To many observers the Aston Martin DB5 is the epitome of the company's models from the David Brown era, boasting both beauty and refined high performance. It is also the best-known Aston Martin in the world, having starred in the 1960s James Bond films "Goldfinger" and "Thunderball," complete with machine guns and other gadgetry. Indeed, this quintessential British GT is also probably the most instantly recognizable car in the world, a recent survey having estimated that an incredible three-quarter of the planet's population have seen at least one James Bond film.
Following its launch in July 1963, the 282 bhp DB5 attracted much praise, not least for its performance. A maximum of 148mph in standard trim, allied to 0-60 and 0-100 mph in 7.1 and 16.9 seconds respectively, made the DB5 one of the fastest cars available and more than a match for the best from continental Europe. As such it was the perfect partner for the world's most famous secret agent who, as we all know, was more than a match for his evil opponents.
For the films "Goldfinger" and "Thunderball" two different DB5 models were used but only one was fitted with the innovative secret weapons devised by Q, the other car being used for most of the driving scenes. Aston Martin subsequently removed all the gadgets from the specifically modified DB5 and notably this car, registered BMT 216A, sold at a New York auction in June 1986 for $275,000 - then a world record price and one established long before the huge price increases of the late 1980s, and at a time when good DB5s sold for less than a tenth of that figure.
Without a doubt, there can be no other car in existence which is so immediately associated with one character. The example pictured here is unique in that it stars in the latest James Bond film, Goldeneye, shot earlier this year [1995]. Importantly, it is also only the second Bond car ever to come up for auction and the only one likely to be offered for sale in the foreseeable future. An original right-hand drive car, it was restored over 1990-93 (total cost over $112,000) following which it won its class at the 1994 AMOC Concours, accumulating 97.5 points out of a possible 100. Such was and is this Aston Martin's condition that it was then chosen as the car for the new Bond star Pierce Brosnan to drive in "Goldeneye;" there were also two other stand-in DB5s, again used purely for stunt work (one was heavily crashed) and both of which were retained by the film's makers.
Subsequently, and appropriately registered JBZ 6007, this now world-famous DB5 has been the subject of numerous magazine and newspaper articles - including the December 1995 issue of 'Classic & Sportscar' in which it is featured on the front cover - and was also highlighted in Aston Martin Lagonda's official press release to 007's reacquaintance with this most classic of British GTs.
Finished, of course, in Silver Birch with black hide interior, just as the first Bond DB5, it is thus offered in concours condition and comes complete with a center console which holds a champagne bottle and glasses, a concealed top quality CD sound system, remote control central locking, a photographic account of the film shoot, restoration receipts, AML chassis record and buff log book.
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Detailing
| Vehicle: | Aston Martin DB5 Goldeneye |
The opportunity to have a ‘license to thrill’ wasn’t enough to create a sale of S/N 2187 at the 14 December 1995 Coys auction. Despite being bid to a more than respectable $170,000, the current owner decided to keep possession.
Given that first-rate DB5s are selling in the $40,000 – $50,000 range, and that this car apparently is not even the more desirable Vantage model, the money offered seems quite enough.
Aston prices in general have stabilized, but show no signs of a massive resurgence in the foreseeable future. While stylish, they remain somewhat ponderous to drive at less than Autobahn speeds, and maintenance costs are extraordinarily high.
By the way, how about the new BMW faux-Miata Z3 roadster that was featured in Goldeneye? Seems like a step down from an Aston, doesn’t it: going from a coachbuilt six-cylinder coupe to a four-cylinder roller skate. – ED.