How many pieces are in the 4.5V Motor Set?

4.5V Motor Set contains 31 pieces.

What age is the 4.5V Motor Set recommended for?

This set is recommended for ages 18+.

When was the 4.5V Motor Set released?

4.5V Motor Set was released in 1976.

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🏛 Supplemental

Set #901

4.5V Motor Set

The 4.

🏆 Best For: Vintage collectors and classic LEGO enthusiasts interested in historical mechanical parts ⏱ 0.5 hr build 🧩 31 pcs

★★★★☆ 4.2

Highly prized by vintage collectors for its historical significance and nostalgic charm, though modern builders find its 4.5V technology severely outdated and expensive to acquire.

MSRP

$23.99

Best Price

$21.59

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📝 Our Take

The 4.5V Motor Set (901-1) is a legendary piece of LEGO history that brought motion to the system of play in the mid-1970s. Released in 1976 as part of the Supplemental theme, this pack provided builders with the essential electrical components to motorize their custom vehicles, trains, and early mechanical creations long before the advent of modern Power Functions.

This set is perfect for vintage LEGO collectors and historians wanting to experience the roots of LEGO automation. The building process is incredibly straightforward and fast, serving as a functional utility kit rather than a traditional display model.

Skip this if you are looking for modern Power Functions, advanced programming, or a complex building experience. Given its high collectible price on the secondary market, contemporary builders will find far more utility in modern Powered Up components.

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How does the 4.5V motor system compare to modern LEGO Power Functions? Is it difficult to find working batteries for the vintage 4.5V battery box? What kind of vintage 1970s models can be motorized with this set? How do you prevent and clean battery corrosion on vintage LEGO electrical contacts?

🧱 Building Experience

🧩

Pieces

⏱

0.5h

Build Time

📊

Beginner

Difficulty

Build Highlights:

Integrating the classic 1970s 4.5V electrical connection system
Handling the iconic, heavy-duty vintage battery box
Using the specialized red wheels and offset tread tires
Testing the operational mechanics of the historic 12x4 motor

📈 Investment Analysis

↑ Trending up since release

B+

Investment Grade

⏳ Appreciating

The 4.5V Motor Set (901-1) is a highly niche collectible that appeals primarily to completionists and vintage LEGO enthusiasts. Because it is a supplemental utility set from 1976, finding one in complete, working condition with undamaged wires and battery terminals is increasingly difficult. This scarcity has driven its secondary market price up significantly over the years. While the price trend remains rising, the market for 1970s electrical components is relatively small compared to classic space or castle themes. The investment potential is solid for pristine, boxed examples, but loose sets with typical play wear or battery corrosion may struggle to find buyers at top-tier prices. It represents a steady, slow-growing historical asset rather than a rapid appreciator.

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

⚖ Compare Similar Sets

4.5V Motor Set

Supplemental • 28 pcs

$110.00

Technical Motor, 4.5V

Technic • 23 pcs

$95.00

4.5V Motor Set

Supplemental • 32 pcs

$140.00

Compared to earlier iterations like the 100-1 Motor Set, this 1976 version features updated Type II motor molds and Type 3 battery boxes, making it slightly more reliable but marginally less rare than the late-1960s releases.

📦 Full Parts Inventory - 12 unique parts • 31 total pieces

Wheel Spoked with...

Part #: 242c01 4× Red

Plate Special 6 x...

Part #: 3058b 1× Black

Wheel with Split ...

Part #: 3482 4× Red

Tyre Offset Tread...

Part #: 3483 8× Black

Technic Axle 6

Part #: 3706 2× Milky White

Technic Brick 2 x...

Part #: 3709a 1× Light Gray

Battery Box, 4.5V...

Part #: 468c03 1× Black

Part #: 74503 1× White

Electric Connecto...

Part #: upn0142c01 2× Blue

Motor, Train, 4.5...

Part #: upn0259c01 1× Black

An incredible time capsule of 1970s functional parts. It features rare, specialized elements like the 6x16 motor-opening plate and the classic 4.5V electrical connectors.

🛒 Where to Buy

eBay

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Walmart

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$22.79

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$23.99

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💎 Notable Parts

Black Motor, Train, 4.5V 12 x 4 x 3 1/3 Type II (1x) $45.00

Black Battery Box, 4.5V 6 x 11 x 3 1/3 Type 3 [Complete Assembly] (1x) $30.00

Black Plate Special 6 x 16 with Motor Opening Wide (1x) $15.00

Blue Electric Connector, 2 Way Male Rounded Narrow Type 1 with Cross-Cut Pins (2x) $10.00

Est. BrickLink Part Value

$100.00

💡 MOC Potential

🚗 Motorize vintage 1970s town vehicles and early chassis builds using the classic red wheels and offset tread tires.

🤖 Create basic motorized kinetic sculptures or primitive walking machines using the 4.5V motor and Technic axle components.

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Inventory Statistics

Unique Parts

Total Pieces

Minifigures

Inventory Version: 1