The world of LEGO is vast and rich with history, stretching back over decades since the company’s founding in 1932. The first LEGO set as we know it today, with the interlocking brick system, was introduced in 1958. Since then, LEGO has launched thousands of sets, captivating the imaginations of both children and adults alike. Here, we explore the top 10 oldest LEGO sets, highlighting their contributions to the LEGO legacy.
1. Automatic Binding Bricks (1949)
Before the LEGO brick we know today, there were Automatic Binding Bricks, introduced in 1949. These were LEGO’s first foray into plastic toys and are considered the precursor to the modern LEGO system. Although not compatible with today’s bricks, they marked the beginning of the LEGO construction toy concept.
2. Town Plan No.1 (1955)
The Town Plan No.1 was part of the LEGO System of Play. It featured a large baseboard and was designed to inspire children to build their own towns using LEGO bricks. This set laid the groundwork for the detailed LEGO city and modular buildings we see today.
3. LEGO System of Play Sets (1958)
1958 was a pivotal year for LEGO, with the introduction of the LEGO brick patent. The first sets under this new system featured basic bricks and were aimed at encouraging free building. These sets are foundational, introducing the interlocking brick system that would become LEGO’s signature.
4. 700/3 Gift Package (1960)
This set was one of the first to be introduced after the patent of the modern LEGO brick. It included a variety of bricks and was one of the earliest examples of LEGO’s expansion into more diverse sets.
5. 400/1 4.5V Motor Set (1960)
LEGO’s foray into motorized elements began with this set. It allowed builders to add movement to their creations, opening a new realm of possibilities for what could be built with LEGO bricks.
6. 810 Town Plan (1961)
An evolution of the earlier Town Plan sets, the 810 Town Plan included detailed buildings and road plates. It provided a more comprehensive base for children to build their towns, complete with gas stations and houses.
7. Wheel Toy Set (1962)
The introduction of wheels into the LEGO system revolutionized the types of models that could be built. This set was among the first to include tires and axles, paving the way for the countless vehicle sets that LEGO would later produce.
8. 001 Gears Set (1965)
The Gears Set was a breakthrough in adding functionality to LEGO creations. It introduced gears, axles, and other parts that allowed for complex mechanical models, significantly expanding the educational potential of LEGO sets.
9. 450 Fork Lift (1972)
As part of the LEGO Technic line introduced in the early ’70s, the Fork Lift set featured moving parts and pneumatic systems. It showcased LEGO’s commitment to creating more technically sophisticated and realistic models.
10. 375 Castle (1978)
The LEGO Castle set introduced a new theme of historical and fantasy models. It was one of the first sets to include mini-figures with distinct roles and costumes, setting the stage for the detailed and thematic sets that have become a hallmark of LEGO.
From simple automatic binding bricks to complex sets with motors and gears, LEGO has continuously evolved, pushing the boundaries of creativity and construction. These top 10 oldest LEGO sets mark significant milestones in the company’s history, each contributing to the development of the LEGO system as a tool for imaginative play and learning. They not only reflect the innovation and vision of LEGO but also the enduring appeal of building and creating with these iconic bricks.
