Aston Martin, The James Bond Car of Choice
Aston Martin, the James Bond car of choice, is an enduring symbol of style, sophistication, and technologically advanced performance that has become an integral part of the cinematic legacy of the world’s most famous spy.
This relationship between Agent 007 and his Aston Martin is more than just a matter of transportation. It encapsulates the blend of British charm, adventure, and an enviable coolness that has kept audiences returning to the Bond franchise for decades.
From the smooth purr of the Aston Martin engine to the sleek, timeless design of its vehicles, each appearance of an Aston Martin in a Bond film is a memorable event. The Aston Martin isn’t merely a car, it’s a character in its own right. And each one embodyies the same qualities as James Bond himself – debonair, technologically astute, and eternally elegant.
In this article, we’ll trace the fascinating journey of this iconic relationship, traversing from the classic lines of the Aston Martin DB3 and DB5, through the robust grace of the DBS, the timeless elegance of the V8 and Volante, to the modern power of the V12 Vanquish and the exclusive design of the DB10. Strap in for an exhilarating exploration into the heart of James Bond and his chosen car, Aston Martin.
Aston Martin DB3
The romance between James Bond and Aston Martin cars began where all enduring love stories often do – within the pages of a book. Specifically, it was the seventh James Bond novel, Ian Fleming’s 1959 bestseller Goldfinger, that introduced this indelible association.
As the novel’s debonair, British spy drove through Europe on a mission to track down the notorious villain Auric Goldfinger, he did so in an Aston Martin DB3 following the suggestion from a fan.
Fleming described the car as having a few carefully chosen modifications designed to assist Bond in his covert operations. With reinforced bumpers and a secret compartment for hiding a Colt 45 pistol, the DB3 was the ideal accessory for Bond.
This introduction sparked a love affair between James Bond and Aston Martin that has continued to thrive for over half a century. So much so, that the image of Bond at the wheel of an Aston Martin has become iconic, and forms an integral part of the James Bond mythos.
Aston Martin DB5
Building upon the roots laid in Goldfinger novel, the love affair between James Bond and Aston Martin blossomed further in the course of the film series. As the spy narratives evolved, so did the automobiles, leading Bond from the DB3 to the celebrated DB5.
Bond took to the wheel of the Aston Martin DB3 in Goldfinger novel, and it wasn’t until the third film, Goldfinger, that the producers introduced an Aston Martin as James Bond’s car of choice.
They went for the Aston Martin DB5, a decision that forever altered the course of the Bond franchise.
First driven by Sean Connery, the DB5 is more than a stylish ride, it was a marvel of its time. Its six-cylinder, all-aluminium engine boasted 282bhp, enabling the car to reach an impressive top speed of 145mph. For the film, the car was outfitted with state-of-the-art Bond gadgets like machine guns, an ejector seat, and rotating license plates, enhancing its association with the charismatic secret agent.
Following its introduction in Goldfinger, the DB5 cemented its legacy within the Bond universe by appearing in Thunderball, GoldenEye, Tomorrow Never Dies, Casino Royale, Skyfall, Spectre, and it also made an appearance in No Time to Die, marking its eighth presence in the Bond film series.
This continuous on-screen presence is testament to the DB5’s timeless allure and its iconic status in the James Bond franchise, and highlights the enduring bond between James Bond and Aston Martin, a relationship that has become synonymous with the franchise.
Aston Martin DBS
Much like actor George Lazenby, the 1969 version of the Aston Martin DBS had a single starring role in the Bond franchise, featuring in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service.
The DBS, which succeeded the DB6, represented a modern twist in design from the traditional ‘DB’ series of Aston Martins. It exhibited a fastback style rear and a muscular front design, reflecting a new direction for the brand.
Unlike typical Bond cars laden with high-tech gadgets and engaging in high-speed chases, the DBS played a more subtle yet emotionally impactful role. The car featured prominently in a key scene where it was adorned with flowers for 007’s wedding to Tracy. This moment of joy was tragically short-lived as Tracy was shot dead in a drive by shooting.
Although the Aston martin DBS never reprised its role as a James Bond car, it did make a fleeting cameo in 1971’s Diamonds are Forever. Sharp-eyed viewers can spot it in the background at the Q Branch workshop, where it is seen undergoing modifications. This brief appearance served as a nod to the car’s integral role in one of the most poignant narratives within the Bond series.
Aston Martin V8 and Volante
After a hiatus of nearly two decades, the Aston Martin V8 reignited the classic pairing of James Bond and Aston Martin. This powerful car made its Bond debut in 1987’s The Living Daylights, with Timothy Dalton behind the wheel for the first of his two films.
Britain’s first supercar and boasting a 0-60mph time that outpaced the Ferrari Daytona, the Aston Martin V8 was the perfect fit for James Bond. It came equipped with an array of fittingly Bond-esque gadgets, including missiles, lasers, rockets and a futuristic heads-up display.
