CORGI, the famous diecast model company (now owned by HORNBY), has issued CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG three times over the years. The first occasion was in 1968, and you can see the original car above and below. (The car is original, but the box and base are spare ones issued with the next release.)
The car was reissued as a collectors' piece in 1991, and that's the very chappie in the next two pictures. Cast mainly from the original moulds, the figures were newly tooled, as was the dashboard, which was slightly different, but unless you had an original with which to compare, you'd probably have been none the wiser.
Next up (below) is the most recent version from back in 2005. The handbrake which released the (unpainted) wings was omitted, the wings were pulled out manually, and the front and rear wings were conspicuous by their absence. The car included only Professor POTTS this time around, and though still a nice model, it's not quite in the same league as the original.
Anyone got any memories of having the original car back in the '60s? Feel free to share them in the comments section.
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Update: Below is the 50th Anniversary reissue from 2018, which I believe is still available from the Corgi website. (At least, it was when last I looked.) There are a few differences from the original, in that this version doesn't have jewelled headlights and the bonnet strap is printed on, not an actual plastic one. Also, I think the base is plastic instead of diecast metal, but it's still quite an impressive model. And the side wings pop-out when the handbrake is pushed, just like the original. A nice addition to have.
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