LEGO 1997 / Basic Sets

In 1997 LEGO released 31 Basic sets across 2 subthemes. The largest Basic set from 1997 was 2184 XL Bulk Bucket with a piece count of 1000 and a retail price of $24.99. The current estimated value of all these Basic sets from this year is about $383.05 which represents a 532.6% growth.

The LEGO Basic theme, which began in the 1970s, was designed to be a more general, non-thematic series of sets. Unlike the themed sets that revolve around specific stories, characters, or concepts (e.g., space, city, or pirates), the Basic theme provided a collection of standard LEGO bricks and pieces, often in a variety of colors. The goal was to encourage free building and creativity without the confines of a specific theme or narrative.

1997 LEGO Sets

In 1997, the LEGO Group faced significant challenges as it grappled with a changing toy market and internal organizational shifts. While the company introduced its first-ever licensed theme, "Star Wars," laying the groundwork for one of its most successful and enduring lines, it also experienced a dip in sales for the first time since its inception. The LEGO Group recognized the need to innovate and diversify its product offerings beyond traditional brick sets, leading to endeavors in new areas like software and video games, with the launch of LEGO Island, its first PC game. This year marked a period of introspection and transformation for the iconic toy company.