About LEGO Town Shell
The LEGO Town / Shell theme of 1999 included sets such as 1256 Shell Service Station and 1255 Shell Car Wash, representing a partnership between LEGO and the Shell oil company. This collaboration began in the 1960s, with LEGO producing sets that featured Shell branding, including service stations, tanker trucks, and race cars. This relationship aimed to create realistic urban and racing environments in LEGO Town sets, incorporating familiar real-world brands to enhance the play experience. The partnership also included promotional sets available at Shell gas stations.
1999 LEGO Sets
1999 was a landmark year with the launch of LEGO Star Wars, the company’s first licensed theme, debuting alongside The Phantom Menace. This partnership with Lucasfilm transformed LEGO’s strategy and ushered in the era of licensed themes. New original lines included Rock Raiders, Slizers (Throwbots), and Adventurers: Jungle, while LEGO Education was formally established from LEGO Dacta. Several older themes—Cyberslam, TechPlay, UFO, Insectoids, Znap, and Model Team—were retired, marking a clear generational shift toward modern play concepts and digital engagement.