Do bring it back in 1,290 pieces, Bond

Lego does the Aston Martin DB5, 007-style.

Given Lego's preference for manufacturer tie-ups, it's a wonder that this hasn't happened before. You don't have to be Tom Hanks in Big to figure out that the Aston Martin DB5 from Goldfinger is going to be a hit with the Lego-buying public - after all, the gun-toting model has been produced as a toy in die-cast format since God was a boy.

To put it in context, the new model is not quite on the scale of some of the Lego Technic kits we've seen recently. The Porsche 911 GT3 RS and Bugatti Chiron feature 2,704 and 3,599 pieces, respectively; the DB5, 1,290. Still the 1:8 scale model, which is part of the Creator Expert series, remains a substantial undertaking, and is very much aimed at those over the age of 16.

Obviously it packs in all the good stuff. There's a working ejector seat. A hidden telephone in a secret door compartment. Revolving number plates front and back. A bullet proof screen for the rear. Dual machine guns on the front wings. And even wheel-mounted tyre scythes.

Lego also promises a 'detailed' six-cylinder engine under the bonnet and a radar tracker inside. Aston's involvement has ensured it gets proper badges, too, and is just the right shade of Silver Birch. Nevertheless, it hasn't exactly ensured that the DB5 look the part. Sensuous curves aren't really a feature of the Lego parts bin - hence the passing resemblance to a crashed Mini Moke at the front end.

Still, it's all just a bit of fun, and while it may not pull on our heart strings like the erstwhile Caterham 7 model once did, it's undeniably 007's ride. The brand snob in Bond would probably approve of the price, too, which is a penny under £130. Cheaper than the £260 and £330 that the GT3 and Chiron retail at - but £45 more expensive than the 1,334-piece '62 VW Camper which does a rather better job of carrying off the Lego look...