007’s Aston Martin DB5: Rise to Fame

The Aston Martin DB5 gained widespread recognition when special effects maestro John Stears adapted a DB5 for James Bond’s use in the 1964 film Goldfinger. Although author Ian Fleming had originally depicted Bond driving a DB Mark III in the novel, Stears successfully convinced the company to provide its DB5 prototype for the cinematic adaptation. There were a total of four DB5s associated with the film Goldfinger: two for filming and two for promotional purposes.

The first filming car, DP/2161/1, was outfitted with a suite of gadgets. Originally the prototype, it was painted Dubonnet Red and had a prior appearance in The Noble Sportsman, episode 2.17 of The Saint, before its iconic role in Goldfinger. Subsequently, Aston Martin removed its weaponry and gadgetry, reselling it. It later changed hands and had non-original weaponry added. The second filming car, DB5/1486/R, was primarily used for driving scenes during filming and initially lacked gadgets. After filming, the gadgets were incorporated, and the car was utilized for promotional purposes. It boasted features like pop-out gun barrels, a bullet shield behind the rear window, and a three-way revolving front number plate showing “LU 6789” or “4711-EA-62” or “BMT 216A.”

The first promotional car, DB5/2017/R, found its home in the Louwman Museum in The Hague. The second promotional car, DB5/2008/R, was auctioned by RM Sotheby’s in August 2019, fetching an impressive $6.4 million from an undisclosed buyer. These two cars played a pivotal role in promoting the film at the 1964 New York World’s Fair. The DB5 was famously dubbed “the most famous car in the world,” and as a result, its sales saw a considerable uptick.

Following its appearance in Goldfinger, the Aston Martin DB5 became closely linked to the James Bond franchise. The very same car, registered as BMT 216A, returned for the subsequent film, Thunderball, just a year later. The DB5 is widely regarded as the quintessential vehicle associated with the iconic character, and it continued to make notable appearances in later Bond films, such as Casino Royale, Skyfall and No Time to Die.

Continuation programme: A Revival

As an ongoing phase of the Continuation programme which had started in 2017, Aston Martin initiated the assembly of 25 new DB5 Goldfinger-themed vehicles at their Newport Pagnell factory, located in north Buckinghamshire, the very same site where the original DB5s were painstakingly crafted. These vehicles represented faithful reproductions of Bond’s iconic Goldfinger DB5 and boasted the majority of the spy gadgets featured in the film. Impressively, several of these gadgets were designed to be fully operational, encompassing a smoke screen, a simulated oil slick delivery system, revolving number plates, and a rear bullet shield.

In a bid to stay true to the craftsmanship of the original 1963-65 production run, Aston Martin engaged the same manufacturers whenever possible. Notably, ZF Friedrichshafen provided the transmission, while Connolly Leather supplied the sumptuous interiors. Mirroring the techniques employed in the 1960s, the cars featured hand-crafted aluminum body panels meticulously fitted by skilled artisans to a steel chassis. Under the hood, a 290bhp 4.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine, equipped with three SU carburettors, was paired with a five-speed ZF manual transmission. Staying faithful to the DB5’s heritage, the vehicles were resplendent in the iconic Silver Birch color scheme. These Goldfinger-themed DB5s were a collaborative effort with EON Productions, the producers of the James Bond films. Priced at approximately £2.75 million each, they captured the essence of the classic Bond vehicle. The first of these new cars proudly rolled off the production line in early July 2020.

Celebrating the Aston Martin DB5

Few names resonate as powerfully as the Aston Martin DB5. Its timeless design, legendary performance, and its starring role alongside the iconic secret agent James Bond have etched itself as a legend in automotive history. With a heritage spanning over half a century, the DB5 continues to be celebrated as the epitome of British elegance and engineering excellence. As a symbol of sophistication, adventure, and enduring style, the Aston Martin DB5 remains a cherished and revered classic, reminding us that true legends are built to transcend generations.