From 1978 to the mid-1980s, Kenner released wave after wave of Star Wars toys. Anchored by action figures, the series soon expanded to include larger figures, playsets, and vehicles. In space and on land, Star Wars has some very creative vehicle designs, which kids were itching to pilot themselves. Kenner produced a variety of vehicle toys in a large range of sizes for the smallest to biggest hands. Die-cast and plastic vehicles were created for specific vehicles like the Land Speeder and Slave I, down to fleet vehicles like the Speeder Bike and Imperial Shuttle.
One of the most memorable is the J.C. Penney’s exclusive Sonic Controlled Land Speeder, which had a sound activated mechanism that paired with an R2-D2 remote control clicker. This toy could be ordered through the store’s catalog, starting in 1978, and is among the most popular vehicles with collectors.
Naturally, the Millennium Falcon was one of the first vehicles made, seeing release in ’79. The large toy is about 21” long and stands on three landing gears and has a removable canopy. The cockpit could hold two figures and it has a large living area where figures could be positioned.
The Imperial Troop Transporter was released in 1979 before it was seen on film. This toy gained popularity for its six side compartments to carry Stormtroopers, gun turret, and ability to make sounds from the movie. Slave I Boba Fett’s Spaceship was available in 1981, featuring a Han Solo in Carbonite figure. It had gravity operated wings, a clicking moveable cannon, a removable side panel, and opening rear ramp.
Mini-Rigs began hitting store shelves in the spring of ’81. These were small size vehicles that began with the MLC-3 (Mobile Laser Cannon), MTV-7 (Multi-Terrain Vehicle), and PDT-8 (Personnel Deployment Transport). Next, Kenner released a line of Body-Rigs, which were focused on the person connected to the rig rather than the vehicle. In addition to playsets, the Micro Collection also included small scale vehicles like the X-wing and TIE Fighter, plus a Millennium Falcon Sears exclusive and a Snowspeeder available through J.C. Penney.
Learn more about Star Wars toy vehicles by ordering a copy of The Overstreet Price Guide to Star Wars Collectibles from gemstonepub.com.
