Let’s have a look.
- 1960s:
1963 Aston Martin DB5
Starred in: “Goldfinger” and “Thunderball”
About the car: Introduced in 1963, the DB5 was derived from the DB4, introduced in 1958. It used Superleggera (super-light) aluminum construction and a 325-horsepower 4-liter six-cylinder engine. Producers had to twist the automaker’s arm just to loan them a car, as Aston couldn’t spare one due to their shaky financial position. Once the film appeared, and demand exploded, that was no longer true.
Why it matters: Sensual, sophisticated and spirited, like the ’60s.
- 1970s:
1976 Lotus Esprit
Starred in: “The Spy Who Loved Me”
About the car: This wedge-shaped automobile, designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro of Italdesign, was the first of many similarly shaped sports cars. Uniquely, the body boasted paint impregnated into the fiberglass body. A 2.0-liter twin-cam four-cylinder engine was mounted behind the seats and ahead of the rear axle. This mid-engine layout caused problems for the film’s stunt drivers, so Lotus supplied drivers to help out.
Why it matters: Oddly sexy, just like the 1970s.
- 1980s:
1985 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Volante
Starred in: “The Living Daylights”
About the car: Despite success in the 1960s, the ’70s and ’80s found Aston Martin failing financially under the handling of a series of owners. The 1985 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Volante wasn’t modern, but it still possessed sultry looks, a 370-hp 5.3-liter V-8 and the Aston badge. For the film’s producers, the car connected Timothy Dalton, their newest Bond with the past. For Aston, still struggling to stay afloat, the attention was welcome.
Why it matters: Just as President Reagan alluded to past glories, so did the car.
- 1990s:
1995 BMW Z3
Starred in: “GoldenEye”
About the car: Although the Mazda Miata revived the idea of lightweight, two-seat European roadsters, the BMW Z3 was no imitation. Although it derived 140 hp from its four-cylinder engine, it delivered slot-car-like handling. It didn’t feel as if you were getting into the car; it felt more like strapping on an engine. In every way, this car felt like a modern rendition of a classic old roaster.
Why it matters: It was the Clinton era; we were all having fun again.
- 2000s:
2002 Aston Martin Vanquish
Starred in: “Die Another Day”
About the car: Making extensive use of aluminum and carbon fiber, the V-12-powered Vanquish produced 460 horsepower through a six-speed manual gearbox. But it was the end of an area, being the last model made at its famous Newport Pagnell, England, factory. For Bond films, the car marked the end of an era as well, as Pierce Brosnan had became the last in a series of pseudo-Sean Connery/Roger Moore wannabes.
Why it matters: Just like 9/11: the end of one era, the beginning of another.
-2010 and beyond:
2016 Aston Martin DB10
Starred in: “Spectre”
About the car: Looking to create a modern rendition of the 1963 D5 without resorting to retro design, Aston Martin distilled the essence of its design language into a pure, modern form. The car is based on the V8 Vantage, with a 4.7-liter V-8 that generates 420 hp and a top speed of 190 mph. Reaching 60 mph takes 4.7 seconds. Best of all, it has a manual transmission.
Why it matters: A classic new Aston for a new type of Bond.
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