The Aston Martin DB5 and its iconic association with the James Bond film “Goldfinger” have become legendary in the world of cinema and automotive history. The DB5, produced by the British luxury car manufacturer Aston Martin, made its debut in 1963 and quickly gained fame as one of the most stylish and sophisticated sports cars of its era.
The DB5 was not just a stylish and powerful car; it also showcased cutting-edge technology for its time. Some of the advanced features included:
Air Conditioning: The DB5 was one of the first production cars to offer air conditioning, adding to the comfort and luxury of the vehicle.
Electric Windows: The car featured electrically operated windows, a convenience that was still relatively uncommon in the 1960s.
Leather Interior: The interior of the DB5 was luxuriously appointed with high-quality leather upholstery, enhancing the overall comfort and elegance of the vehicle.
Wood Trim: Fine wood trim and accents were used in the interior, adding a touch of refinement.
In 1962, Ursula Andress came out of the sea and was greeted by the late Sean Connery acting as James Bond Agent 007 in ‘Dr. No’. Who would have imagined that the movie franchise would continue with another 24 more right up to the 21st century?
60 years for a movie franchise is certainly a long time and to celebrate the anniversary this year, Land Rover is entering a rally-prepared, liveried Defender 90 in the 2022 Bowler Defender Challenge with Mark Higgins competing in the North Wales leg this weekend.
Higgins is not only a 3-time British Rally Champion but has also been a stunt driver in Bond movies. His driving skills were used in ‘Quantum of Solace’, ‘Skyfall’, ‘Spectre’ and ‘No Time to Die’. He will make his return to rallying with co-driver Claire Williams on March 26
The Defender 90 the duo will use features a trademark black and gold Bond livery. The stealthy looking vehicle, like those in ‘No Time to Die’, also features a special 007 60th logo on its roof and sides.
“The New Defender is a tough and capable vehicle when it leaves the production line and I’ve seen it perform really challenging stunts while on the set of ‘No Time To Die’,” said Higgins. “With the race-ready enhancements made by the Bowler team and with Claire by my side, we are confident we can have a great result.”
The competition-ready Bond Defender is based on a current Defender 90, powered by the P300 Ingenium powertrain. It is equipped with a number of safety modifications, including a full roll-cage, enhanced cooling for the engine and transmission, a sports exhaust and new rear roof spoiler.
Other enhancements include strengthened 18-inch Bowler wheels with all-terrain tyres and a bespoke suspension design with modified subframes, new springs and unique turrets for increased stiffness.
“To celebrate Land Rover’s long-running association with the Bond franchise, our very own special agent will showcase the durability and all-terrain capability of Defender with a nod to its special appearance in ‘No Time To Die’,” said Finbar McFall, Land Rover Brand Director.
Regulated by the Motor Sports Association and operated by Bowler, the 12-team 2022 Bowler Defender Challenge is designed to act as a feeder series for global rally-raid competitions including the annual Dakar rally.
The first time a Land Rover model had a noticeable presence was in ‘Octopussy’ (1983) and it was a Ranger Rover convertible. Thereafter, various models of the 4×4 brand would appear in ‘The Living Daylights’ (Series III/Range Rover), ‘Tomorrow Never Dies’ (Range Rover), Casino Royale (Range Rover Sport), ‘Quantum of Solace’ (Range Rover/Defender 90), Skyfall (Defender), ‘Spectre’ (Defender, Range Rover and Discovery Sport).
‘No Time to Die’, the final movie of the Daniel Craig series, saw some spectacular action with the Defenders flying through the air in pursuit of Bond. It was the first movie to have the New Defender which was launched in 2019. Based on the Defender X model in Santorini Black, with darkened skidpans, 20-inch dark finish wheels and professional off-road tyres, they were also the first Defenders to be built at Jaguar Land Rover’s new production facility in Slovakia.
The New Defender 110 has been available in Malaysia since last year and Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia recently gave a sneak preview of the Defender 90 which is the shorter version with two less doors. To know more about the Defender or to purchase one, visit www.landrover.com.my.
No Time to Die, the latest James Bond movie, has its world premiere in London today. Its global release was delayed due to the pandemic and it will progressively appear on screens around the world from the end of this month. It was to appear in Malaysian cinemas from September 29, but GSC announced that the film distributor has postponed the first screening to November 25, 2021, reasons unknown.
