatility with three different building options

3. Display-worthy presence that makes an impression even from across the room

4. An engaging build process filled with clever techniques

5. Collectable value that tends to increase after retirement from LEGO's catalogue

Whether you grew up watching the adventures of Doc and Marty or discovered the trilogy more recently, this set bridges generations with its appeal. It works equally well as a hands-on building project or as a showpiece that sparks conversations about one of cinema's most beloved franchises.

The Final Countdown

The LEGO 10300 Back to the Future Time Machine bridges nostalgia and craftsmanship in brick form. It delivers not just a model but an experience that begins with the build and continues every time you glance at your completed DeLorean. For movie buffs, LEGO enthusiasts, or anyone who appreciates iconic vehicles, this set hits 88 miles per hour in satisfaction.

When enhanced with a custom Light Kit for Back to the Future Time Machine (10300), the model transcends typical LEGO sets to become a dynamic display piece that captures the cinematic magic that has thrilled audiences since 1985.

Great Scott! What are you waiting for? The past, present, and future of building joy await – no plutonium required.

FAQ

How movie-accurate is the LEGO DeLorean model?

The LEGO Back to the Future Time Machine nails the key visual elements from the films. While some simplification was necessary to make it work in brick form, all signature features are present. The designers clearly studied the movie car extensively, capturing everything from the nuclear reactor vents to the time circuit displays. Even minor details like the California license plate and proper seating arrangement made it into the final model.

Can children build this set, or is it strictly for adults?

While labelled as 18+ due to its complexity, motivated teenagers with LEGO experience could tackle this build. The LEGO Back to the Future DeLorean requires patience and some technical building skills. Parents might consider making it a shared project, helping younger builders through the trickier sections while letting them handle straightforward portions.

Does the DeLorean actually roll on its wheels?

Yes! Unlike some display-only models, the Back to the Future LEGO car features rolling wheels when built in either the 1985 or 1885 configuration. The hover mode naturally doesn't roll, but the wheels fold up properly for an authentic flight position. The steering doesn't function, however, as this would have compromised the model's structural integrity.

How do I install the light kit once I've built the model?

Installing the Back to the Future LEGO Light Kit requires partial disassembly of specific sections to thread the wiring. Comprehensive instructions guide you through which pieces to temporarily remove and how to route the tiny LED wires without damaging the model. Most builders complete the installation in under an hour. The result transforms the static model into a glowing showpiece that captures the movie's visual effects.

Will LEGO release other Back to the Future sets in the future?

While LEGO hasn't announced additional Back to the Future LEGO sets, fan demand certainly exists. The most requested companion set would be Doc Brown's 1985 van/laboratory or the clock tower from Hill Valley. Given the popularity of the DeLorean model, more sets from this franchise remain possible. For now, the LEGO Back to the Future Time Machine stands as the definitive LEGO tribute to this beloved film series.