007 brings out the inner child in many of us, albeit in a well-spoken and sophisticated way.
Indeed, if you're a car nut, one of the main attractions of a new Bond film coming out is the inevitable car chase involving some of the classiest sets of wheels money can buy (as well as one or two examples it can’t).
With that in mind, here’s a list of just about every vehicle of note that Bond has got his hands on.
Sunbeam Alpine Series II
'Dr. No' kicked off the long-running series of 007 films back in 1962 with Sean Connery behind the wheel of the Sunbeam Alpine Series II. With its sleek design, this convertible sports car perfectly captured the essence of the 1960s era. Although not equipped with any special gadgets, the Sunbeam Alpine became an integral part of Bond's image as a sophisticated and daring secret agent. Today, acquiring a well-preserved Sunbeam Alpine Series II could require a budget of around £40,000 or more, considering its historical significance and desirability among collectors.
Aston Martin DB5
We had to wait for Bond to drive an Aston Martin, but the DB5 proved so popular that the same model has been driven by Connery, Pierce Brosnan and Daniel Craig over the years, starring in no less than seven films (Goldfinger, Thunder, GoldenEye, Tomorrow Never Dies, Casino Royale, Skyfall and Spectre). As a result, it's become synonymous with James Bond – arguably more so than the many modern Astons that have featured since. Equipped with gadgets like revolving number plates and an ejector seat, the DB5 epitomizes the perfect Bond car. Its timeless design, luxurious interior, and association with Bond's sophistication make it highly sought after. If you want even a standard DB5 without the 007 add-ons, a well-maintained DB5 could command a price of £2 million or more in today's market.
Ford Mustang Mach 1
Sean Connery traded his usual Aston Martin for the muscular Ford Mustang Mach 1 in "Diamonds Are Forever." The iconic American muscle car added a touch of raw power to Bond's style, delivering thrilling chase scenes. Its aggressive design and roaring V8 lump captivated audiences. Today, acquiring a well-preserved Ford Mustang Mach 1 from the Bond era could require a budget of approximately £100,000 or more, given its desirability and collectability among Bond and muscle car enthusiasts.
AMC Hornet
In "The Man with the Golden Gun," Roger Moore showcased the compact and agile AMC Hornet. Known for its famous corkscrew jump, this motor became a memorable part of Bond's collection. Its unconventional appearance and thrilling stunts added excitement to the film. Today, finding a well-preserved AMC Hornet from the Bond era might require funds of around £30,000 or more, considering its relative rarity and significance as a Bond car.
Lotus Esprit S1
Moore drove the iconic Lotus Esprit S1 in "The Spy Who Loved Me." This great sports car famously transformed into a submarine, captivating audiences with its unique capabilities. Its sleek design and futuristic features made it a memorable addition to Bond's vehicle lineup. While finding an actual submersible version is unlikely, a well-preserved Esprit S1 could be valued at approximately £80,000 or more in today's market.
Citroën 2CV
In "For Your Eyes Only," Moore surprised audiences by driving the humble Citroën 2CV. This classic French ride added a touch of charm and humour to the movie, demonstrating Bond's adaptability in any situation. While not a high-performance vehicle, the 2CV's quirky appearance and practicality made it a memorable and endearing Bond motor. The good news is that it’s among the cheapest Bond cars you can purchase, with a budget of approximately £10,000 needed for one in good condition.
Aston Martin V8 Vantage Volante
Timothy Dalton drove the Aston Martin V8 Vantage Volante, a luxurious convertible grand tourer, in "The Living Daylights" in 1987. With its powerful performance and elegant styling, the V8 Vantage Volante perfectly represented Bond's refined tastes. The car also showcased Bond's escapades and provided thrilling action sequences. Today, acquiring a well-maintained V8 Vantage Volante would likely require a budget of around £350,000 or more, considering its rarity and desirability among automotive enthusiasts.