Once the premiere date was confirmed, the many brands associated with the movie quickly began their campaigns and Aston Martin, which has had a presence since the earliest films, started off with a unique campaign. It is a giant replica of the original Corgi DB5 model toy box that was sold in 1965 when Goldfinger was shown. Parents bought thousands of children the metal scale model of the iconic sportscar which would be a collectors item today, just like the real car.
There were other models of the car but Corgi’s was the most famous. Replicating the action features of the car seen in the movie, it was an instant success earning the UK ‘Toy of the Year’ and ‘Best Boys Toy’ titles at the National Association of Toy Retailers Awards in 1965. The model has proven so popular over the years that it has had to be retooled numerous times. Over 20 million units have been sold worldwide and it is still being produced to this day.
The large box, replicating the original Corgi item, has been on display near London’s Battersea Power Station (which is owned by Malaysian companies) and measures 5.66 metres long, 2.7 metres tall and 2.7 metres deep. Inside is an Aston Martin DB5 Goldfinger Continuation car complete with a broad selection of working gadgets. Fans will recognise the rotating numberplates, a retractable bulletproof rear shield, extending front overriders and of course, those pop-out machineguns hidden behind the headlights.
The display car is one of just 25 DB5 Goldfinger Continuation cars being produced, taking place more than 55 years after the last new DB5 was made. Each of the cars is an authentic reproduction of not only the original DB5 but also of the ‘Goldfinger’ car. Therefore, they are also in the same exterior colour – Silver Birch (just like the original) – with only minor modifications and enhancements to ensure the highest levels of quality and reliability.
“Aston Martin’s relationship with James Bond spans decades and the DB5 is, without question, the most famous car in the world by virtue of its 50-plus year association. Working with EON Productions and Chris Corbould to build 25 of the DB5 Goldfinger Continuations was a truly unique project for everyone involved at Aston Martin. Now, to work with Corgi – another quintessential British brand – and to see James Bond’s most cherished car sitting inside a to-scale toy box in central London is quite outstanding,” said Marek Reichman, Executive Vice-President & Chief Creative Officer of Aston Martin Lagonda.
No Time To Die, also has iconic Aston Martin models from the past, present and future. It is the first time that 4 different models have appeared in one 007 film: the DB5, the classic Aston Martin V8, the brand’s super GT – the DBS – and the Valhalla hypercar.
Like Aston Martin, Land Rover models are also involved in a lot of action in the movie. Alongside 10 of the latest Defenders are the Range Rover Sport SVR, the Series III Land Rover and a Range Rover Classic.
Sean Connery, the original James Bond, with the DB5 used in ‘Goldfinger’.
Land Rovers have appeared in various James Bond movies and will again star in the latest one to have its world premiere later this month. A video released last year showed Defenders in action, flying through the air in ‘No Time to Die’, and for those who want a similar vehicle, Land Rover SV Bespoke has created the Defender V8 Bond Edition.
Only 300 units will be offered through Land Rover dealers worldwide and there will be a choice of the Defender 90 or 110 bodystyles. To have the same stealthy look, the Defender V8 Bond Edition gets an Extended Black Pack with 22-inch Gloss Black alloy wheels and signature Xenon Blue front brake calipers.
The bespoke touches extend to the practical interior, with a specially developed start-up animation for the intuitive Pivi Pro infotainment system touchscreen that honours Land Rover’s long partnership with the James Bond franchise. At night, customers will also spot unique ‘007’ puddle lamp graphics flashed on ground outside the doors.
There are, of course, ‘Defender 007’ badges on various parts of the bodywork and inside, laser etching details that each unit is ‘one of 300’. Each vehicle is specially commissioned by the vehicle personalisation experts at SV Bespoke in the UK.
Based on the recently launched Defender V8, the Bond Edition is powered by a 5-litre 525 ps/625 Nm supercharged petrol engine with an 8-speed automatic transmission. This provides levels of performance that were never available in the original Defender and expertly developed suspension tuning allows the driver to make use of all that capability.
