Box Front
 
Box Sides (click to enlarge)
Box Side (click to enlarge)
Collector Series Box (click to enlarge)
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Catalog Description:
THE DIABOLICAL VILLAIN'S VERY OWN SPACESHIP.
Dramatic replica of the spaceship used by the Empire's invincible lord, DARTH VADER. The DARTH VADER TIE FIGHTER comes in evil grey color. The distinctive Solar Panels pop off at the push of a button to simulate "Battle Damage." A lever raises the cockpit seat. Cockpit can accomodate DARTH VADER or most of the STAR WARS Action Figures. For added play excitement, a dramatic red "laser" cannon lights up and emits a "whining" laser sound when rear deck button is pushed. Two "AA" batteries and Action Figures not included. Ages 4 and up.
Source: 1984 Kenner Collectors Series Pamphlet
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Description:
Released in 1979, the Darth Vader TIE Fighter was basically a recycled version of Kenner's original TIE Fighter vehicle. They simply took the molds for the body portion of that original TIE and shot the parts in a darker color of plastic-- an "evil grey" color according to the above quoted Kenner description. The distinctive wings, however, were specially-created for this toy.
Even though this vehicle was seen in only the original Star Wars film, Kenner re-introduced it in 1984 as part of their "Collector Series" of older action figure toys. The box this item came in was very similar to the early Star Wars packaging, but it included a red-and-yellow "Collector Series" starburst in the upper right corner. The Vader TIE was also sold for a short time during 1979 and 1980 with a "Special Offer" cardboard backdrop. Boxes for this rare issue of the toy can be identified by the bright yellow stickers they bear on their exteriors. In the late '90s, Hasbro released an updated version of this vehicle, but since it featured a newly-tooled body, it is not easily mistaken for its vintage counterpart.
First Issued: 1979 (SW packaging)
Re-issues: 1979 and 1980 (SW packaging, with backdrop and "Special Offer" sticker), 1984 (SW packaging, Collectors Series)
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