Corgi and Matchbox Pre-productions and Prototypes-UPDATED 26/1/2018
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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.
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.
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.
Starting from the left
Aston Martin DB5
Lotus Esprit
BMW Z3
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
Made from metal with resin surround and plain plastic fins.
Lotus Esprit Version 1
Metal top and base, with clear windows resin periscope, side and rear fins the rear frame is made of plastic.
Lotus Esprit Version 2
Standard model with clear windows.
BMW 750i
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
Almost solid resin with nicely detailed interior, and no working mechanisms.
Lotus Esprit Turbo
A very nice Resin Model made in two parts and well detailed even down to the lotus badge.
Lotus Esprit Turbo - gold plated
Basically the same model that has been gold plated even the wheels are gold plated then the tyres painted matt black
Ford Mustang
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.
Moonbuggy
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
Raw Cast/Bare Metal Version, this one has no markings on the base like the Boxed Raw Cast Version.
The actual produced item.
Casino Royale Aston Martin DB5
Raw Cast/Bare Metal Version, this one has no markings on the base like the Boxed Raw Cast Version.
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.
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.
This pictures illustrates the 3 different versions from the left Goldfinger version, prototype, Thunderball version
271 Aston Martin DB5
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
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.
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
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.
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.
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 -{
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. -{
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. -{
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.
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.
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.
Starting from the left
Aston Martin DB5
Lotus Esprit
BMW Z3
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
Made from metal with resin surround and plain plastic fins.
Lotus Esprit Version 1
Metal top and base, with clear windows resin periscope, side and rear fins the rear frame is made of plastic.
Lotus Esprit Version 2
Standard model with clear windows.
BMW 750i
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
Almost solid resin with nicely detailed interior, and no working mechanisms.
Lotus Esprit Turbo
A very nice Resin Model made in two parts and well detailed even down to the lotus badge.
Lotus Esprit Turbo - gold plated
Basically the same model that has been gold plated even the wheels are gold plated then the tyres painted matt black
Ford Mustang
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.
Moonbuggy
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
Raw Cast/Bare Metal Version, this one has no markings on the base like the Boxed Raw Cast Version.
The actual produced item.
Casino Royale Aston Martin DB5
Raw Cast/Bare Metal Version, this one has no markings on the base like the Boxed Raw Cast Version.
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.
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.
This pictures illustrates the 3 different versions from the left Goldfinger version, prototype, Thunderball version
271 Aston Martin DB5
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
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.
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
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.
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.
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 -{
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. -{
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. -{
One of us smells like a tart's handkerchief.
Comments
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.........
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. -{
"Only on AJB!"
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:
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).
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.
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.
Thanks for the confirmation on the Mustang wheels
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-(
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
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
Is there any chance for better pics from the packed-up set from a different lower angle, AA?
Dalton - the weak and weepy Bond!
Hi BT lower angle picture added -{
Love that set! Thanks for sharing and thanks at least for replying to me on the board while ignoring my emails
Dalton - the weak and weepy Bond!
What emails would that be? ......... unless they were the ones of you in a sexy sailor outfit
For those with long memories....BLUE OYSTER BAR certainly comes to mind....ewwwwww!
As always very nice Mr Avenue Sir -{
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.
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. -{
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Hot-Wheels-Employee-Prototype-Unspun-White-James-Bond-76-Lotus-Esprit-Submarine-/261523122325?pt=Diecast_Vehicles&hash=item3ce3fe2895
Prototype Hotwheels Lotus
Thank you -{
Unfortunately I did not win it ...... the highest bidder beat me by 27 cents