“The Land Rover Defender V8 Bond Edition is an exclusive take on the most powerful production Defender ever made, inspired by vehicles on screen in ‘No Time to Die’. It represents a meeting of two great British brands and is a unique celebration of Land Rover’s 38-year association with James Bond,” said Finbar McFall, Land Rover Brand Director.
Besides the Defender, there will also be two Range Rover Sport SVRs, a Range Rover Classic and Land Rover Series III in the film, which is the 25th one since 1962. ‘No Time to Die’ will be released progressively worldwide from the end of September, with the first screening taking place in the UK on September 30.
Going by some recent pictures of camouflaged Defenders on Malaysian roads last month, it is likely that Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia will be introducing the model in the near future. If you want to be alerted about the launch, you could let your interest be known at a Land Rover showroom.
With the DB5 Goldfinger Continuation cars, of which there are only 25 units will be available, Aston Martin offers an authentic version of the most memorable car used by Agent 007. It comes with gadgets like machineguns in the headlights, tyre-shredders, revolving numberplate and battering rams. And it’s not a toy model – it’s a full-sized fully engineered car that can be driven around.
If you missed the opportunity to own one of those cars, here’s another chance to own am Aston Martin associated with the movie franchise. Aston Martin is celebrating the release of the 25th James Bond film – No Time to Die – with two exclusive 007 special editions of the Vantage and DBS Superleggera.
Four iconic Aston Martin models will appear in the movie, to be released around the world in November 2020. Besides the iconic DB5, there will be the classic V8, DBS Superleggera and the Valhalla – the company’s forthcoming mid-engined hypercar.
The two special editions being offered in limited numbers to buyers around the world have been carefully designed and crafted by Aston Martin’s bespoke division known as Q by Aston Martin. ‘Q’ is the character in James Bond movies who has headed the R&D department of the British Secret Service and developed all those fancy gadgets, weapons and cars.
So it seems appropriate that Aston Martin has created its own department with that designation to offer bespoke personalisation services to customers. Besides the personalisation expertise, Q by Aston Martin also produces special editions such the latest 007 editions of the Vantage and DBS Superleggera.
Vantage 007 Edition £161,000/RM882,700
The first of the two models is the Vantage 007 Edition, inspired by the original V8 which made its 007 debut in The Living Daylights in 1987 and also appears in No Time to Die. As in Skyfall, James Bond retrieves the the car from his personal storage lock-up in London.
Building on the formidable sporting style and aggressive performance of the regular Vantage, the new car features unique exterior styling treatments led by a bespoke mesh grille with chrome bezel that references the look of the brand’s classic V8. Further styling details include a dashed yellow diffuser inspired by the hazard stripes on the film car’s rockets.
The Vantage 007 Edition can even be delivered with a set of The Living Daylights inspired limited edition skis and ski rack – referencing the ‘winterised’ V8 saloon from the film. 007 branding applied on the centre console of cars equipped with a manual gearbox.
The sun visors of all the cars will carry another subtle film reference in the shape of an embroidered radio station frequency – 96.60 (FM) – which 007 buffs will know was the Russian police frequency Bond used to aid his escape in The Living Daylights.
The seats themselves feature unique heritage fluting reminiscent of that seen in the V8, along with carbonfibre seat backs and, in a particularly detailed nod to the 1980s film, the outline of cello ‘f holes’ inspired by the memorable cello chase scene.
Additional association with the movies is in the form of a laser-etched gadget plaque that references the various weapons and devices seen on the original film car. These included a rocket motor, missiles, lasers, a targeting display and ski outriggers. Crosshairs etched onto the car’s paddle shift gear levers allude to the missile guidance system seen in the film, too. Available as a manual or automatic, the Vantage 007 Edition also boasts a side strake Vantage badge and is limited to 100 units globally.
DBS Superleggera 007 Edition £279,025/RM1.53 million
The range-topping DBS Superleggera that is the basis of the other 007 Edition will be available in just 25 units. Each car will have the same specification as the muscular DBS Superleggera featured in the upcoming film, including the 715 bhp/900 Nm 5.2-litre V12 twin-turbocharged engine.
