MI6 talked to the team at Corgi to find out how they model some of the most famous cars in the world...

Corgi Interview - Recreating Bond In 1:36
7th August 2003

World renowned model makers Corgi launched their "Directors Cut" set of Bond vehicles this month, following the success of the 40th Anniversary collection of James Bond model vehicles back in 2002. MI6 caught up with the design and production team at Corgi to find out how they model some of the most famous cars in the world. Images courtesy Corgi Classics

Recreating Bond In 1:36

Who is involved in the development work?
The product manager and engineering team start the development of the range in the UK, it then gets shipped out to Hong Kong where the production process gets underway.

Do you try to find 'real' vehicles on which to base the models?
Information is gathered by contacting vehicle manufacturers, owners clubs and societies. If possible Corgi will always try and photograph authentic or restored vehicles to use as a base for initial product designs.

Are the markings and colours authentic?
Corgi endeavours to replicate authentic liveries and markings where possible. Extensive research is carried out on each model and the design team uses photographs, illustrations and descriptions to ensure the model is as accurate as it can be. Occasionally designers have to use their 'best' judgement but this is a rarity.

How do the models make the step from 2D to 3D? Once drawings are finalised by the UK team, the plans are submitted to Hong Kong who develop the tooling at the factory. The designers refer to the photos and sketches taken in the initial design stages to ensure that the model is as accurate a replica as possible. What is the process for actually producing the models? When all the tools are completed and released to production the various tools are used on pressure die-cast and moulding machines. The various parts are painted before the final assembly takes place, some final detail painting is done by hand on the finished product but this is kept to a minimum to achieve the constant standard required.

How much work is done by hand?
Due to the high precision of the tools there is only a very limited amount of ‘flashing’ which minimises the need for any hand work that could remove the very fine surface detail expected by our customers.

What percentage of your sales go to adults?
Almost all models are sold to adults as they are designed and marketed as die-cast scale models for the adult collector. All are legally tested as 14+ models and are not meant as toys. Corgi does have a specific toy range for children.

How many are made of each model?
Quantities vary but on average about 5000 are produced. This can drop to as low as 2-3000 or as high as 10-12000.

The Corgi "Director's Cut" range of 10 classic Bond vehicles was released in July 2003.

Thanks to corgiclassics.co.uk for their assistance.

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Corgi Launch "Director's Cut" Series