Basic Sets or Universal sets were part of 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.
1977 LEGO Sets
In 1977, LEGO expanded its product range with new sets that focused on city life, introducing models of houses, stores, and vehicles. This year also saw the introduction of the LEGO Expert Builder series, which laid the foundation for what would later become the LEGO Technic theme. These sets featured specialized elements such as beams, gears, axles, and connectors, allowing for more mechanically complex builds, including cars, airplanes, and construction equipment.