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If you’ve been scrolling through LEGO forums or deep-diving into marketplace listings, you’ve probably hit a confusing fork in the road. You’re looking for the ultimate DeLorean, but two numbers keep popping up: 10288 and 10300.
Which one is the real deal? Why is there so much conflicting info? Let’s break it down and clear up the confusion so you don’t end up buying something you didn’t bargain for.
The Big Reveal: Only One of These is “Real”
Let’s get straight to the point: LEGO 10300 is the official, large-scale set released by LEGO under the Icons (formerly Creator Expert) line.
So, what about 10288?
If you’re looking for 10288 in the official LEGO catalog, you won’t find it. It’s essentially a “ghost” number. Early on, before the 10300 was officially announced, “10288” was a placeholder number leaked by rumors. In other cases, you might see this number used by third-party “alternative” brick brands or custom MOC (My Own Creation) designers.
Bottom line: If you want the authentic, high-quality LEGO experience, 10300 is the only way to go.
Why the LEGO 10300 is a Masterpiece
Now that we’ve cleared up the mystery, let’s talk about why the 10300 Back to the Future Time Machine is worth every penny. This isn’t just a toy; it’s a 1,872-piece love letter to the trilogy.
1. Three Movies, One Box
The best part about the 10300 is that it’s a 3-in-1 build. You get all the pieces needed to customize the car into your favorite version:
- Version 1: The classic 1985 look with the lightning rod.
- Version 2: The “Where we’re going, we don’t need roads” flying version from Part II (complete with fold-down wheels!).
- Version 3: The 1955 era version with hood-mounted electronics and white-wall tires.
2. The “Fluxing” Details
LEGO really outdid themselves with the interior. It features:
- A Light Brick that actually illuminates the Flux Capacitor.
- Printed tiles for the dashboard and the “OUTATIME” license plate.
- Working gull-wing doors that open just like the real DeLorean.
3. Exclusive Minifigures
You get Doc Brown and Marty McFly in their futuristic outfits from 2015. Doc even has his yellow coat, and Marty has his iconic hoverboard. These are exclusive to this set, making them highly collectible.
Comparison at a Glance
| Feature | LEGO 10300 (Official) | “10288” (Rumor/MOC) |
| Authenticity | 100% Genuine LEGO Icons | Placeholder or Non-LEGO |
| Piece Count | 1,872 pcs | Varies (usually unknown) |
| Transformability | 3-in-1 (Part I, II, and III) | Usually fixed design |
| Value | High resale & display value | Low to None |
Final Thoughts: Don’t Get Lost in Time
If you see a listing for “10288,” be cautious. It’s likely a knock-off or a mislabeled post. For the real cinematic experience—the one with the light-up Flux Capacitor and the perfect 3-in-1 versatility—the LEGO 10300 is the gold standard.
It’s easily one of the best sets LEGO has released in years. Whether you’re a hardcore fan or just love great engineering, this is the one that belongs on your shelf.
Happy building, and remember: the future is whatever you make it!