Categories / Toys and Games

40 years on – original Action Man returns

Action_man
Over the years, Action Man has had something of a makeover – so much so that he looks nothing like the original. Well, here’s some good news – 40 years after he first hit the shelves, the original Action Man is back as Action Man Classic Edition.

Yes, the doll with the suedehead haircut and scar is back for a limited time, along with his gripping hands and (if you get the sailor) the beard. There’s a choice of lifeguard, sailor and footballer (Arsenal, Chelsea or Manchester United) – the sailor comes with a naval uniform and deep sea diving outfit, the lifeguard has a soldier and dress uniform, while the footballers have classic kits and training outfits.

Whether there are more variations, I don’t know – these are the only ones I’ve found so far. The only downside is the price – £39.95 – which is a bit more than it sold for in its 70s heyday. But as a limited edition, it could be a future collectable.

Find out more at the Firebox website

Categories / Cars and Bikes, eBay watch

eBay Watch: Sinclair C5 – still in box

Sinclair_c5_2

Ever wanted to ride down the street in a Sinclair C5? Well, now’s your chance as there’s a Sinclair C5 on eBay right now that’s hardly been out of the box.

It’s a mark I C5, still packed in the cardboard and comes complete with the original battery, along with an accessories package that includes the C5 owner’s pack, charger, battery fixing kit, tool kit and all-new tyres. And there’s a video of the C5 on the ebay page, just do you can see it in action – in case you were wondering about roadworthiness.

The price? Well, it went up yesterday with a Buy It Now for £1,500. If that’s a bit rich, you can also make a best offer.

Future classic? Probably.

See the full listing and additional photos on the eBay website

Categories / Gadgets and Tech

Panasonic space age 1970s 8-track player

Panasonic_8track

I’m guessing I’m not the only person reading this site who has dabbled with 8-track players. Very much of their era and often very stylish. But there’s a downside – 8-track cartridges are clumsy, clunky and not often found in great condition.

But it’s worth hunting some down if you can pick up a player as stylish as this Panasonic space age 1970s 8-track player. Whether it works or not, this will look the part in any retro home. But this actually does work – with only minimal wear from its years of use.

You can buy it from the excellent Dutch site Original Design, which has a pile of 70s items at very reasonable prices. If you want this 8-track, it will set you back 42 Euros, which is just over £28. Sounds like good value to me.

Find out more at the Original Design website

Categories / Men's Fashion, Women's Fashion

Linda Farrow Vintage Gold Arm sunglasses

Linda_sunglasses

The sun is out, the sky is blue – and we now feel it’s time to start writing about sunglasses again, kicking off with Linda Farrow Vintage Gold Arm sunglasses.

Exclusively available from Oki-ni, these aren’t vintage (as the company name might suggest), but in a vintage style, not dissimilar to the range offered up by the original Linda Farrow company. What you do get is a pair of aviator-style sunglasses, with gold metal frames and arms and dark polarised lenses with a UV 400 protection rating.

Sold with case, card of authenticity and lens cloth, they retail for £180.

Find out more at the Oki-ni website

Categories / Bags

Orla Kiely vinyl weekend bag

Orla_weekend
Orla Kiely is no stranger to these pages – and for good reason. She’s always reliable for some stylish retro-inspired designs. And this new season is no different – we’re currently loving this Orla Kiely small vinyl weekend bag.

It’s probably the vinyl that gives it that retro look, along with the choice of colours in the range (there’s a brown and a white alongside the red featured here). There’s also a car print lining, three studded exterior pockets, inside zip and mobile pockets and a key chain.

If all that appeals, you can pick one up now, priced at £175.

Find out more at the Orla Kiely website

Categories / Watches

Dent Parliament watch – Big Ben on your wrist

Dent
In 1852, the contract for the House of Parliament Great Clock (aka Big Ben) was awarded to Edward J Dent. And the Dent company is still making timepieces. Indeed, just to come full circle, it has just produced its first new watch collection for 40 years – and based a number of the watches on that design for Big Ben.

The watch featured here is just one of the models in the Dent Parliament series, with the range featuring a choice of straps and materials. This particular one has an 18ct rose gold case, 18ct rose gold bracelet and white face with black detailing and hands.

We know they’re due on sale in the coming weeks, but right now, it’s almost impossible to find any prices – although I suspect that it’s one of those if you have to ask, you probably can’t afford one.

View the full range at the Dent Watches website