It was released in 1968 and continued following several variations until 1976.
The first five versions, which culminated in 1973 went through several changes, some having blue bases and others having black bases, different wheel detail was added , while the decals lost some of their colours.
The final two versions are easily identified by their black bumpers.
I have examples of an unboxed second version and a boxed fifth version.
Like Thunderbird 2, the SPV has a nice card display stand showing the model firing a missile with the Spectrum Patrol Car and an Angel Interceptor in the background.
It’s a great model and certainly one of my favourite dinky toys.
One of the best diecast toys ever. I remember the early versions had the Scarlet figure sat in a seat that lowered from the door. Later versions just had him sat in the seat stuck to the inside of the door. I assume it was either down to cost or perhaps lots of figures had their legs broken off when you tried to close the door without pushing Scarlet back up properly!
ReplyDeleteThat's a good point about the figure, Yorkie . I always thought it was down to cost, I never considered it could be a practical issue.
ReplyDeleteI'm pretty sure I had this toy before I ever had the chance to see the show itself. imagine trying to puzzle out from this alone who "Captain Scarlet" was or what this car was for, let alone why he was sitting backwards in it!
ReplyDeleteClearly the item alongside Thunderbird 2 that was the greatest treasure of my childhood.