The 007 edition will come with special Ceramic Grey exterior paint with the roof, mirror caps, splitter, diffuser and rear Aeroblade IITM in black tinted carbonfibre. Also unique to the 007 Edition are visually striking Gloss Black diamond-turned Y-Spoke 21-inch wheels. This special edition also features a 007 fender badge, finished in chrome with a black enamel infill and Stainless Steel Silver 007 foil applied to the rear spoiler blade.
Inside, the cockpit is a dark, brooding, leather-clad environment with flashes of red detailing the outline of the seats. Subtle 007 branding can be found on the door cards, armrest buckle badge and on the rear sub-woofer cover. The car is finished with a sill plaque that identifies it as one of the exclusive 007 Editions.
The Toyota 2000GT is a rare and legendary model in the company’s history. On sale between 1967 and 1970, it was Japan’s first supercar produced in collaboration with Yamaha. Only 351 units were made – two of which were used in the James Bond movie, ‘You Only Live Twice’.
The 2000GT had the latest Japanese technology of that period – a 2-litre DOHC straight six engine, 4-wheel double-wishbone suspension, 4-wheel disc brakes, radial tyres, magnesium alloy wheels, and retractable headlamps. It had a maximum speed of 220 kph, on a par with European sportscars of the day.
Prior to its launch, it was entered in speed trials and, despite bad weather conditions with an approaching typhoon, it set 3 world records (10,000 miles, 15,000 kms, 72 hours) and 13 international records. It also achieved wins and high placement in various races.
Priced at around US$7,000 when it was new, a 2000GT fetched almost US$1.2 million in 2013, making it the most expensive Asian car sold at that time. Clearly, it is a collectors’ car and owners around the world are taking care of this valuable historical asset.
Two units were modified into open-top versions specially for the James Bond movie, ‘You Only Live Twice’.
While the remaining cars are probably not driven much, some parts may still need replacement and after 50 years, original parts are obviously no longer produced. However, now Toyota GAZOO Racing has announced that it will reproduce some parts for the 2000GT under its GR Heritage Parts Project.
The transmission and differential-related parts for the 2000GT.
This project is an initiative that will reproduce spare parts that were no longer available, and sell them as genuine parts to owners of classic Toyota models. The first are for the Supra A70 and A80 models and now, the 2000GT.
The 2000GT, Japan’s first supercar in the 1960s, with the Lexus LFA, Toyota’s supercar of the 21st century. No convertible versions of the 2000GT were made at the factory so this is probably one of the two customised James Bond cars.
Efforts are underway at specially collaborating suppliers, along with Toyota plants and related divisions, to undertake production of the parts which are transmission and differential-related. They will be available through selected Toyota dealers worldwide and only to actual owners of the car who require them.
55 years after the last new Aston Martin DB5 left the production line in England, a brand new unit of the same car has done the same thing. It is the first of only 25 cars that the carmaker is making as part of its Continuation programme. Each car will take around 4,500 hours to complete.
It’s not just a standard DB5 that is being made either; it’s the model which James Bond drove in the 1964 movie Goldfinger and comes with an array of gadgets that amazed audiences around the world. Many of the gadgets are functioning too although the machine guns that pop out of the headlights do not fire bullets, for obvious reasons.
Interestingly, though the DB5 is properly engineered like the original, Aston Martin mentions that it is not legal for use on public roads and that the fitment of gadgets is subject to country-specific regulations. Things like the revolving number plates would certainly not be legal. So most of the units will probably for display with occasional drives at special events.
The James Bond DB5 is regarded as ‘the most famous car in the world’. Fewer than 900 examples were built between 1963 and 1965 and are today among the most desirable and sought-after classic Aston Martin models.
Each of the 25 new cars are meticulously detailed authentic reproductions of the DB5 seen in the movie, taking 4,500 hours to complete. Some modifications and enhancements have been necessary to ensure the highest levels of build quality and reliability comparable to today’s Aston Martins. All the Goldfinger edition cars are being built to one exterior colour specification – Silver Birch paint – just like the original.
The ‘half sunroof’ is actually an opening with a detachable panel removed. In the movie, the car had an ejection seat on the passenger side – which was used to get rid on an unwanted person.
The cars feature original DB5 styled aluminium exterior body panels cloaking an authentic DB5 mild steel chassis structure. Under the bonnet there’s a 4.0-litre naturally aspirated inline 6-cylinder engine with three SU carburettors and oil cooler. It produces around 290 bhp which goes through a 5-speed ZF manual transmission and mechanical limited slip differential to the rear wheels.
