Corgi and Matchbox Pre-productions and Prototypes-UPDATED 26/1/2018

ACACIA_AVENUEACACIA_AVENUE UKPosts: 1,775MI6 Agent
UPDATED

I thought some people may be interested in my collection of Corgi/Matchbox Pre-productions and Prototypes.

Matchbox AVTAK Models
I know I have posted these elsewhere but for the sake of this post will show them again.
AVTAK_SET_2.jpg
Starting from the left
Metal Russian Helicopter.
Solid Resin Rolls Royce.
Solid Resin Renault Taxi.
Metal Plymouth Police Car in special markings, I believe about 24 were made.

AVTAK_ROLLS_BM.jpg
Prototype bare metal Rolls Royce with unriveted base


Corgi 1/60 Models
Once again I know I have posted these elsewhere but for the sake of this post will show them again.
CORGI_SMALL_RESIN_1.jpg
Starting from the left
Aston Martin DB5
Lotus Esprit
BMW Z3

SMALL_ASTON_1.jpg
SMALL_ASTON_2.jpg
Bare metal E40 Aston Martin DB6 unriveted to its base, a very delicate model as it falls apart very easily due to not being riveted.

Corgi 1/36 Models
Moonraker Shuttle Satellite
MRDISH.jpg
Made from metal with resin surround and plain plastic fins.

Lotus Esprit Version 1
LOTUS_VER1_1.jpg
LOTUS_VER1_2.jpg
Metal top and base, with clear windows resin periscope, side and rear fins the rear frame is made of plastic.

Lotus Esprit Version 2
LOYUS_VER2_1.jpg
LOTUS_VER2_2.jpg
Standard model with clear windows.

BMW 750i
BMW750_1.jpg
BMW750_2.jpg
Made from resin, even the base is thin plastic, the headlamps are just printed stickers not plastic as the final model.
The sunroof surround is visible but there are no working rocket firing mechanism, nicely detailed bodywork.

BMW Z3
BMWZ3_1.jpg
BMWZ3_2.jpg
Almost solid resin with nicely detailed interior, and no working mechanisms.

Lotus Esprit Turbo
LOTUS_BRONZE_1.jpg
LOTUS_BRONZE_2.jpg
A very nice Resin Model made in two parts and well detailed even down to the lotus badge.

Lotus Esprit Turbo - gold plated
LOTUS_GOLD.jpg
Basically the same model that has been gold plated even the wheels are gold plated then the tyres painted matt black

Ford Mustang
MUSTANG_GOLD.jpg
Now this is an odd one as it appears to have been made from an original 70's model base a resin body and metal doors, the seats do not move as did the 70's version, also the wheels look like old whizzwheels type that have been gold plated and then the tyres painted matt black.
BASE_2.jpg
BASE_1.jpg

Moonbuggy
MOONBUGGY_7.jpg
MOONBUGGY_1.jpg
MOONBUGGY_5.jpg
Based on the 1997 re-release made from metal and resin the radar dish is missing still rotates when moved, the dome opening mechanism is fixed so the dome remains open.

Casino Royale Aston Martin DBS
CRDBS_1.jpg
Raw Cast/Bare Metal Version, this one has no markings on the base like the Boxed Raw Cast Version.
CRDBS_2.jpg
The actual produced item.

Casino Royale Aston Martin DB5
CRDB5_1.jpg
Raw Cast/Bare Metal Version, this one has no markings on the base like the Boxed Raw Cast Version.
CRDB5_2.jpg
Resin Version which weighs only 48 grams compared to the actual version which weighs 133 grams, note the steering wheel is painted brown unlike the final version which is unpainted.
CRDB5_3.jpg
The actual produced item.

04303 Aston Martin DB5
This version has had its roof sealed and been resprayed, the ejector seat mechanism and front machine gun mechanism has also been removed, the original grille has been replaced with a solid grille made of resin and painted gold, the bullet proof screen still works.
This possibly has been created to look like the Thunderball version that was released with just a working bullet proof screen.
ASTONDB5_1.jpg
ASTONDB5_2.jpg
ASTONDB5_3.jpg
ASTONDB5_4.jpg
This pictures illustrates the 3 different versions from the left Goldfinger version, prototype, Thunderball version

271 Aston Martin DB5
ASTONDB5_SHOW_1.jpg
ASTONDB5_SHOW_2.jpg
ASTONDB5_SHOW_3.jpg
I first saw this version about ten years ago and the owner had purchased it from a friend who was a Corgi Rep, and last year he decided to sell it and now its mine.
The front machine guns do not work they are glued in place, the rear bullet proof screen does not work and is glued in an open position, the bandit is stuck to the seat and the base has been screwed to the body of the car.
I have added a picture (albeit not very clear, my camera does not have a good macro function) of the roof in its open position which shows that the retaining bar on the roof is a lot thinner than usual and the side release mechanism does not have the usual bit that juts out to hold the roof down.

