CORGI
James Bond 007 Collection
65001 – Lotus Esprit & Jaws Figure Set
20th Anniversary of “The Spy Who Lowed Me”
Die Cast
Scale 1:36
Condition: Stock as issue (old stock stored in original factory shipping packaging)
Released in 1997
At the release time retailed $29.99-34.99
Currently retails up to $50.00; auctioned on eBay in a range of $35-45
This anniversary issue was in production for a short time. It is retired and “SOLD OUTI” – no longer available from the manufacturer many years ago. I received this model directly from Corgi USA many years ago and some quantity was misplaced in my warehouse and was just found. Stored in original manufactured packaging in climate controlled warehouse models and its packaging are in factory fresh condition.
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.
In 1995 a group of investors bought the collecting arm of Corgi from Mattel, which purchased Corgi back in 1989. Independed once again Corgi started to reissue many of its popular in past models under the CORGI Classics name. In 1997 a group of models from Corgi movie lines, including James Bond 007 vehicles, were reissued.
“Since the first James Bond model – The Aston Martin – was produced in 1965, Corgi has had a continuous working relationship with the producers of the James Bond 007 movies. The James Bond collection celebrates the relationship by recreating some of the most famous models produced over the years. … Released in 1977, the Lotus Esprit was featured in the film “The Spy Who Loved Me” and remains one of the most fondly remembered of the James Bond models. Featuring replicated working features such as four rockets which fired from the rear screen and ejectable fins and rudders, …”
The Corgi 65001- Lotus Esprit Submarine version model that we have here was reissued in 1997 and celebrates the 20th anniversary of the James Bond 007 movie – “The Spy Who Loved Me”. Model packed in a large size gift box (featured on the picture for this listing) in, which you will find the model, rockets and specially made by Corgi for this release a 54 mm / 2.13” white metal hand painted Jaws figure. In addition it has a collector gift car that packed in a brown envelop with prints that reads “ Top Secret, Highly Confidential Information”.
This is a great James Bond 007 collectible memorabilia item and can be a great gift! Issued almost a decade ago this model became a not so easy find item.
