In 1976 the DB5 underwent a third retooling. Although virtually identical to its 1968 predecessor and badged with the same model number 270, cost cutting activities meant that this version was released with fixed number plates and no tyre slashers, although it still retained the remaining gadgets first found on the original 1965 model.
In addition to these changes, the metal spoke wheels and rubber tyres were replaced and moulded plastic took their place with a plated centre giving the appearance of a separate wheel. It is possible that to make space within the chassis for this different wheel design the model also now came sporting flared wheel arches!
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| 1976 Cost Cutting Release |
The 1976 box contained no “Secret Instructions”, these were now printed on the revers of the box with a photo of the car with all gadgets deployed. The spare baddie was now placed within a hole in the side of the box interior.
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| The Secret Instructions are no longer Secret! |
This model stayed in production until late 1977 and was the last James Bond DB5 (or at least for the next 20 years) to be made in the 1:43 scale.
