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Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →The LEGO Star Wars item in this headline was offered to the public in a charity auction in 2005—not announced for a new sale today. The lot centered on a special Toy Fair 2005 VIP Gala edition of Darth Vader Transformation, with event memorabilia. NYLine announced bidding from April 21 to May 17, 2005, with proceeds intended for the Starlight Starbright Children’s Foundation’s Fun Center program.
What the 2005 auction included
NYLine’s April 4, 2005 announcement described a bundle of LEGO Star Wars and Toy Fair material, rather than just a boxed retail set. The listed contents were:
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- A VIP Gala invitation featuring Anakin
- The Toy Fair 2005 VIP Gala edition of Darth Vader Transformation
- A signed LEGO Star Wars poster
- A Toy Fair poster
- A Toy Fair tote bag
NYLine said the special edition came in a limited slipcase holding set 7251 and reported that 55 had been produced. BrickEconomy’s description adds that the package included exclusive blister-carded Anakin Skywalker and Darth Vader figures, as well as a special outer presentation box. Those details make the packaging and event materials part of what distinguishes the collectible.
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1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsHow the VIP Gala package differs from retail set 7251
The underlying build is LEGO set 7251, Darth Vader Transformation. BrickEconomy describes the build as identical to the later retail version. That does not make a standard retail copy equivalent to the VIP Gala collectible: the rare package’s special presentation, exclusive figures and accompanying event memorabilia are separate from the ordinary set.
#1 Best Overall
- BUILD THE DARK LORD – The LEGO Star Wars Darth Vader Bust (75439) building set for adults ages 18 and up lets fans recreate the authentic details of Darth Vader's iconic look as seen in the Star Wars original trilogy
- DETAILED BUILDING KIT FOR ADULTS – Use clever construction techniques to recreate Darth Vader's helmet and upper body, then rotate his head left and right or turn the bust on its stand to view it from all angles
- INCLUDES DARTH VADER MINIFIGURE – Showcase the Darth Vader minifigure on his own or modify the brick-built stand to display him alongside the completed bust
- STAR WARS COLLECTIBLE – A Star Wars nameplate adds the finishing touch to the completed bust, which makes wonderful sci-fi room decor that can be displayed on a bookshelf, office desk or bedroom table
- STAR WARS GIFT FOR ADULTS – Makes a great birthday or special occasion gift for men, women and adult fans of LEGO Star Wars sets, the Star Wars universe and Darth Vader collectibles
| Item | What it represents |
|---|---|
| Retail set 7251 | The Darth Vader Transformation build, also used in the VIP Gala package. |
| VIP Gala package | The special Toy Fair 2005 presentation with exclusive figures and event-related materials; NYLine’s auction lot also listed posters, an invitation and a tote bag. |
How many were made—and what the figure means
NYLine’s 2005 announcement and Brick Fanatics’ 2024 article both report a production run of 55. BringMeSolo, however, describes the quantity as “55 or 75 made.” The count is therefore reported by sources, not independently established here; 55 is the figure given by NYLine and Brick Fanatics, but the discrepancy is worth noting when discussing rarity.
Was the auction recent, and what did it sell for?
The dates in the headline’s source refer to the historical auction: NYLine announced bidding for April 21 through May 17, 2005. The available sources do not establish a current listing for this exact package or confirm its hammer price. Brick Fanatics cited an estimate above £4,000 in 2024; that is an estimate, not a documented sale result or a guaranteed current value. BrickEconomy displays a database valuation in euros, but a dynamic estimate is not proof of what this particular lot sold for.
Rank #2
- Build the Emperor’s medical bay and recreate Anakin’s change into Darth Vader with the turning table and helmet applicator
- Featured in Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith.Lower Anakin on the table, twist the handle and raise evil Lord Vader
- Includes Emperor Palpatine, Anakin Skywalker and Darth Vader, plus two buildable medical droid figures
- LEGO Star Wars building toys are compatible with all LEGO construction sets for creative building
Because no verified current listing for the exact package is established, a buyer cannot use these sources alone to judge a live asking price or the condition of a specific example. For a collectible package, the completeness and condition of its box, figures and event memorabilia—and evidence that they belong together—are central to assessing what is being offered.
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Why the public auction mattered
The item was described as an invited-guest promotion at the 2005 International Toy Fair in New York, but the auction itself was announced as open to bidders rather than restricted to VIPs. NYLine said proceeds would benefit the Starlight Starbright Children’s Foundation’s Fun Center program. The public-access angle in the headline refers to that auction, not to a new opportunity to buy the package today.
Quick Recap
Rank #3
- Quick-build Darth Vader Mech toy (75368) – Introduce children to the action-packed LEGO Star Wars universe with this easy-to-build mech for play and display
- An iconic Star Wars character – The Darth Vader LEGO minifigure comes with a red lightsaber for action play
- Posable mech suit – This buildable Star Wars action figure toy has posable hands, arms, legs and feet, an opening minifigure cockpit, a large red lightsaber and a clip for the Darth Vader LEGO minifigure’s lightsaber
- Part of a series of collectible LEGO Star Wars mechs – This mech can be combined with the 75369 Boba Fett Mech and 75370 Stormtrooper Mech sets (sold separately) for extra play possibilities
- Star Wars toy for kids ages 6 and up – Give this 139-piece LEGO Star Wars playset to kids as an anytime treat, birthday present or holiday gift
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