CORGI
The Definitive Bond Collection
04601 – Gyrocopter
from JAMES BOND 5th movie – You Only Live Twice
With Operational Features (propellers; missiles, rocket launchers, machine-guns).
Die Cast
Scale 1:36 ? Actual size 4”x2”
Condition: Stock as issue (old stock stored in original factory shipping packaging)
Sold Out by Corgi in 2002
Bond Figure on the picture NOT included.
This series has distinctive packaging that looks great!
Most Corgi models released in their Movie & TV line are in 1:36 scale. They aren’t a high end of diecast models but are great memorabilia items. This model of Gyrocopter is a beautiful model indeed.
“1:36 scale Corgi model from You Only Live Twice. Complete with collectable new film packaging. Gyrocopter (you Only Live Twice) Premiered in June 1967 by the end of 1999 the 5th Bond film, which cost just$8.5 million to make - had taken a total of $111.6 million over its 32-year life. Our 1:36 scale replica's working feature applies to the forward mounted machine guns, with which Sean Connery and Donald Pleasance fought out a memorable duel.”
The Corgi Definitive Bond Collection by Corgi was in production from 1999 till 2003. In 2003 in order to comply with the toy industry safety standards Corgi removed all operational features from Bond Vehicles. As the result the Definitive Bond Collection was abandoned. Simplified models were released as part of James Bond 007 Series, which was a part of Corgi Toy Series. Most likely this move by Corgi based on idea that they could dramatically increase sale marketing this line as a toy. Probably Corgi didn’t reach this goal since just in a couple years all Bond’s vehicles that were stripped of their features got them back and models were reintroduced as collectables. Corgi issued new Bond Collection – Directors Cut.
In my personal opinion as a collector, I believe that the Definitive Bond Collection had the most attractive packaging among all Corgi Bond Series.
Models from this series were sold out long time ago. I just found very limited quantities of models from this series in my warehouse. And decided to list them on the eve of 21st Bond movie premiere in US movie-theaters.
