These are the LEGOLAND vehicle sets of the 1970s, the cars, lorries, fire engines, ambulances and tow trucks of LEGO town building before the minifigure. Most came without any figure at all. From 1975 a few included the first small LEGO figures, with a bare head and a body without arms, and these led to the minifigure of 1978. Some carried real brand names, Shell above all, as LEGO had a long partnership with the oil company, and 621 Shell Tanker Truck was one of the first. The later years added a hovercraft and a rally car to the usual mix of emergency services, building machines and transport trucks.
1972 LEGO Sets
1972 was a pivotal year in LEGO’s U.S. expansion. Following the end of its Samsonite license, LEGO founded LEGO USA in Brookfield, Connecticut, while Samsonite continued production in Canada. The year also brought key new parts—including the first boat hulls, wings, propellers, and helicopter rotors—broadening creative possibilities. Trains remained a major focus with sets such as 181 Train Set with Motor, 180 4.5V Train with 5 Wagons, and 724 12V Diesel Locomotive, continuing to enhance LEGO’s realism and play depth.