I was enjoying Stanly Kubrick's classic 'A Clockwork Orange' the other night and it occurred to me once again that the car used by Alex and his Droogs must have been more than just a stage prop. A quick Google revealed it was in fact an Adam's Probe 16. One of only three made the Durango 95 as it was called in the film, featured in the 2001 exhibition in the Design Centre recently. It has since appeared on Top Gear and found fame on automotive sites for its sleek, futuristic styling, but it immediately struck a chord with me, as I had the Corgi Whizzwheels version as a kid!
Corgi made two versions, including a larger scale model with opening roof, I had the small lilac version from the Whizzwheels stable.
As the film progressed, I watched the hilarious section where Alex visits the record shop - filmed in the Chelsea Drug Store in London and saw the cheeky bit of product placement by Kubrick - a copy of the 2001 film soundtrack front and centre!
Speaking of 2001 soundtracks, the original score was composed by Alex North, but Kubrick rejected it in favour of the more recognisable orchestral classic version. Norths original can be heard on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uuCqfvbxsJs
Fab post Wota. I didn't know that connection. I had that little version of the die-cast car too. It reminds me totally of Astro 1 as well. The record shop scene is a classic. "You are invited" is my fave line, although Haircut One Hundred inspired a real pop band's name. Still a very powerful film with fabulous acting.
ReplyDeleteHo ho!You must be picking up my thought waves! I'm currently back burnering a project to turn the Corgi Adams Probe into a Durango! My friend Nick Stathopoulos is working on the box art and when he's done, I'll recast my near mint Corgi and punch out some orange and silver versions. With the Clockwork Orange logo on the bonnet-naturally!
ReplyDeleteSounds ace Louey. Keep us posted!
DeleteNice one Lewis - that should be real horror show!
ReplyDeleteNot a car guy at all myself, but that Durango looks fantastic.
ReplyDeleteMaybe you petrol heads can answer this question.
Why do 60s cars look so much better than any before, or since?
Mish.
I think sleek was in in those days Mish. Flat, sleek, space age. Today its eggy and boxy. Sleek is out. Flat is out.
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