Casino Royale Raw Cast Chip
CRPLAQUE.jpg
Just like the chip from the Casino Royale Raw Cast set but instead of a number just has xxx.

94060 Corgi Aston Martin
Originally released in silver in 1991 this version has been painted gold, the front and rear bumpers have been painted silver instead of the usual gold plating, and riveted in the usual way, the front bumper grille is different to the usual version.
GOLD_UNBOXED.jpg
GOLD_BASE.jpg
GOLD_FRONT.jpg
GOLD_REAR.jpg

Die Another Day Car in Ice DVD concept
Corgi Concept artwork and actual finished item, intended to be used on the DVD release of the film 'Die Another Day'.
The car itself is the rather poor first version Aston Martin Vanquish that Corgi released, the other parts are made of clear plastic.
Never released in this form, so a nice one-off, which I find quite fascinating.
Actual size is 220mm wide, 220mm deep, 90mm high
DAD_2.jpg
DAD_3.jpg
DAD_4.jpg
DAD_7.jpg
DAD_8.jpg
DAD_18.jpg

Corgi TY95101 Gyrocopter
A rather odd rendering of the small version of the Corgi Gyrocpter, with a diecast body and plastic parts.
I only know of one other in existence.
GYROCOPTER_1.jpg
GYROCOPTER_2.jpg
GYROCOPTER_3.jpg
GYROCOPTER_4.jpg

Corgi 269 Lotus Esprit Screen
A mint version 1 prototype clear screen for the Corgi 269 Lotus.
For those of you who have the D. Worrall JBDC book there is a picture on p63 showing the original mould with a pair of clear screens.
The two different production used screens are for reference.
269_CLEAR_SCREEN.jpg

Corgi 269 Lotus Esprit Brass Prototype
This amazing brass prototype shows the origins of the fin mechanism on the iconic 269 TSWLM Lotus Esprit.
The brass fins on the sides and back slide in and out and gives a fascinating insight into the construction of the final model. This prototype can be seen on p481 of the MVC Great Book of Corgi.
I acquired this from a very highly respected Bond collector and are forever in his debt for parting with it -{
BRASS_269_LOTUS.jpg

Corgi 96445 30th Goldfinger Anniversary Aston Martin DB5
This particular model caught my attention in that the gold plating was inferior to the the final production made version and that it also had a drilled hole in the arm ejector roof panel, which does not appear on any other Corgi 1/36 scale AM DB5. (picture 1 shows final production version in the background).
During my research into this particular model I have since acquired two further copies from a seller in the far east both with different plating qualities, but with the identical drill holes. The seller informed me he acquired them from a 'factory shop selling factory prototypes and production line samples'.
It is documented that the car was originally going to have a brass finish, but ended up being gold plated, if anybody else has seen one of these or has additional information about this model it would be much appreciated. -{
1_30_TH_ASTON_2_WEB.jpg
1_30_TH_ASTON_3_WEB.jpg
1_30_TH_ASTON_1_WEB.jpg

26/1/2018
I was recently looking through my reference files when I came across a copy of 'Model Collector' November 1993 and I noticed that the Corgi 30th Goldfinger model on the cover had a black bullet proof shield and ejector seat roof, on closer inspection using a magnifying glass I noticed that the ejector seat arm had a hole in it.
After two and half years I think I have answered my own question regarding the three models I have with holes in the ejector seat arm.
I have no idea why certain parts were plated/painted black!!, but I am fairly happy to think that the specific models with holes in the ejector seat arms are actual pre-production models, my next quest is to find an original photograph to confirm this. -{

corgi_1_WEB.jpg
corgi_2_WEB.jpg
corgi_3_WEB.jpg
One of us smells like a tart's handkerchief.
«1

Comments

  • FACTFACT Station ZPosts: 320MI6 Agent
    Those ARE very interesting, thanks for sharing, A_A {[]
  • VoituerVoituer Posts: 483MI6 Agent
    I like the 271 type Aston with the fixed features - very nice.

