A stunning discovery was made in a garage—an iconic piece of Star Wars history. This October, fans will have the chance to bid on a 20-inch X-wing starfighter that once belonged to the late model-maker Greg Jein. However, only those with deep pockets will be able to afford it. The Hollywood Reporter reveals that the starting bid for this extraordinary item is a whopping $400K. The hefty price tag is justified by the X-wing’s significance in the franchise’s inaugural film in 1977. According to Heritage Auctions’ website, there were only four “hero models” used in the movie, and this specific one is a model of Red Leader (or Red One). It features functioning lights, a custom paint job, and motorized wings that can be positioned for attack.
Gene Kozicki, a visual effects historian and friend of Jein’s, exclaims, “For those of us who grew up in the ’70s or ’80s, and those who work in visual effects, this model is as remarkable as finding the ruby red slippers or the Maltese Falcon.” Kozicki was helping Jein’s family sort through his extensive collection of rare cinema memorabilia when he stumbled upon a cardboard box, reports the New York Times. Kozicki excitedly recalls, “It was like, ‘Holy cow, we found an X-wing, a real, honest-to-goodness X-wing!'” Red One, distinguished by its single red stripe, appeared in close-up shots and the film’s climactic battle scene.
Red One holds more intrigue than the other three hero models because it went missing for decades. When Jein’s company, Industrial Light & Magic, relocated in 1978, rumors spread that some models were unaccounted for. Kozicki states, “We never could confirm anything. It became something of a mythical ‘white whale’—the missing Star Wars X-wing.” Jein did not document how he acquired this rare model, as well as the hundreds of other valuable props that are also up for auction in his collection, which filled multiple garages and storage facilities in Los Angeles. The Times highlights that the collection includes gems like William Shatner’s lace hairpiece from the original Star Trek and Batman’s yellow utility belt from the 1960s TV series. However, the X-wing is undoubtedly the crown jewel—a similar model sold for $2.4 million in 2022. (Read more auction stories.)
Denial of responsibility! Vigour Times is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
