James Bond 007 Bell Model Helicopter used in 'You Only Live Twice'

A model of a Bell 47G Helicopter used in the filming of the James Bond classic ‘You Only Live Twice’ is for sale with H&H Classics in a timed auction that ends on Sunday September  26^th. It is expected to sell for an estimate of £18,000 to £22,000. There are some 304 lots of highly collectable automobilia in the sale.

The model helicopter is believed to be the last remaining, 007 Bell 47G Helicopter props out of four originals created and used in the movie. This model is significantly larger and more impressive than the only other example publicly sold. It measures a whopping 9 feet in length, dwarfing the other example sold at just 6 and a half feet in length. Julien’s Auctions, USA sold a smaller example (rumoured to have been for static promotional use only with zero screen time) for $23,040.00 in May 2014). 

These four scaled-down helicopters were used in perhaps the most iconic of all James Bond action sequences where Sean Connery can be seen flying his Ken Wallis-built Auto Gyro (affectionately known as 'Little Nellie') through the mountains, closely pursued by four enemy Bell 47G helicopters in black.

Whilst this sequence was supposed to be taking place over Mount Fuji, the actual footage was captured in Spain and the UK's Pinewood studios. The main helicopter flight was filmed above the village of Ebino, where aerial photographer Johnny Jordan famously lost a leg when the blades of another helicopter struck him whilst passing too close. Filming was cancelled and later completed in the skies above Torremolinos, Spain.

The helicopter measures over 9 feet in length, 4 feet in height and was built for Pinewood Studios by an old friend of the seller that has sadly now passed away - Dave Niemen; he built many planes and other aircraft for TV and cinema many years ago. The helicopter was recovered after supposedly being shot down during filming and supporting documentation on file explains the 'recovery mission'.

The helicopter does not fly, but could be made to. The models were 'flown' using gantry cranes and arm extensions during filming - everything was mechanical during this period, so there was plenty of smoke and mirrors involved in this process.

The model is offered with a comprehensive selection of paperwork and meticulous research from the vendor.

Adam Sykes of H&H Classics comments: “This is a unique opportunity to purchase an important piece of James Bond Memorabilia with impeccable provenance, coinciding perfectly with the release of the eagerly-awaited 'No Time to Die'.

Check out the full lot listing here.