The Astro 1 by Corgi was always a favourite of mine. A futuristic design reminiscent of the cars used in the film ’Journey to the Far Side of the Sun’ and the TV series ’U.F.O.’
Corgi did a nice a job on the Chevrolet ‘Astro 1’ which was released by them in 1969 and continued production until 1974. It was one of Corgi’s Whizzwheel range. Early versions had red dot wheel hubs which were later replaced with less desirable spoked wheels.
The toy was based on a real concept car which was built by General Motors in 1967 and remains part of their Heritage Collection. This futuristic roadster has the distinction of being a tad under three feet off the floor with a clamshell canopy that raises up to allow access.
The main feature of the Corgi version is that same opening clamshell canopy complete with a sophisticated looking couple sat in the raised bucket seats.
There were two other Astro concepts realised by General Motors during the following years - Astro II, from 1968 was a more conventional sports car and in 1969 the three wheeled Astro III.
Being so low to the ground I don't think the Astro 1 would do your back much good but it was certainly a sight for sore eyes!
a gorgeous toy. I never really went in for the larger diecast, but this was always on my wants list. I managed to pick up the Corgi Rockets version a while ago, which is another little cracker.
ReplyDeleteI've never seen this car before. Cool! But nowadays I would need a crane to get out of any car that low to the ground. I'll stick to my Jeep.
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