Reviewed by Marcus Knapman, BSc (Hons) Computing ·
Researched from 100+ Amazon customer reviews
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Few movie cars capture the imagination quite like the DeLorean from Back to the Future. Now LEGO's Speed Champions series has tackled Doc Brown's time machine, complete with flux capacitor and those iconic gull-wing doors. At £17.99, it's positioned as an affordable entry point into both the Speed Champions range and LEGO's movie tie-ins.
I've spent time examining the build instructions, studying the piece count, and looking at what other builders think of this set. The question is whether LEGO has managed to capture the movie magic in brick form, or if this is just another cash-grab licensing deal that'll disappoint fans of the films.
The standout feature here is the dual build option. You can construct the car as it appears in the first film - complete with the lightning hook attachment for that memorable clock tower scene - or rebuild it into the flying version from Back to the Future Part II, with sideways wheels and the Mr. Fusion reactor. It's a clever approach that gives you two display options from one purchase.
The transformation isn't just a case of swapping a few pieces either. The instructions show a proper rebuild that changes the character of the model significantly. Having both the lightning rod setup and the flying configuration means you can pick whichever version resonates more with your favourite film moment.
LEGO has clearly done their homework on the source material. The flux capacitor is represented inside the car, along with the time calculator display that fans will recognise immediately. The rear air vents are there, as are the distinctive DeLorean proportions that made the car perfect for time travel duties.
The cockpit opens to reveal space for both Doc Brown and Marty McFly minifigures, and whilst the figures themselves follow LEGO's standard minifig format, they're instantly recognisable. Doc's wild hair piece and Marty's red gilet capture the essence of the characters well enough for display purposes.
Here's where you need to manage expectations. The Speed Champions format means this isn't a large, detailed model - it's designed to fit the 8-stud-wide standard that defines the series. At this scale, some movie details have to be simplified or omitted entirely.
The gull-wing doors don't actually open, which feels like a missed opportunity given how iconic they are to the DeLorean's appeal. The overall length is also quite compact, which makes it feel more like a toy car than a serious display piece. If you're expecting Creator Expert levels of detail and accuracy, this isn't that kind of build.
The piece count reflects the price point too - you're not getting hundreds of elements here. The build time is relatively short, which makes it accessible for younger builders but might leave adult fans wanting more complexity.
At £17.99, this sits in impulse purchase territory rather than major investment. Compared to other licensed LEGO sets, it's reasonably priced, though you're paying a premium over generic Speed Champions cars for the Back to the Future branding.
The dual build option does add value - essentially giving you two models for the price of one. The inclusion of both main characters is also worthwhile, as licensed minifigures often cost several pounds each when sold separately.
This works best as a display piece for Back to the Future fans rather than a serious building challenge. The dual configuration option and movie-accurate details make it worthwhile at this price, but don't expect the complexity of larger LEGO sets.
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