Since his big-screen debut in 1962’s Dr. No, James Bond has driven an impressive array of vehicles. From the iconic DB5 to the powerful Mustang Mach 1, 007 is no stranger to a sleek set of wheels. I dare say that Bond’s vivacious vehicular lineup has become as associated with the suave super spy as are shaken martinis and Q’s cavalcade of handy dandy gadgets.
These MI6 staples have become popular with fans and for modellers wanting to recreate them at 1/24th the size, there is no greater thrill. Revell is one company looking to bring buildable Bond cars to the masses, thanks to a series of six model kits for some of the most recognizable rides in pop culture history.
Let’s take a look at the lineup.
Aston Martin DB5 – Goldfinger (1964): Arguably the most popular Bond car of all time, the DB5 is powered by a 282-BHP Straight-6 and is the model most credited with helping save Aston Martin. Making its debut in 1964’s Goldfinger alongside Sean Connery and Honor Blackman, this sleek silver bullet went on to appear in numerous sequels and is regarded by many as one of the most beautiful automobiles ever designed. Revell’s Level 2 model is crafted in 1:24 scale and features numerous gadgets from the film, including tire slashers, a rear armoured bulkhead, and rotating license plates. Recommended for ages 10 and up, the 90-piece Aston Martin DB5 kit is priced at 54,99 €.
Ford Mustang Mach 1 – Diamonds Are Forever (1971): One of the most popular ponies to come out of North America during the early 70s, the Mach 1 is partnered with a beastly 429 Cobra Jet engine and features a unique dual scoop hood. Rolling onto the big screen in 1971’s Diamond’s Are Forever — where it was famously put up on two wheels by Sean Connery’s 007 to escape through a narrow alleyway — Revell’s Level 4 model is crafted in 1:25 scale and features numerous screen accurate details. These include a coat of stunning red paint, honeycomb grille, and a detailed interior. Recommended for ages 12 and up, the 192-piece Ford Mustang Mach 1 kit is priced at 49,99 €.
Space Shuttle – Moonraker (1979): The one that took Bond to outer space, Moonraker starred Roger Moore as 007 at a time when the world was still in the thralls of the Star Wars tidal wave. While it may not be a traditional Bond vehicle, this spaceship remains an unforgettable piece of franchise history thanks to several technical feats that still impress. Landing in your collection in 1:144 scale, Revell’s Level 4 model features plenty of screen-accurate livery and an included flight stand. Recommended for ages 12 and up, the 64-piece Space Shuttle kit is priced at 39,99 €.
Citroën 2CV – For Your Eyes Only (1981): Affectionately known as The Duck, this French economy car was produced for over 40 years and was available in a number of different configurations. While it may not seem like your typical Bond car, the Citroën plays an unforgettable role after Roger Moore’s iconic Lotus Esprit is destroyed in For Your Eyes Only. Taking part in a chase through the mountains of Corfu, the 2CV proved you could create exciting scenes with less horsepower. Revell’s Level 4 model is crafted in 1:24 scale and features a detailed engine and bullet holes in the trunk! Recommended for ages 12 and up, the 126-piece Citroën 2CV kit is priced at 49,99 €.
Eurocopter Tiger – GoldenEye (1995): An advanced attack helicopter that helped usher in the modern era of Bond vehicles and a new 007 portrayed by Pierce Brosnan, the Eurocopter Tiger is stolen in the film as a means to promote the capabilities of the GoldenEye weapons system. Revell’s finely detailed Level 4 model is crafted in 1:72 scale and offers builders a chance to get up close and personal with its state-of-the-art aviation technology while recreating a piece of modern film history. Recommended for ages 12 and up, the 116-piece Eurocopter Tiger kit is priced at 29,99 €.
BMW Z8 – The World Is Not Enough (1999): Featuring an all-aluminum chassis and body, this German roadster is equipped with a 4.9L eight-cylinder engine capable of putting 395-BHP to the pavement. Driven by Pierce Brosnan in 1999’s The World Is Not Enough, the Z8 meets its end in a scene in which the car is cut in half by a remote-controlled chainsaw! Revell’s Level 3 model comes to you in 1:24 scale and features all the style and functionality of its on-screen counterpart. Recommended for ages 12 and up, the 70-piece BMW Z8 kit is priced at 49,99 €.
Guaranteed to make fine additions to any collection, the new Revell James Bond vehicle kits are available for purchase right now through a number of different retailers.
Which one are you most excited to build?