Servo-assisted hydraulic Girling-type steel disc brakes, rack and pinion and a suspension set-up comprising coil over spring and damper units with anti-roll bar at the front, and a live axle rear suspension with radius arms and Watt’s linkage. The steering system is not power-assisted but Mr. Bond would not have required it, of course.
And now, let look at the list of gadgets the owner gets in the car:
If mat rempits chase you, there’s a smokescreen generator or oil can also be sprayed onto the road behind.
Someone in front going at 50 km/h in the fast lane? Extend the rams and just push him out of the way!
This would be usegul when you’re in a hurry and there’s an AES camera. That’s why Aston Martin emphasises that the car is not road-legal if you have the gadgets.
Classic dashboard of a 1960s sportscar with a wood-rimmed steering wheel and no airbag.
No GPS and no digital road maps in 1964 so 007 had this tracking device to follow another car using a topographical map.
Remember it was 1964… 19 years before the first Motorola mobilephone was available.
Today, 007 would be using an iPhone and Apple CarPlay to activate all the gadgets.
Back in August last year, the original James Bond car was sold at an auction for US$6.4 million (about RM27.37 million) which was the highest price ever paid for a DB5. Each of the 25 modern units are said to cost £3.3 million, equivalent to RM17.66 million.
Car chase scenes were in movies a long time before ‘Goldfinger’, the James Bond movie, appeared in 1964. But it was in this 007 movie, only the third of many to come, that the Aston Martin DB5 became famous, especially with its built-in gadgets like machine-guns behind the headlamps, tyre slashers, numberplate-changer and even an ejector seat, to name a few.
Dubbed ‘the most famous car in the world’ and renowned as being among the most desirable and sought-after classic Aston Martin models, only 900 units of the DB5 were built by Aston Martin between 1963 and 1965.
Now, 55 years after the last new DB5 left the factory, the company is once again making the DB5 in a strictly limited number. Created in association with the producers of the James Bond films, EON Productions, they even have a broad suite of working gadgets seen on the car in the 1964 film.
The Aston Martin DB5 Goldfinger Continuation cars are history in the making, part of the Continuation car programme which began in 2017 with the DB4 GT Continuation. Each of the 25 cars takes around 4,500 hours to complete and while there is still the old-world craftsmanship, the highest possible quality is achieved by using modern engineering advancements and performance enhancements.
All the new cars are meticulously detailed authentic reproductions of the DB5 seen by millions around the world in 1964. They all come in one exterior colour – Silver Birch – just like the original.
The cutting-edge gadgets were developed in association with Chris Corbould, the special effects supervisor who has worked on more than a dozen Bond films. While there will not be an ejector seat, owners will get with their car the following:
Rear smoke screen delivery system
Rear simulated oil slick delivery system
Revolving number plates front and rear (triple plates)
Simulated twin front machine guns
Bullet resistant rear shield
Battering rams front and rear
Simulated tyre slasher
Removable passenger seat roof panel (optional equipment)
Simulated radar screen tracker map
Telephone in driver’s door
Gear knob actuator button
Armrest and centre console-mounted switchgear
Under-seat hidden weapons/storage tray
Remote control for gadget activation
Installing simulated machine-guns behind the lights (left) and the oil-sprayer at the rear (right) – all not working, of course.
The cars feature original DB5 styled aluminium exterior body panels wrapped elegantly around an authentic DB5 mild steel chassis structure. Under the bonnet, there’s a 4.0-litre naturally aspirated inline 6-cylinder engine with a 6-plug head, three SU carburettors and oil cooler. The output of 290 bhp goes through a 5-speed ZF manual transmission to the rear axle which also has a mechanical limited slip differential.
Servo-assisted hydraulic Girling-type steel disc brakes, rack and pinion steering – which has no power assistance – and a suspension set-up comprising coil over spring and damper units with anti-roll bar at the front, and a live axle rear suspension with radius arms and Watt’s linkage, complete the dynamic package.
Sean Connery, the original James Bond, with the DB5 in 1964 and Daniel Craig who used it in ‘Skyfall’ in 2012 (below).
