This is a very rare, near mint condition, Classic, 1965, Gilbert, 007 James Bond, Goldfinger, Road Race set. This set shows no sign of wear and looks like it was made today and not 50 years ago. It is complete accept for the original box and sticker. Another similar White box is provided with a B&W add on front. Also the track only has 4 trees (original set had 9). However, similar trees can be purchased from any hobby shop. Besides the two cars that come with it this Road Race set also a extra Red Mustang shell to set on lift. The set comes complete with 2 cars, Transformer, two comptrollers, rails and all signs. The comptrollers have Micro Phono plugs and jacks installed on them to reduce the strain on the wires. The Transformer looks brand new with the rubber plug cover still in tack. The logo for the finish line have never been pealed off and are still on card. Also is a copy of the original instruction manual. For the true Bond collector this is the Holy Grail.
The track was based loosely on the alpine chase sequence in the film Goldfinger (1964), this type of James Bond 007 Road Race set was initially sold exclusively by Sears in 1965 (the peak of Bondmania). Manufactured in Portugal by A.C. Gilbert (Inventor of the Erector Set and largest of the 007 licensees) the road race retailed for $35.00 making it one of the most expensive toys available for Christmas. Sadly, Sears insistence that Gilbert miss neither the Christmas rush nor the 007 hype proved Disastrous: The poorly designed track seldom worked and most were returned. Gilbert, who had doubled their staff and invested a fortune in tooling, went bankrupt. It is understood that a good many sets were nonetheless refurbished and resold through other retailers both domestically and overseas.
Specifics: Near Mint Condition set. Box contains elaborate electrically operated 007 James Bond Gilbert 1965 slot car race course that consists of six main molded hard plastic sections to be snapped together and held by thin metal contact rails in the racing slots of the track. Assembled course is 34 inch x 51 inch and has very colorful and scenic basic layout including lakes, rock formations, etc. which are enhanced by addition of two plastic mountains (when assembled, the highest mountain is about 10 inch tall). Course is a modified Figure 8 complete with elevated ramps, underpasses, tunnels, banks, tilted curves, oil slicks, etc. Comes with many small accessory pieces including signs, fence sections, trees, fire extinguisher, fuel tank, etc. Comes with pair of 3.5 inch long slot cars - James Bond's Aston Martin and a Mustang. Aston Martin has pop-up bullet shield on back. Both are Exc. Comes with 2 control units with James Bond foil stickers. original power pack. Copy of original detailed instructions.
This set has been extensively tested and offers reasonable functionality given its age of almost 50 years. Though fully operational, the set should be considered essentially decorative.