    I got a couple of the XXX sets from Corgi some years ago in a closed charity auction and guess they were supposed to be gifts on top of the 300 made as why would they bother to remake the chips after having the xxx ones done, thats my theory! The raw casts and variations - tick but I also have them chrome plated and gold plated for editions that never came out. I am going to my storage next week as in a box I have the 1/2 Aston on the mirrored base that never came out. Did you ever see the Electronic DB5 that Corgi were working on? it had a base it sat on with sounds and I had a chance at it but at the time declined.........
  • esseUKesseUK EnglandPosts: 53MI6 Agent
    Hi, did you make the clear windows for the lotus. 8-) I may have got my first post wrong on this topic. :s
    "It's time to get out"
  • Rainier WolfcastleRainier Wolfcastle Posts: 484MI6 Agent
    esseUK wrote:
    Hi, did you make the clear windows for the lotus.
    No, this was done by Corgi themselves before the improved Esprit went into production. I guess it was done to see how the redesigned rocket mechanism aligns with the holes in the windows.
  • esseUKesseUK EnglandPosts: 53MI6 Agent
    esseUK wrote:
    Hi, did you make the clear windows for the lotus.
    No, this was done by Corgi themselves before the improved Esprit went into production. I guess it was done to see how the redesigned rocket mechanism aligns with the holes in the windows.
    Thanks. are there many about do you know. 8-)
    "It's time to get out"
  • ACACIA_AVENUEACACIA_AVENUE UKPosts: 1,775MI6 Agent
    esseUK wrote:
    Thanks. are there many about do you know. 8-)

    I have never seen any others, As Peter pointed The rocket firing mechanism on both versions are totally different even the fin and rudder holding mechanisms were changed as well.

    Nick, I have seen pictures of the 1/2 mirrored aston, it shows the interior on the reverse side, if it had gone into production the rrp was going to be £29.99, would certainly like to see pictures -{

    Was the electronic Aston DB5 1/36 in scale as there were others as well eg: Lotus Esprit and Aston DBS.?

    Do you do private viewings at your storage unit?.......will bring my own blindfold ;)
    One of us smells like a tart's handkerchief.
  • esseUKesseUK EnglandPosts: 53MI6 Agent
    esseUK wrote:
    Thanks. are there many about do you know. 8-)

    I have never seen any others, As Peter pointed The rocket firing mechanism on both versions are totally different even the fin and rudder holding mechanisms were changed as well.

    Nick, I have seen pictures of the 1/2 mirrored aston, it shows the interior on the reverse side, if it had gone into production the rrp was going to be £29.99, would certainly like to see pictures -{

    Was the electronic Aston DB5 1/36 in scale as there were others as well eg: Lotus Esprit and Aston DBS.?

    Do you do private viewings at your storage unit?.......will bring my own blindfold ;)

    Thanks for the update, you have a very nice collection. -{
    "It's time to get out"
  • Rainier WolfcastleRainier Wolfcastle Posts: 484MI6 Agent
    Thank you for this great post! -{
    "Only on AJB!"
    Ford Mustang
    MUSTANG_GOLD.jpg
    Now this is an odd one as it appears to have been made from an original 70's model base a resin body and metal doors, the seats do not move as did the 70's version, also the wheels look like old whizzwheels type that have been gold plated and then the tyres painted matt black.
    Is the baseplate still the old one or already changed?
    Don't want to sound pedantic but the wheels are not like old Whizzwheels - those had 8 circles and were completely flat.
    These concave wheels with 7 openings were used on the Ford Transit (Mk 3 van) or the Routemaster bus in the mid/late eighties as on this example:
    5599_l.jpg
    271 Aston Martin DB5
    ASTONDB5_SHOW_1.jpg

    The front machine guns do not work they are glued in place, the rear bullet proof screen does not work and is glued in an open position, the bandit is stuck to the seat and the base has been screwed to the body of the car.
    I have added a picture (albeit not very clear, my camera does not have a good macro function) of the roof in its open position which shows that the retaining bar on the roof is a lot thinner than usual and the side release mechanism does not have the usual bit that juts out to hold the roof down.
    Now this is very interesting - where have I seen this before? Uh, in the 1978 Corgi catalogue (above, with the 1979 below to compare the prototype shown in the 1978 catalogue with the production model).
    corgicat7879_1.jpg
    corgicat7879_2.jpg