First deliveries of the DB5 Goldfinger Continuation to customers will commence in the second half of 2020. Each car is priced from £2.75 million (about RM14.8 million).
The age of flying cars for the masses has yet to start but it must be coming, going by what the new Land Rover Defenders are shown doing in a movie. The 4×4 brand’s products have always been known and admired for their off-road capability on any terrain, wading ability across rivers and extreme durability. Now it appears that they will soon develop some sort of flying capability too!
That they can fly and mimic motocross bikes that swoop 30 metres over ground made them the natural choice for use in ‘No Time To Die’, the James Bond movie that will be in cinemas this April.
It’s not the first time that the Defender has starred in a Bond movie, but it is the first movie for the all-new Defender that was launched last September.
Ten Defenders were acquired for the movie for use in an exciting chase scene, and one of the SUVs has the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) 007 which indicates it was the seventh vehicle to be produced. Customers who have ordered their Defenders will soon be getting them but demand has been very great so Land Rover expects it to exceed supply.
The dramatic scenes are used in Land Rover’s television commercial for the new Defender and demonstrate its various capabilities on tough terrain. The commercial also give an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at how those flying scenes were done so you can see it wasn’t CGI. The rehearsal footage includes further extreme tests as the vehicle is driven at top speed through swamps and rivers.
The chase sequence in ‘No Time To Die’ was led by stunt coordinator Lee Morrison, working alongside Oscar-winner Chris Corbould, the special effects and action vehicles supervisor. “We pushed the Defender further than we believed possible to generate the maximum excitement, and to give fans an insight into the uncompromising challenge of producing an incredible chase sequence which you can look forward to seeing in ‘No Time To Die’,” said Morrison.
“We developed a new test standard for Defender, the most challenging we’ve ever had and unique to this vehicle. Physical strength and durability is measured by a number of different tests including a bridge jump test which gave us confidence to deliver what the stunt team needed to create for ‘No Time To Die’, with no modifications to the body structure except the installation of a roll cage,” revealed Nick Collins, Vehicle Line Director for the Defender at the factory.
Putting these vehicles through their paces was Jessica Hawkins, whom Morrison handpicked from the Formula 3 W Series after spotting her potential. He wasted no time in giving her the opportunity to feature in what will be her first ever motion picture.
James Bond, undeniably the world’s best-known secret agent, has driven a great variety of cars in the past 57 years since he first appeared in Dr. No. Many were sportscars and thanks to Q branch, some of them had fancy accessories like rocket launchers, ejection seats, machine guns and tyre-shredders. Being an agent of the British government, Bond often drove the latest British models with Aston Martins featuring prominently in the last few adventures.
A display of the cars used in ‘Die Another Day’, the 2002 James Bond movie.
In April 2020, No Time To Die, the 25th official James Bond film (and the fifth one starring Daniel Craig as Agent 007), will premiere and as with the previous films, there will be exciting car action. Seeming to reflect trends in the market, there will be more SUVs and in fact, the New Defender from Land Rover will appear prominently on the big screen. This will be the first movie to feature the New Defender which was launched in September this year.
Other Land Rover models you will see at different points in the movie will be the Range Rover Sport SVR, Land Rover Series III and Range Rover Classic. The British 4×4 manufacturer has had a long-standing partnership with EON Productions on the Bond films which goes back to 1983 when a Range Rover Convertible appeared in Octopussy.
Land Rover’s design team worked closely with Special Effects and Action Vehicles Supervisor Chris Corbould on the specification of the Defenders in the film. Based on the Defender X model in Santorini Black, with darkened skidpans, 20-inch dark finish wheels and professional off-road tyres, they were the first Defenders to be built at Jaguar Land Rover’s new production facility in Slovakia.
Stunt coordinator Lee Morrison (shown below) and stunt driver Jess Hawkins pushed the vehicle to extremes, making maximum use of pioneering off-road tech, 900 mm wading ability and 291 mm ground clearance for No Time To Die’s spectacular car chase action.
“Designing and co-ordinating the action sequences for the Bond franchise requires a non-compromising mindset. We needed an unstoppable vehicle to help us battle against the elements, steep descents and river crossings so we chose the new Defender. I’m beyond impressed that the Defender is not only back but much, much better!” said Morrison.
