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.
1977 LEGO Sets
1977 introduced the Expert Builder series—precursor to Technic—using beams, axles, and gears for mechanically rich models. Town-style sets broadened everyday subjects with houses, shops, and vehicles. Dedicated Space and Castle themes were still a year away, but elements and styling hinted at their imminent arrival.