The Ultimate LEGO DeLorean – A Timeless Build?
When Back to the Future first hit theaters in 1985, no one could have predicted that a stainless-steel sports car would become one of the most iconic movie vehicles of all time, particularly as the Delorean Motor Company (DMC) was such a spectacular failure. Decades later, the DeLorean Time Machine still holds a special place in pop culture, especially for those who grew up in the 70’s and the 80’s, and LEGO fans have been eager for a truly definitive version of it.
Enter the LEGO Back to the Future Time Machine (10300), a 1,872-piece set designed for adult collectors (18+) and nostalgic fans. But does this set deliver a screen-accurate, satisfying, and display-worthy model? Or does it feel like just another licensed cash grab? Let’s hop in the driver’s seat, hit 88 mph, and find out.
First Impressions & Unboxing
Right out of the gate, LEGO presents this set as a premium display model rather than just a standard playset. The box art is sleek, featuring the DeLorean in a cinematic pose with its glowing blue time circuits engaged—a clear sign that LEGO put extra effort into the presentation.
One disappointing aspect, and this is the case with all LEGO sets now, is the box thumb press tabs which mean that when you open the box it’s irreversibly damaged. I personally like to keep all of my boxes and so I usually try to open the box without the thumb tabs. I understand it’s for security and to prevent selling of sets which have been tampered with, but it’s annoying all the same!
Inside, the instruction manual is a delight for Back to the Future fans. It doesn’t just provide the steps to build the set—it dives into behind-the-scenes trivia, film facts, and insights from LEGO’s designers about how they engineered some of the set’s most impressive details. The manual stars with a foreword from Bob Gale, the Co-Creator of Back to the Future. After that there are some interesting facts about the car in the movie. From page 240 (and this is where it gets good!) you can choose your favorite out of the 3 cars, and the remainder of the build then focuses on the unique aspects of the car for movie 1, 2 or 3, depending on which you choose. So, if you have the funds you could theoretically buy 3 sets and build each of the cars from the movies to display side by side. There isn’t a second version from the third movie to build, so if you enjoy the Delorean on the railway line then you’ll be disappointed – I think this would have been a nice addition to the model and would have made it more screen accurate.
Building the DeLorean – A Step Through Time
Phase 1: Chassis & Interior
The build starts with the underlying Technic frame, which provides structural integrity and houses some of the clever moving mechanisms.
From the beginning, it’s clear this is more than just a basic car model—LEGO has designed intricate play features, including:
- Foldable hover wheels (activated by a hidden lever).
- Steering functionality (though limited).
- Opening gull-wing doors with a smooth, weight-balanced hinge system.
One point on the gull-wing doors – these don’t stay open on their own. If you want to display the car with the doors open then you would need to find a way to support them open with something like a clear brick. This is certainly one disappointing aspect to the model.
The dashboard is particularly impressive, featuring printed dials, a time circuit display, and even the famous flux capacitor, which lights up with a LEGO brick-powered light element which activates from a small button on the outside of the model so you can light up the “cockpit”. Small details, like the OUTATIME license plate (which has other variations also), help the build feel authentic and faithful to the movies.
Phase 2: Exterior Details & Movie Accuracy
Building the curved body of the DeLorean presents some challenges—since the real car has a smooth, stainless-steel look, LEGO’s designers had to get creative with angled plates and curved slopes to replicate the effect. Sticker use is minimal, and most details (like vents, dials, and screens) are printed elements, which is a huge plus.
Some of the most impressive movie-accurate touches include:
- The flux bands that wrap around the car, accurately capturing the wiring seen in the film.
- The Mr. Fusion reactor (for the Part II version).
- The hook attachment for the lightning strike scene (Part I).
- The front-mounted circuit board for the 1955 Wild West version (Part III).
Phase 3: The Time Travel Features
This isn’t just one DeLorean—it’s three in one! By swapping a few elements, you can transform the car to match each of the three Back to the Future films:
1️⃣ Part I (1985) – Features the original plutonium-powered design with a lightning rod attachment.
2️⃣ Part II (2015) – Adds Mr. Fusion and folding hover wheels to recreate the flying DeLorean.
3️⃣ Part III (1885) – Introduces whitewall tires and the old-school hood circuit board, referencing the Old West finale.
Switching between these modes is simple but rewarding with the additional bags of parts provided by LEGO, making this one of the most versatile LEGO movie cars ever produced. As we previously mentioned, if you can stump up the £169.99 / $199.99 price three times then you would have a set of 3 cars from all movies. Add in the lighting kits from a company such as LightMyBricks as you have a fantastic nostalgic display.
Minifigures & Accessories – Could There Be More?
In total, this set includes two exclusive minifigures, these are different to those two included in the previous LEGO Ideas Mini Delorean (set 21103). The Doc Brown figure is entirely different, whereas the Marty McFly minifigure is different but has a very similar outfit:
- Marty McFly, wearing his Back to the Future Part II futuristic jacket.
- Doc Brown, dressed in his 2015 silver glasses and yellow coat ensemble.
While these figures look fantastic, some fans might feel a little shortchanged—why not include additional outfits or a Biff Tannen minifigure? Even Einstein the dog would have been a great addition.
Still, the accessories are a fun touch:
✔ Marty’s hoverboard
✔ Plutonium case
✔ Extra license plate variations
Comparing to Previous LEGO DeLoreans
This isn’t LEGO’s first take on the Time Machine. Here’s how 10300 stacks up against earlier versions:
| Feature | 10300 (2022) | 21103 (2013 LEGO Ideas) | Other Mini Versions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pieces | 1,872 | 401 | ~200 (varies) |
| Size | 35 cm long | Small, simplified | Tiny |
| Minifigs | 2 (Marty & Doc) | 2 (Marty & Doc) | None |
| Build Complexity | Advanced, display-quality | Simple, blocky | Basic |
| Modes | Can be modified into all 3 versions | Limited modifications | None |
Clearly, 10300 is the ultimate version, fixing many of the blocky inaccuracies of the 2013 LEGO Ideas version.
Display & Playability – A Collector’s Dream?
For collectors, this set is a home run. At 35 cm (13.5 inches) long, it commands attention on a shelf, and the moving doors, wheels, and light-up flux capacitor make it an interactive display piece.
As a playset, however, it’s more limited. The hover mode mechanism is cool, but the car is quite fragile—this isn’t a set you’d want to repeatedly zoom around the room like a Hot Wheels car.
Value for Money – Is It Worth It?
With a price tag of £169.99 / $199.99, this set sits in the premium LEGO vehicle range. But is it worth it?
YES, IF:
✔ You’re a Back to the Future fan who wants the ultimate LEGO version of the DeLorean.
✔ You love detailed display models that also have interactive features.
✔ You appreciate movie accuracy and premium presentation.
MAYBE NOT, IF:
✘ You’re looking for a budget-friendly LEGO movie car.
✘ You prefer sets with more minifigures and playability.
✘ You don’t have the shelf space for another large display model.
Final Verdict: 9.5/10 – The Best LEGO DeLorean Yet! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐✨
The LEGO Back to the Future Time Machine (10300) is the definitive LEGO DeLorean. With movie-accurate details, incredible build quality, and the ability to transform into all three versions, it’s a must-have for BTTF fans.
If you’ve ever dreamed of owning a DeLorean, this is the next best thing—no plutonium required.
Would you buy this set, or do you think LEGO should go even bigger with a UCS DeLorean? Let me know!