January 2020 saw not only the announcement of the issue of an Italian number plated Casino Royale DB5 as a tie in to the No Time to Die film but also a re-release of the 1:43 scale gold DB5 with a twist. While released in the same packaging and same 261 Corgi Issue Number of the 1965 Goldfinger model, it's sad that Hornby couldn't do the release justice and issue a true replica of the original 1965 version. Just re-releasing Corgi Classics' 30th anniversary gold model, with revolving number plates that didn't even appear until the 1968 silver model, and no plinth within the box to display it on, is just a cop out!
I placed my pre-order for the two models as soon as they were announced, on 14th January 2020, with the intent of them being shipped with the release of the new No Time to Die film at Easter. That was, however, before Covid-19 struck and we were all hit with 18 months of lockdown!
The story surrounding this new DB5, at the start of 2020, what that having been rebuilt by Q by the conclusion of Spectre, it was to return again in No Time To Die. This silver CC04314 model was a continuation the line of 1:36 scale models, first tooled for the Casino Royale CC04309 in 2009, the only change being, a brand new Italian registration plate.
The story surrounding this new DB5, at the start of 2020, what that having been rebuilt by Q by the conclusion of Spectre, it was to return again in No Time To Die. This silver CC04314 model was a continuation the line of 1:36 scale models, first tooled for the Casino Royale CC04309 in 2009, the only change being, a brand new Italian registration plate.
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| Initial Publicity Shot of the No Time to Die Model |
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| The Final Release Publicity Shot of the Model |
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| Inside the box |
The tagline in the top of the box reads similar to that announced in January 2020, "Rebuilt by Q by the conclusion of Spectre, the iconic Aston Martin DB5 returns again in No Time To Die. This DB5 features a brand new Italian registration plate, and this classic is never far away from the inevitable action that follows James Bond wherever he goes".
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| Spoiler alert! |
But - spoiler alert - if you look closely, you'll see that more than just the number plate, as seen in the January 2020 photograph has changed, Bond has once again got his DB5 all shot up! .. also, interestingly, he's had the machine guns moved from behind the indicators, to the headlights! Can't wait to see how this all happens when the film finally arrives.
The first re-release since 1965 of the James Bond DB5 261 Goldfinger model - RT26101 - was available to pre-order from the start of 2020, but after the Covid delay to the release of the "No Time to Die" movie, was eventually released in the Summer of 2021.
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| Re-release of the 1965 James Bond DB5 261 Goldfinger model |
.. with the blurb:
Pay attention 007! Indisputably the most famous Corgi product release of all time, the 60's version of the James Bond Aston Martin DB5 from Goldfinger a feature packed replica worthy of Q Branch. Featuring rotating number plates, a retractable bullet proof rear shield, extending front over-riders, pop out machine guns, and, of course, a functioning passe ejector seat, this new version of the all-time classic model is now being produced in the original packaging from the very first Corgi No. 261 release from 1965, including a set of instructions hidden in a secret compartment. Both an iconic car and an iconic toy, the new 60's James Bond DB5 from Goldfinger is the most exacting replica of the original classic available.
My model, costing me £27.49, finally arrived on 21st October 2021 ..
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| Inside the box |
The iconic view of the C261 model on its plinth, rolled forward 56 years to this 2021 copy!
Key difference to the 1965 DB5 is the revolving numberplate which was not introduced by Corgi until the release of their 1968 silver version
Nice inclusion of the GB sticker on the rear of the DB5 is another addition not previously seen on any of Corgi's previous James Bone DB5 offerings
This is a very nice model and copy of the 1965 release, which intriguingly, while including the addition of revolving numberplate from the later 1968 release, Corgi have left off the tyre slashers which have been included in all their previous productions of the 1:43 scale DB5. A key addition to the collection.
