Phil’s Solar X-Wing: A Gridbeam Starfighter from the 1980s

Long before DIY EVs were cool, Phil built this solar-powered marvel—a Gridbeam interpretation of the iconic X-Wing from Star Wars. Constructed entirely from Gridbeam and outfitted with solar panels, this experimental vehicle could hit speeds of up to 20 mph.

Built in the 1980s, it wasn’t just a nod to sci-fi—it was a real-world exploration of sustainable transport and modular design. With its angular blue nose cone, wing-like solar arrays, and lightweight frame, the Solar X-Wing was part art, part engineering, and all Gridbeam.

Proof that with a little imagination and a few beams, you really can build anything—even a starfighter.