James Bond's Lotus Esprit

Just returned from a trip to Liverpool and London. Wife had to go for work, and I was able to accompany her. During the flight I listened to a podcast from Plaid Stallions covering, in part, James Bond-themed toys. Now, to be honest, I'm not a huge fan of Bond. I saw Moonraker as a kid, along with A View to a Kill, and I'll watch the newer films. But I can't say I'm that familiar with the catalog. The toys, on the other hand, are pretty neat. A neighbor of mine when growing up was British, and he had some of the Corgi toys, including the Lotus Esprit. I still remember how cool it was and how imaginative it was, with the spring loaded fins and firing missiles.

I was quite surprised when Hot Wheels recently released some of the Bond cars, and I have some of them. And I was really pleased when I stumbled across some diecast cars in the pound shop in Liverpool. They are apparently a Shell premium, and as far as I can tell there are 5 in the set. First up is the Lotus Esprit.

For a pound (about $1.60 US) it is a nice little piece. Comes with an acrylic display case that includes the film poster for The Spy Who Loved Me.

Out of the Box

Left hand side (or passenger side for the Brits)

 The model is pretty basic with no interior. Love how the car advertises the fact it belongs to a secret agent.

Rear view

Right side

Front

 I have the Hot Wheels version, and here is a side by side comparison.

And the film version.