Film and Television Star Cars

Collecting the Die-cast Models

Would you like to own James Bond’s Aston Martin, the Batmobile, the General Lee from The Dukes of Hazzard, or Luke Skywalker’s X-Wing fighter? You can – in miniature. A Star Car is any type of vehicle – car, motorcycle, van, truck, bus, plane, helicopter, boat, ship, submarine, or spacecraft – used in a film or television programme. Many have become stars in their own right. Die-cast models of these motor stars began to appear in the 1960s. Corgi released the James Bond Aston Martin and the Saint’s Volvo in 1965, followed by the classic television Batmobile in 1966. Dinky soon began releasing Gerry Anderson models, starting with Lady Penelope’s pink Rolls-Royce from Thunderbirds. The success of these initial releases meant many more would follow. These early models were aimed at children, and were packed with gadgets – from ejection seats to missile launchers. Today, both toys and adult collectables are still being produced – often from shows that aired in the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s: from the stone-age cars of The Flintstones, to the 23rd Century spaceships of Star Trek. Until now there has been no guide to help novice Star Car collectors build and care for their collections. Film and Television Star Cars is here to help, filled with collecting tips from an experienced collector.