Nationwide Vehicle Contracts takes a look at the best James Bond cars to grace our screens.
Is James Bond perhaps the coolest fictional character ever in cinema? He’s known for his impeccable taste in suits, gadgets, women, and cars.
Throughout the years, the James Bond franchise has showcased some of the most iconic cars in film history. From classic cars to high-tech beasts, you can’t criticise James Bond for his choice of cars.
In this blog, we take a look at the best James Bond cars that have graced the silver screen.
Aston Martin DB5 (Goldfinger, Thunderball, Goldeneye, Casino Royale):
When you think of a Bond car, you probably picture the Aston Martin DB5. It’s the epitome of Bond’s elegance. First introduced in Sean Connery’s Goldfinger, the iconic DB5 went on to feature in subsequent films.
It features an array of thrilling features such as machine guns, an ejector seat, a smoke screen, and revolving number plates.
However, what stands out for me is the DB5’s timeless design. It’s the perfect car for James Bond, combining style with performance, which makes it the perfect companion for taking down villains.
Lotus Esprit S1 (The Spy Who Loved Me):
The Spy Who Loved Me is a brilliant film, and it’s not hard to see why. That iconic intro, Roger Moore, and the Lotus Esprit S1.
A brilliant car in its own right, the Esprit S1 wowed viewers as it could turn into a submarine. Yes, you heard that right. How can you forget the scene where Bond eloquently drives into the ocean and says, “Can you swim?”.
As an amphibious vehicle, the Esprit S1’s arsenal included torpedoes, mines, and surface-to-air missiles.
BMW Z8 (The World is Not Enough):
I sometimes think that Pierce Brosnan’s Bond films are almost forgotten, but one thing we car lovers certainly don’t forget is the BMW Z8 in the World is Not Enough.
It’s one of the most stylish Bond cars to date; with its sleek design and impressive performance, it perfectly complements Bond’s sophisticated persona.
The Z8’s standout features include a hidden missile launcher and a cutting-edge remote-control system.
Aston Martin V12 Vanquish (Die Another Day):
The Aston Martin V12 Vanquish features in the 2002 Bond film Die Another Day. What I really like about the V12 Vanquish is that it emphasises the transition from classic cars to modern-day greats.
The V12 Vanquish’s standout feature was that it could turn invisible through adaptive camouflage! Its range of gadgets, such as autocannons, rockets, and ice-gripping spikes, proved crucial in Bond’s battle against villain Zao.
Finally, how can you forget that car chase? It’s just brilliant.
Aston Martin DB10 (Spectre):
The Aston Martin DB10 was created exclusively for Spectre and helped celebrate 50 years of Aston Martin and James Bond.
Only ten versions of the DB10 were built, and eight of them were used in Spectre. In the film, the DB10 is equipped with a flamethrower, a rear-facing flamethrower, and machine guns.
It also takes part in a car chase through the historic city of Rome, which is a spectacle to behold when Bond ejects moments before the DB10 flies into the Tiber River.
Conclusion
Throughout the Bond franchise, the cars driven by 007 have left an unmistakable mark on popular culture.
From the timeless elegance of the Aston Martin DB5 to the innovative technology of the Lotus Esprit S1 and BMW Z8, each Bond car holds a special place in the hearts of film fans.
Looking for more film and TV content? Check out our blog, where we share articles on various topics, such as The Cars of Our Favourite Sitcoms.
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