BMW Z3
Pierce Brosnan introduced the BMW Z3 in "GoldenEye", marking a departure from the traditional Aston Martin. The Z3 showcased a modern design and sporty performance, reflecting Bond's increasingly contemporary image. Although it lacked the advanced gadgets of previous Bond cars, the Z3's appearance in the film solidified its status as a collector's item. In the real world, the Z3 was much maligned, causing BMW to ditch it altogether by calling its successor the Z4. As a result, today, a well-preserved BMW Z3 could require funds of around £10,000 or more, depending on its condition and mileage.
BMW 750iL
Brosnan clearly had a thing for BMW, as he also showcased the luxury sedan 750iL in "Tomorrow Never Dies". This elegant and technologically advanced vehicle featured various gadgets, including remote control capability. Its combination of comfort, performance, and cutting-edge features made it a fitting addition to Bond's fleet. Today, a well-preserved BMW 750iL from the Bond era might require you to have approximately £10,000 or more in your savings account, depending on its condition and mileage.
BMW Z8
The rare and little-known BMW Z8 appeared in "The World Is Not Enough" as a high-performance roadster driven by Brosnan. With its sleek design and potent engine, the Z8 added a touch of contemporaneousness and speed to the franchise – until it was sliced in half by a helicopter. Although the car didn't feature any significant gadgets, its stylish aesthetics and thrilling performance made it a desirable choice. Today, acquiring a well-preserved BMW Z8 could require a budget of approximately £200,000 or more, considering its desirability and rarity, given its limited production numbers.
Aston Martin V12 Vanquish
Brosnan fell back in line with tradition in "Die Another Day", albeit in a contemporary way with the Aston Martin V12 Vanquish. This high-performance grand tourer combined elegance with impressive speed and advanced technology. The sleek design and powerful engine made it a formidable presence on screen. Today, a well-maintained Aston Martin V12 Vanquish could command a price of approximately £100,000 or more, depending on its condition and mileage. If that's a bit much, Bond also drove a Ford Fairlane while visiting Cuba in this film – they can be bought from around £25,000.
Aston Martin DBS
The successor to the Vanquish was the Aston Martin DBS, and Daniel Craig, drove it in "Casino Royale" and "Quantum of Solace". With its muscular looks and exceptional performance, the DBS perfectly suited Bond's gritty and intense portrayal. The car showcased a blend of luxury and raw power, providing thrilling chase sequences, although some complained that its appearance in the first of Craig's films was too short. A well-maintained Aston Martin DBS from the Craig era could be valued at around £120,000 or more in today's market.
Ford Mondeo
Here’s one we’ll bet you'd forgotten. In "Casino Royale," Daniel Craig briefly traded his Aston for a less conspicuous Ford Mondeo. This practical and reliable family car arguably added a touch of realism to the film, highlighting Bond's adaptability. While not glamorous or high-performance, the Mondeo's appearance makes it a unique addition to Bond's vehicle collection. Acquiring a well-preserved Ford Mondeo from the Bond era will only require forking out about £5,000, depending on its condition and mileage.
Aston Martin DB10
Arguably the rarest of them all, the Aston Martin DB10 was created exclusively for the film "Spectre" to showcase Aston Martin's design prowess. Its aggressive and futuristic design perfectly complemented Daniel Craig's portrayal of Bond. However, as a limited-edition concept car, the DB10 was never intended to be made available for public purchase and, therefore, never went on sale. Despite its 'DB' badging, it was essentially a V8 Vantage underneath, although it had a longer wheelbase. Only ten models were made - eight for the film and two more for promotional purposes - making it an exceptionally rare and highly coveted collector's item. As a result, putting a price on the DB10 is virtually impossible. However, one did sell for nearly £2.5 million in an auction at Christie's in London in 2016.
Aston Martin DB11
In the latest Bond flick, "No Time to Die," Daniel Craig drives the Aston Martin DB11. This grand tourer combines exquisite design, luxurious comfort, and impressive performance. The DB11 represents the evolution of Aston Martin's iconic DB series, showcasing a perfect blend of elegance and power. Acquiring a well-maintained Aston Martin DB11 today could require a budget of approximately £150,000 or more, depending on the specific model variant, condition, and mileage.