The film’s decision to pair Bond with a winter-ready Aston Martin V8 led to a high-octane chase sequence. With 007 at the wheel, the V8 powered through mountainous terrains, evading the KGB and local police, adding an adrenaline-inducing thrill to the film.
The Aston Martin initially appears as the convertible V8 Volante in the film. It later ‘transforms’ into the V8 when Q ‘winterises’ the car, notably making it a hardtop. This clever twist means that Bond actually drives two different models in The Living Daylights.
In a nod to the past, the V8 makes a dramatic reappearance in No Time To Die. In a scene that echoes the iconic Aston Martin DB5 reveal in Skyfall, Bond uncovers a car in storage, this time revealing an Aston Martin V8 Vantage.
Bond takes the V8 then to Norway, where he’s pursued by a helicopter. An off-road chase requires Bond to find a 4×4 quickly, adding another layer of excitement to the Aston Martin V8’s dynamic role in the Bond franchise.
Aston Martin V12 Vanquish
During Pierce Brosnan‘s tenure as James Bond, audiences were treated to an array of Aston Martins, with the V12 Vanquish making a grand appearance in 2002’s Die Another Day. The V12 Vanquish, with its extraordinary ability to turn invisible through adaptive camouflage, starred in one of Bond’s most iconic car chase sequences.
Armed with an array of gadgets, the Vanquish proved invaluable in Bond’s face-off with the villainous Zao. From autocannons to rockets and ice-gripping spikes, the car’s gadgets played a pivotal role in the film’s climax.
With a top speed of 190mph and a capability to go from 0-60mph in under five seconds, the V12 Vanquish represented the zenith of Aston Martin’s technical prowess at the time. This vehicle is a symbol of the resurgence of Aston Martin that had cemented its position at the forefront of the luxury sports car industry and of course the James Bond car of choice.
Aston Martin DBS V12
The 2006 release of Casino Royale marked a pivotal moment in the Bond franchise, marking a return to 007’s roots while introducing a new lead, Daniel Craig. The movie also introduced audiences to a new Aston Martin model, the DBS V12.
The Aston Martin DBS V12 had a dramatic on-screen journey, meeting an inglorious end when Bond swerves to avoid hitting Vesper Lynd. This led to the Aston Martin rolling over seven times, setting a Guinness World Record for the most cannon rolls by a car.
Aston Martin made four hand-built DBS prototypes for the film, underscoring their commitment to revitalizing the Bond image for modern audiences. The DBS V12 played an integral role in this transformation, combining the heritage of Aston Martin with the renewed vigour of Daniel Craig’s James Bond.
The DBS V12 also featured prominently in the follow up, Quantum of Solace. It starred in a car chase around Lake Garda, Italy, setting the pace for the film in the exhilarating opening sequence, further cementing the synergy between Aston Martin cars and James Bond.
Aston Martin DB10
Specially developed for the 2015 movie Spectre, the Aston Martin DB10 marks half a century of collaboration between Aston Martin and James Bond on the silver screen.
The DB10 is a unique model, with only ten units ever produced by the Aston Martin, eight of which were used in the filming of Spectre. However Aston Martin did release a limited edition (150 made) DB9 GT Bond Edition, which was very similar to the DB10.
The design of the DB10 was revealed to have significantly influenced the development of the yet-to-be-unveiled 2017 Vantage. Its design cues, orchestrated by Chief Creative Officer Marek Reichman, would later become a staple of Aston Martin’s road car range.
The DB10 was introduced in Spectre with Q’s tantalizing hint of a “few tricks up its sleeve,” initially intended for agent 009. Bond, however, “borrows” the car and takes it on a thrilling adventure through the historic city of Rome, being pursued by the assassin Mr. Hinx.
In the climactic chase, the car’s flamethrowers prove instrumental, and Bond makes a spectacular exit from the car moments before it hurtles into the Tiber River. This means we likely won’t see it in the next Bond film, but there’s no doubt Aston Martin will always remain the James Bond car of choice.
Aston Martin, James Bond’s Favourite Brand
In a cultural landscape teeming with iconic partnerships, none have proven as enduring or as captivating as the one between James Bond and Aston Martin cars. The seamless blending of British sophistication and cutting-edge technology within each Aston Martin model echoes the essence of Bond himself.
From the classic DB3 in Fleming’s Goldfinger novel to the contemporary DB10 in Spectre, the Aston Martin has, over the decades, evolved alongside the 007 agent, encapsulating his metamorphosis across the Bond franchise.
Aston Martin’s association with James Bond is a testament to the brand’s timeless appeal and its ability to adapt and innovate. And as the Bond franchise moves forward, it’s certain that Aston Martin, the James Bond car of choice, will be right there with him.
