Aston Martin Valhalla die-cast model from 007: First Light by Corgi, shown with roof-mounted missiles and deployed weapon systems.
Gadgets & Vehicles News

Rocket ’n Roll: Corgi’s Aston Martin Valhalla Model for 007: First Light

For decades, Corgi has been one of the most reliable names when it comes to James Bond model cars. From the gadget-laden Aston Martin DB5 of Goldfinger to later interpretations of Bond’s more modern vehicles, the brand has repeatedly shown up whenever 007 needed four wheels in die-cast form. When a new Bond era begins, Corgi usually isn’t far behind — and 007: First Light is no exception.

So it comes as little surprise that 007: First Light, IO Interactive’s upcoming James Bond game, is already represented on Corgi’s own website. Listed for pre-order is the CC08101 Aston Martin Valhalla [Tactical]007 First Light, priced at £39.99, a model that quietly gives us a few interesting hints about Bond’s new ride.


Looks Good on Q’s Desk

The Valhalla comes in 1:36 scale, measuring 13 cm in length, 5.5 cm in width, and 3 cm in height, with a painted finish. This firmly places it in the “handy” category rather than as a large display centerpiece. It’s the kind of model that fits neatly on a shelf or desk — more suited for an imaginary chase across paperwork than for dominating a glass cabinet.

Despite the compact size, the configuration is anything but subtle.


First Light Car Gadgets — The Sky’s the Limit

ollage comparing rocket-equipped James Bond cars: the Lotus Esprit from The Spy Who Loved Me and the BMW 750iL from Tomorrow Never Dies alongside the Aston Martin Valhalla model from 007: First Light by Corgi, highlighting roof-mounted missiles and weapon placement across the franchise.
Rocket-equipped James Bond cars across the franchise, from the Lotus Esprit (The Spy Who Loved Me) and the BMW 750iL (Tomorrow Never Dies) to the Aston Martin Valhalla model from 007: First Light by Corgi. Film stills © EON Productions / Amazon MGM Studios; model imagery © IO Interactive / Corgi.

Corgi explicitly labels this version as Tactical, and the reason is immediately visible: the gadgets are deployed. The model features machine guns mounted on both sides of the car — a gyrostabilized 7.62 mm machine-gun turret, capable of firing roughly 1,200 rounds per minute with an effective range of about 800 meters. Those technical specifications are already familiar from the Valhalla’s appearance in earlier 007: First Light trailer material.

Where the model adds something genuinely new is at the rear. Corgi shows three visible missiles, mounted high on the roof and set at a noticeably steep angle — a detail that hasn’t appeared in any official trailer footage so far.

That angled placement is what makes the setup interesting. Look back at earlier Bond cars and missile-equipped vehicles like the Lotus Esprit in The Spy Who Loved Me or the BMW 750iL in Tomorrow Never Dies, and it becomes clear that rocket placement has always hinted at function. Forward-facing launchers suggested pursuit and aggression; upward or steeply angled systems pointed toward interception, defence, or multi-environment threats.

The steep launch angle strongly suggests an interception or air-defence role, rather than classic chase weaponry.

Another detail worth noting is the finish: the exposed weapon systems are rendered in a yellow-gold tone, a colour IO Interactive has consistently used across 007: First Light — from golden background elements and typography to the accents on Bond’s Omega Seamaster.

Whether this setup reflects a specific in-game upgrade, a situational loadout, or simply one of several possible Valhalla configurations remains open. It’s also easy to imagine Corgi following up with a second version — one without visible gadgets — echoing the familiar Bond contrast between road-ready elegance and combat-ready hardware.


More Than a One-Off?

Priced at £39.99 and slated for summer 2026, landing close to the game’s May 27 release, the Valhalla feels like an early step in taking 007: First Light beyond the screen. Whether that stays limited to model cars or expands into other territory is still open — more vehicles, an artbook, apparel, collectible figures, maybe even a dedicated soundtrack.

If this really is just the beginning, the more interesting question might be: what would you actually want to see next?

Source:

UK.Corgi.Co.UK – CC08101 James Bond 007 – Aston Martin Valhalla [Tactical] – 007 First Light

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