    This is not the exact same car but it has the same design of the retaining bar with the 45-degree reinforcement. Also note that both cars have only two raised guide strips near the center of the bulletproof screen, while the production car has two additional guides close to the outer edges. The bulletproof screen seems to be different on the two prototype cars, with the one in the catalogue unpainted polished metal or maybe even chromed (and showing wear marks near the outer edge which probably led to the changed design for production).
    Of course the wheels are also different. I guess that there were prototypes showing both wheel types, with Corgi eventually deciding on the 4-spoke wheels for the initial release.


    esseUK wrote:
    Thanks. are there many about do you know. 8-)
    No, I don't know but this would be something I would also like to know.
    So, Robert and Nick and ..., any idea how many examples of these prototypes are usually made? I had thought of the full resin prototypes with painted windows and details there would only be one but as Robert and Nick both have one each from the Matchbox resin models there have to be more obviously. What are your guesses? 5 or maybe even 10 pieces?

    Of the unpainted metal models there would be a few hundred pieces made to test the moulds. But many of these probably then molten down again and only a few dozens remaining. How many of these have survived over the past 25, 35 years is another guess.
  • ACACIA_AVENUEACACIA_AVENUE UKPosts: 1,775MI6 Agent
    Peter.....Thanks for the catalogue pictures of the Aston DB5 and your sharp eye for detail -{ I must get myself a copy.

    Thanks for the confirmation on the Mustang wheels ;) Bus Wheels on a Mustang :o I have know posted extra pics of the gold plated base and 72 release version base.

    With regards to how many prototypes were made my guess is 3 or more, as the guy who was selling the bronze Lotus had at least 3, and he had 2 of the 1/60 scale Aston Martin DB5's, he also had a TWINE BMW Z8 and a TLD Aston Martin as well but I got outbid on them X-(
    One of us smells like a tart's handkerchief.
  • Aston Martin DBSAston Martin DBS Derbyshire, EnglandPosts: 659MI6 Agent
    Just want to say thanks for sharing these photo's - I've got a few of the more modern Corgi models in my collection but seeing the rare prototypes posted in this thread is a real treat!

    Here's a article on the Mirror DB5 from mi6.co.uk with some photo's

    http://www.mi6-hq.com/sections/articles/collecting_corgi_40th_anniversary.php3

    And here's a couple of photo's from the article

    collecting_corgi_40anniversary1.jpg

    collecting_corgi_40anniversary2.jpg

    Also there's another article on the same website which shows some Icon style Corgi figures that to be best of my knowledge didn't see the light of day:

    http://www.mi6-hq.com/sections/articles/collecting_corgi_2008_toyfair1.php3

    collecting_corgi_2008_toyfair1_1.jpg
    "NEVER SAY NO TO ADVENTURES." Ian Fleming
  • YouknowthenameYouknowthename Carver Media GroupPosts: 500MI6 Agent
    That mirror DB5 would've been so cool! X-(
  • ACACIA_AVENUEACACIA_AVENUE UKPosts: 1,775MI6 Agent
    Two new items added to the end of post 1 -{
    One of us smells like a tart's handkerchief.
  • HigginsHiggins GermanyPosts: 16,619MI6 Agent
    That DAD DVD package would have sold great! :x
    Is there any chance for better pics from the packed-up set from a different lower angle, AA?
    President of the 'Misty Eyes Club'.

    Dalton - the weak and weepy Bond!
  • ACACIA_AVENUEACACIA_AVENUE UKPosts: 1,775MI6 Agent
    Bondtoys wrote:
    That DAD DVD package would have sold great! :x
    Is there any chance for better pics from the packed-up set from a different lower angle, AA?

    Hi BT lower angle picture added -{
    One of us smells like a tart's handkerchief.
  • HigginsHiggins GermanyPosts: 16,619MI6 Agent
    Thanks, AA! :x

    Love that set! Thanks for sharing and thanks at least for replying to me on the board while ignoring my emails :D
    President of the 'Misty Eyes Club'.

