Corgi Model Club: Batmobile #1

 I have titled this #1 as there will be two more to follow. This is the first of the Corgi Batmobile re-issues and this one comes from the Corgi Model Club. It's the gloss black edition of the first issue without a tow-hook at the rear.

This comes in the first edition style of box - you'll have to wait for the 'with tow-hook' version from Corgi themselves for the window-style box - and a tray with wings, pretty much as the original will have appeared. (Original shown here with the model).

The Club provide some extra protection in the shape of some clear perspex retaining both ends and preventing movement in transit.

Inside the tray is the 'Instructions' packet and, separately a plastic bag with missiles. The 'Instructions' packet has the illustrated guide on one side and a list of features and contents on the other side in something approaching the 'typewriter' style of text which the original had. Here the computer font is a little too regular in comparison but otherwise is pretty much the same.

The model itself looks superb and should please all Corgi Batmobile fans, many of whom may never have seen such an immaculate-looking example before! The originals were very prone to chips on the wings, even chunks missing from the wings, as well as broken aerials and chips at the very least to the perspex windscreen and cabin elements.

I am not an expert on the Batmobile but the wheels look unfamiliar, with the gold rim and icon outline. as you'll see from the comparisons below, though, this may just be because all my models have been a little worn.

original issue

original issue

original issue

original issue

Update 6 October:

Once again the Corgi Model Club people don't edit their Certificates of Authenticity text very well. This time they have Dick Grayson as the actor when it should be Burt Ward playing Dick Grayson (Robin's real name). If they decide to correct this then these first issue ones could be valuable! Don't sell your just yet.

So that's it and expect to be hearing a lot more about this as it is bound to be a much talked-about issue. This particular model is what anyone who has not signed up for monthly issues from the Club will receive and is available to buy now from their store. I hope to have the matt black version before long as well as the Hornby-Corgi issue but first I may well receive the Oldsmobile Toronado which is still awaited!