RED Into GOLD - 4 Into 5...

As most (if not all) of you already know by now, Corgi's 261 Aston Martin D.B.5 was created from an amended mould of an existing D.B.4 (218) in order to meet the Christmas market of 1965.  Apparently it was quicker to alter an existing mould than create an entirely new one, and three designers/engineers were tasked with customising the car to include its three working features.  Although the Bond version says D.B.5 on the base, the tail lights give the game away, but at least Corgi changed the headlights into D.B.5 ones.

Anyway, I decided I'd like to own the earlier version so bought one on eBay.  I also purchased a repro box on the same day (from a different seller) and both items turned up together.  The D.B.4 is 'playworn', but I'll give it a colour touch-up in places to improve its cosmetic appearance.  So there you are, Crivs - the source of  one of the most iconic diecast toy cars of the '60s.  And as you can see on the box, the car has an opening bonnet.  Nice, eh?