LEGO Icons 10318 Concorde isn’t the first brick-built version of the aircraft

The first brick-built version of the supersonic plane was released over 40 years before the upcoming arrival of LEGO Icons 10318 Concorde.

The week saw the official reveal of 10318 Concorde, a 2,083-piece LEGO Icons set that’s due to be available for VIPs on September 4. Everyone else can gain access to the model on September 7, with the upcoming build being priced at £169.99 / $199.99 / €199.99.

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10318 Concorde looks to be a suitable impressive LEGO Icons set, one that includes plenty of functionality and potentially numerous new pieces. The model measures 105cm long, 15cm tall and 43cm wide and features a tilting nose, functioning landing gear, detailed interior and a special display stand for flight, take-off and landing modes.

However, as striking as 10318 Concorde is, there’s something slightly familiar about the model and it may not be the first time we’ve seen a blocky version of the aircraft released. Back in 1961, the LEGO Group entered into a licensing agreement with luggage-maker Samsonite to manufacture and market LEGO bricks un the US and Canada.

Although ultimately dissatisfied with the quality of the elements Samsonite created, one set that was produced during this period was 346 Jumbo Jet. Release in 1970, the 111-piece model was billed as a ‘futuristic looking commercial airliner’ with a ‘swept wing design (that) has the look of tomorrow.’

Of course, what the non-licensed set actually seemed to look like, in everything but name, was Concorde. The nose, fuselage, wings and tail all had a striking resemblance to the supersonic aircraft, even if the title of the set suggested a much different kind of plane altogether. It would take more than four decades for an official version of the iconic vehicle to be released, but it certainly wouldn’t be the first time a flight was late for a landing.

10318 Concorde will take off on September 4 for VIP members, priced at £169.99 / $199.99 / €199.99, with a wider release of the model scheduled from September 7. For more information on the upcoming LEGO Icons set, head on over to our visual tour and gallery here.

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