This tinplate working model was manufactured by Daiya in Japan and marketed by Durham Industries, USA. This was an unlicensed product so James Bond was not mentioned on the packaging, but it is a clearly the Aston Martin DB5 that first appeared in the 1964 'Goldfinger' film. It is finished in silver-grey with plated bumpers and grille, 'glazed' lights and 'M 101' licence plates. The red lithographed interior features a plastic steering wheel and driver and passenger figures.
Powered by 3 x D batteries, it has 'mystery action' steering - it goes along until it hits something, then turns away and goes in another direction. The metal battery box has the controls on top. With the operating lever in the 'MACHINE GUNS' position, the front overriders extend, and the red illuminated machine guns appear, accompanied by a machine gun sound. At the same time, the rear bullet shield raises. There is also an EJECTOR button which operates the ejector seat, launching the passenger figure through the opening roof.
This example is in very good condition cosmetically, apart from a crack in the rear window and some loss of plating on the bumpers and wheels, but none of the features work when batteries are inserted. The machine guns remain in the partly extended position, with the bullet shield raised. However, the model appears to be complete so it is possible that it could be restored to life with a little work.
Length: 285mm.
Approx Years: 1960s - 1970s
Condition: Good, unboxed
Shipping Weight: 788g
The old toys in this shop are offered as collectors' items only, and may not conform to modern toy safety standards.