    Dalton - the weak and weepy Bond!
  • ThunderpussyThunderpussy Behind you !Posts: 63,792MI6 Agent
    {[] absolutely thanks for sharing, wonderful stuff. -{
    "I've been informed that there ARE a couple of QAnon supporters who are fairly regular posters in AJB."
  • ACACIA_AVENUEACACIA_AVENUE UKPosts: 1,775MI6 Agent
    Bondtoys wrote:
    Thanks, AA! :x

    Love that set! Thanks for sharing and thanks at least for replying to me on the board while ignoring my emails :D

    What emails would that be? ......... unless they were the ones of you in a sexy sailor outfit :D
    One of us smells like a tart's handkerchief.
  • ppw3o6rppw3o6r Great BritainPosts: 2,279MI6 Agent
    Bondtoys wrote:
    Thanks, AA! :x

    Love that set! Thanks for sharing and thanks at least for replying to me on the board while ignoring my emails :D

    What emails would that be? ......... unless they were the ones of you in a sexy sailor outfit :D

    For those with long memories....BLUE OYSTER BAR certainly comes to mind....ewwwwww! :s

    As always very nice Mr Avenue Sir -{
  • Sir MilesSir Miles The Wrong Side Of The WardrobePosts: 27,630Chief of Staff
    My attention was nudged to this thread earlier today (thank you)...again, wonderful items - and very rare too...thank you for sharing these with AJB -{
    YNWA 97
  • Gebruder GumboldGebruder Gumbold San FranciscoPosts: 549MI6 Agent
    WOW! Thanks so much for sharing these marvelous pics. Your in depth knowledge is also appreciated!
  • PoorMansJBPoorMansJB USAPosts: 1,203MI6 Agent
    Just want to say thanks for sharing these photo's - I've got a few of the more modern Corgi models in my collection but seeing the rare prototypes posted in this thread is a real treat!

    Here's a article on the Mirror DB5 from mi6.co.uk with some photo's

    http://www.mi6-hq.com/sections/articles/collecting_corgi_40th_anniversary.php3

    And here's a couple of photo's from the article

    collecting_corgi_40anniversary1.jpg

    collecting_corgi_40anniversary2.jpg

    The Danbury Mint DB5 was used for the prototype. If Corgi had continued, either the cut-away would have been priced far higher than £30 (the stock DM retailed for USD $125) or the actual production model would have been much less well-detailed.
  • Rainier WolfcastleRainier Wolfcastle Posts: 484MI6 Agent
    Wow, great additions to your impressive collection! -{

    Did you get both from the Aston's? As I didn't notice the DVD package when looking through their auction lots.
  • ACACIA_AVENUEACACIA_AVENUE UKPosts: 1,775MI6 Agent
    Wow, great additions to your impressive collection! -{

    Did you get both from the Aston's? As I didn't notice the DVD package when looking through their auction lots.

    Hi RW ....Yes both items came from the Aston's Auction, the main Ingot items went for quite high prices.
    I got the items I wanted so I am happy. -{
    One of us smells like a tart's handkerchief.
  • Aston Martin DBSAston Martin DBS Derbyshire, EnglandPosts: 659MI6 Agent
    "NEVER SAY NO TO ADVENTURES." Ian Fleming
  • ACACIA_AVENUEACACIA_AVENUE UKPosts: 1,775MI6 Agent
    One of us smells like a tart's handkerchief.
  • Aston Martin DBSAston Martin DBS Derbyshire, EnglandPosts: 659MI6 Agent

    You're welcome - and you'll have to share some photo's on here if you win it!

    Thank you -{
    "NEVER SAY NO TO ADVENTURES." Ian Fleming
  • Aston Martin DBSAston Martin DBS Derbyshire, EnglandPosts: 659MI6 Agent
    Did you have any luck with this Acacia Avenue??
    "NEVER SAY NO TO ADVENTURES." Ian Fleming
  • ACACIA_AVENUEACACIA_AVENUE UKPosts: 1,775MI6 Agent
    Did you have any luck with this Acacia Avenue??

    Unfortunately I did not win it ...... the highest bidder beat me by 27 cents :#
    One of us smells like a tart's handkerchief.
  • ThunderpussyThunderpussy Behind you !Posts: 63,792MI6 Agent
    Bad luck ! :#
    "I've been informed that there ARE a couple of QAnon supporters who are fairly regular posters in AJB."
Sign In or Register to comment.