Evolution of James Bond Cars
Highlights
James Bond movies have evolved over the years, right from re-invention of Bond´s persona according to each director´s vision, the actors who play 007, the villains, female leads, plot complexities and even the spy-ware technology displayed. However, there's one feature of these films stays true to course – and that´s amazing cars featured in these movies.
All the Bond films feature cars that are the epitome of motor brilliance for that period. Bond's cars have been one of the biggest hooks of the film. Let's take a quick trip into the evolution of automobiles in James Bond films from 1962 to 2021.
Sunbeam Alpine Series II
One of the remarkable things about this car is that Q's lab made no modifications – no ejector seats, no gadgets, and no guns at all! Dr No (1962) featured this two-seater sports drophead coupe! The vehicle oozes awesomeness and sophistication.
1935 Bentley Mark IV
Bentley Mark was already a 30-year-old model when the makers of ´From Russia with Love (1963)´ decided to cast it. This convertible Bentley relic allowed Bond to go on a memorable picnic with Sylvia Trench.
1963 Aston Martin DB5
You can spot the 1963 Aston Martin DB5 across several James Bond films. In a nutshell, it is the quintessential Bond car! Since the car is featured several times across the movie, it is notorious for being the "James Bond car." However, the car was first featured in Bond movie Goldfinger (1964)
1971 Ford Mustang Mach 1
The 1971 Ford Mustang Mach 1 enjoyed the privilege of featuring in one of the most iconic car chases with Sean Connery as James Bond in Diamonds Are Forever (1971). Cras featured in Bond movies did very well in sales and Ford wanted a slice of that pie. They wanted their Ford Mustang featured in a Bond film with Connery behind the wheel. Targeted as a performance car for young buyers, the Ford Mustang Mach 1, had both the speed and the muscle to play the perfect Bond car.
1976 Lotus Espirit S1
If you've watched “The Spy Who Loved Me,” you'll surely remember the futuristic looking Lotus Espirit S1, of the ´folded paper design´fame. The Espirit was a modern car for Roger Moore´s modern Bond, who not only piloted it on roads but also underwater! Although the on-road production version of the Espirit does not travel underwater, the movie certainly boosted its popularity. However, the model used in the movie did really go underwater as the film makers created a functional subermsible inside the shell of a Lotus Espirit.
1962 Rolls Royce Silver Cloud II
Roger Moore rode the 1962 Rolls Royce Silver Cloud II in the Bond film, “A View to Kill (1985).” The car also made a brief appearance in Thunderball 1965. This car was a celebration for Moore's last 007 film!
1985 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Volante
Even though the car was launched at Roger's last 007 movies, the makers possibly saved it for Bond's fresh casting – Timothy Dalton. The Vantage Volante received several cool upgrades thanks to Q's technical wizardry.
BMW Z8
When the James Bond series makers realized Dalton wasn't exactly a hit with the masses, they bought in Pierce Brosnan. This car included a great addition by Q - surface-to-air missiles launchers!
Aston Martin DB10
When Daniel Craig stepped into the shoes of James Bond, the makers wanted to bring back the “Bond effect.” What better way than an Aston Martin to do that? The bespoke design and sleek body of Aston Martin were just what James Bond required to take off with the audience!
These gorgeous wheels from the James Bond films are the dream collection for any car enthusiast! Which of these do you wish you owned?