A MISPLACED and long-forgotten model of an X-Wing Fighter, from the 1977 Star Wars: A New Hope movie, has been rediscovered languishing in a garage.
The ‘out of this world’ find has stirred up excitement among Star Wars enthusiasts, as this particular model played a pivotal role in the film’s famous climactic ‘trench run’ battle, capturing the hearts of millions of fans worldwide.
The meticulously crafted 20-inch model, created by George Lucas’ effects company, Industrial Light & Magic, has an exceptional level of detail.
Complete with moveable wings and functioning lights, this piece of cinematic history was primarily used for close-up shots, accurately representing the X-Wings famously piloted by beloved characters like Luke Skywalker.
The replica was discovered in the collection of model-maker Greg Jein, who died in May last year, aged 76. Jein was nominated for an Oscar for his work on 1941 and Close Encounters of the Third Kind.
This rare and highly sought-after X-Wing model is now set to go under the hammer at an upcoming auction, with initial bids starting at a whopping £320,000.
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Jein’s remarkable collection also features an array of other rare items, including an original Stormtrooper costume from Star Wars, an astronaut suit from the classic film ‘2001: A Space Odyssey,’ and various props from the series Star Trek.
All these extraordinary pieces will be showcased and auctioned at a highly anticipated event in Dallas this October by Heritage Auctions.
The X-Wing model has been described by Heritage Auctions as “the pinnacle of Star Wars artefacts to ever reach the market”.
Visual effects experts Gene Kozicki told the Hollywood Reporter the X-Wing was regarded as a ‘white whale‘ by those working in the industry as no one knew where it was.
“For those of us that grew up in the 1970s or 1980s, and those of us that work in visual effects, this model is as significant a find as the ruby red slippers or the Maltese Falcon,” Kozicki said.
Kozicki was among a group of friends who found the model in a cardboard box while helping Jein’s family organise his collection.
He said everyone there “knew immediately that it was the actual filming model and then the magnitude of the discovery started to set in”.
To see the full collection on auction click here.
