The Dawn of the LEGO® Star Wars™ Ultimate Collector Series (2000 – 2004)

From the agile TIE Interceptor to the menacing Imperial Star Destroyer, early sets in the Ultimate Collector Series sparked an exciting new era for adult fans.

A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away – the early 2000s – marked a major milestone for LEGO® set enthusiasts, with the launch of the Ultimate Collector Series. These detailed models were developed to appeal to both Star Wars™ and LEGO fans, forming the foundation for an impressive and enduring collection. The range’s early years are defined by experimentation (like a Jedi Padawan discovering the ways of the Force).

2000: The First Step

The LEGO Group introduced the Ultimate Collector Series with two models in 2000, TIE Interceptor (7181) and X-wing Fighter (7191). Both featured unique grayscale packaging to differentiate them from other LEGO Star Wars sets of the time.

The TIE Interceptor was perhaps a surprising place to start. Though famously deployed at the Battle of Endor, the TIE Interceptor is often overshadowed by the more common TIE fighter. Nevertheless, the vehicle’s solar array wings looked as sleek in LEGO form as they do onscreen, using harpoons for the wingtip weapons and shovels as targeting sensors, a technique that would return 23 years later in a new TIE Interceptor (75382).

However, the Galactic Empire’s new fighter would not go unchallenged, as the X-wing Fighter (7191) arrived at the same time. This rendition of the Rebel Alliance’s classic starfighter contained 1,300 pieces and offered intricate mechanical detail across its hull, as well as wings that could open together via a Technic™ mechanism inside.

Of course, the most notable feature of each model, and one that has continued across many Ultimate Collector Series sets, is their size. Far bigger than normal sets, this gave designers more opportunity to use the Force when detailing.

2001: Changing the Format

Boundaries were pushed in 2001, with the release of two more sets, completely unlike those produced the year before.

Darth Maul was a breakout character from The Phantom Menace™ and was immortalized at close to life-size in the Darth Maul (10018) bust. This model bears a striking resemblance to the character, using combinations of black and red parts to recreate the Sith Apprentice’s elaborate facial tattoos. There is even a chrome silver aerial included, forming Maul’s ear stud and showing remarkable attention to detail.

The 28-inch – or 70cm – long Rebel Blockade Runner (10019) was another engineering feat. Princess Leia’s iconic transport was constructed around a rigid Technic core and made use of a new LEGO color at the time… dark red. In fact, the color debuted in this set, becoming more widely available a year later.

2002: Increasing Ambition

The Ultimate Collector Series gained further momentum in 2002, with the release of three unforgettable sets. Again, these three were totally unique, showcasing various corners of the Star Wars galaxy and different formats for adult-oriented LEGO sets.

The Yoda (7194) buildable statue depicts the wise Jedi Master as a 14-inch (35.5cm) statue, using traditional bricks to recreate his robe and featuring a rotating head. The brick-built figure even comes with a blissl, the musical instrument Yoda carried around during the Original Trilogy.

Chrome elements are the defining feature of another Ultimate Collector Series model released in 2002 – the Special Edition Naboo Starfighter (10026). The vehicle is almost minifigure-scale, but includes an opaque cockpit and several rare chrome silver pieces to capture the starfighter’s shiny finish.

However, it was the Imperial Star Destroyer (10030) that truly stole the show. At the time of its release, this 3,096-piece behemoth was the largest LEGO set ever produced and dominated any display, stretching over 37 inches (90cm) in length! The structure made clever use of magnets to secure its vast hull panels, accented with adjustable turbolasers and intricate detail. Nice!

2003 and 2004: Establishing a Style

In 2003, the range, returned to the initial Ultimate Collector Series format with the Rebel Snowspeeder (10129). Not only was the vehicle’s size similar to the sets released in 2000, but it was presented on a dynamic stand and came with an information plaque, features that have continued to many modern sets. The high level of detail also continued, especially around the Snowspeeder’s laser cannons.

The Y-wing Attack Starfighter (10134) followed a year later, also mounted on a display stand, as though preparing for its attack run on the Death Star’s thermal exhaust port! Y-wings are known for their exposed mechanical systems, so LEGO designers took this chance to go further than ever before with detailing, using parts created as telephones, taps and even a train wheel.

Through a period of experimentation and a little Jedi-like patience, the Ultimate Collector series found its footing. Iconic features that would persevere for years to come began with these nine sets, but innovation would continue between 2005 and 2009, up next…