LEGO Back to the Future Time Machine Review: For Fans?
LEGO's adult build of the DeLorean, with parts for all three films, a light-up flux capacitor and Doc and Marty. A project for the quiet days after Christmas.
Yes, for a husband who grew up on Back to the Future and enjoys building. It builds as any of the three movie versions and ends up as a display piece [1]. Skip it if there is no shelf for a model car.
By Andrew Pataleta, GiftX founder · Updated October 29, 2026 · Sources
Specs at a glance
| Set | LEGO Icons, number 10300 [1] |
| Versions | Three, one per film [1] |
| Doors | Gull-wing [1] |
| Features | Fold-down wheels, light-up flux capacitor [1] |
| Minifigures | Doc and Marty McFly [1] |
| Extras | Hoverboard, plutonium chamber, Mr. Fusion, plates [1] |
| Display | Information plaque [1] |
Pros and cons
- Needs shelf space
- Expensive for a toy in some eyes
- Fans will spot what is simplified
One car, three movies
Version one has the lightning rod and plutonium chamber, version two brings Mr. Fusion and the hover conversion, and version three has whitewall tires and a circuit board [1]. He chooses which movie lives on the shelf.
Interchangeable license plates include the famous OUTATIME plate [1]. For a fan, those small details are the gift.
The build itself is part of the story. Swapping between versions means taking off and adding parts, which gives him a reason to come back to it after the first weekend.
The details fans look for
Gull-wing doors open, the wheels fold down for flight, the flux capacitor lights up and the dashboard has printed dates [1]. There is an opening trunk too [1].
Doc and Marty minifigures come with a hoverboard, a banana and a soda can [1]. It is a love letter to the films as much as a model.
The included information plaque turns it into a proper display model for a desk or a bookshelf [1]. Fans of the films tend to leave it out all year rather than packing it away with the decorations.
Shelf space and price
Once built, it needs a home. A display model with no shelf ends up back in the box, so check there is room first.
It is also a big spend for a building set. For a casual fan, the smaller LEGO Speed Champions version costs much less, while this one suits someone who wants the full model.
Small parts and minifigures also need keeping away from toddlers and pets while the build is in progress, which is worth planning for in a busy house over the holidays.
A build for the week after Christmas
The days between Christmas and New Year are made for a long build. Clear the dining table and give him an excuse to sit down for a few evenings.
From this guide, pair it with the Bose QuietComfort Headphones and the soundtrack, or with the Tovolo King Cube tray for a drink while he builds.
Wrap it with a printed still from the film, or a ticket for a local screening if one is on. A small extra like that makes it feel chosen rather than bought.
FAQ
How many versions can you build with LEGO set 10300?
Three. The set builds the DeLorean as it appears in each film: version one with the lightning rod, version two with Mr. Fusion and hover mode, version three with whitewall tires [1]. You choose one version at a time and can rebuild to switch [1]
Does the LEGO DeLorean light up?
Yes, the flux capacitor lights up, according to the listing [1]. It also has gull-wing doors, fold-down wheels, printed dashboard dates and an opening trunk [1]. Those details are what make it a display piece rather than a toy It makes a memorable gift for the right person. [1]
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Sources and how we checked
- Amazon.com listing for the LEGO Icons Back to the Future Time Machine 10300
Source check: Amazon prices and contents above were checked on October 29, 2026. We did not test these products hands-on. Picks are based on manufacturer specs, Amazon listings and the reasons people actually give these gifts.
As an Amazon Associate, GiftX earns from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability change, so check Amazon for the current price.