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...
If I bought 3 "death stars" and "disney castle" they might take a deposit from me though...
If I bought 3 "death stars" and "disney castle" they might take a deposit from me though...
That said, the actual resemblance to a DB5 is a bit ropey, especially on the roof. Lego always struggles with curves and to keep costs down ( though this is not exactly cheap ) I seem to remember that they have a bit of a moratorium on creating bespoke parts for single kits.
Nice to know someone in Lego land is still dreaming this stuff up though. I remember 25 years ago when I was doing an MBA there was a very bright, quiet danish bloke called Niels Christiansen. I wonder whatever happened to him....
It has revolving numberplates. It has wheel-mounted blades á la Boudica. It has a pop-up rear bullet proof shield.
Most importantly, it has an ejector seat. I would forgive it being built out of pink bricks for that feature alone. My 10-year old self would have loved it, and my pushing-40 self does too. Of course, my generation fawned over a slightly newer Bond car...
Lego, pull your finger out! Make me an underwater Lotus Esprit!!!If I bought 3 "death stars" and "disney castle" they might take a deposit from me though...
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