No. 857

Expert Builder

Motorbike with Sidecar

Motorbike with Sidecar is a legendary piece of LEGO history from the early days of advanced building.

Time on the shelf Retired

Released Jan 1979

Before you buy

Who it's for
Intermediate build Perfect for adult collectors and fans of vintage LEGO history
Build
409 pieces · about 2 hours Build time is an estimate.
Cost
Affordable Next to other LEGO sets. Check the store for today's price.
Availability
Retired at LEGO
★★★☆☆ 3.8 community rating

Vintage enthusiasts praise its nostalgic charm and historical significance, though modern builders often criticize its fragile construction and limited color scheme.

📝 Our Take

Motorbike with Sidecar is a legendary piece of LEGO history from the early days of advanced building. Released in 1979, this vintage model captures the charm of classic engineering long before modern themed lines dominated store shelves.

This set is perfect for vintage collectors and nostalgic builders who appreciate retro mechanics. Putting together this classic machine offers a fascinating look at how the hobby has evolved, relying entirely on early Technic elements and traditional bricks rather than modern specialized molds.

Skip this if you are looking for modern building techniques or playability suited for younger audiences. The vintage color palette and fragile older connections mean this is best treated as a delicate display piece rather than a toy.

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What makes 1979 Expert Builder sets different from modern Technic models? How difficult is it to find complete vintage parts for this set today? Does this model scale well with modern minifigures or other vintage vehicles? What are the key differences between early Technic pins and modern friction pins?

🧱 Building Experience

🧩
409
Pieces
⏱
2.0h
Estimated Build Time
📊
Intermediate
Difficulty
Build Highlights:
  • Classic 1970s Expert Builder engineering
  • Early use of foundational Technic pins and links
  • Charming retro sidecar attachment design
  • Satisfying throwback building process

📈 Investment Analysis

↑ Trending up since release
B+
Investment Grade
Retired
As a vintage Expert Builder set from the late 1970s, Motorbike with Sidecar holds strong historical appeal for serious retro collectors. Because supplies of complete vintage sets in good condition dwindle over time, well-preserved examples tend to command solid interest on the secondary market. However, prospective buyers should keep in mind that vintage values fluctuate based on condition and the presence of original instructions or boxes, making it a niche collector's item rather than a guaranteed growth asset.

Not Financial Advice: Content is for educational purposes only. Past performance doesn't guarantee future results. Full disclaimer

📦 Parts Inventory

Official piece count
409
Parts cataloged in this inventory
61 unique parts, 403 pieces

LEGO counts 409 pieces. This inventory comes from a separate parts catalog and lists 403; the two do not always count the same elements, so their totals differ. Spare parts are counted in neither figure.

A fantastic assortment of early vintage elements, featuring classic light gray plates and foundational Technic links that appeal strongly to restorers of 1970s sets.

🛒 Where to Buy

💎 Notable Parts

Black Technic Link (32x)
Light Gray Technic Pin without Friction Ridges Lengthwise (20x)
Light Gray Technic Bush (20x)
Black Technic Axle 8 (6x)

💡 MOC Potential

🚗 Retro delivery trike or vintage postal sidecar conversion
🏙 Classic 1970s street scene diorama matching the era's aesthetic

📰 Expert Builder News

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Inventory Statistics

Inventory version 2

61 Unique Parts

409 Official Piece Count

403 Cataloged Inventory Pieces

0 Minifigures

6 Spare Parts

LEGO counts 409 pieces. This inventory comes from a separate parts catalog and lists 403; the two do not always count the same elements, so their totals differ. Spare parts are counted in neither figure.

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Matched on the parts and colors each set has in common with this one, with rare pieces counting for more than the plates every set has.