A singular sweeping camera shot in Dr. No’s opening set the tone for James Bond as a sophisticated secret agent with a penchant for the finer things in life, ranging from impeccable suits to exquisite dress watches. Portrayed with evident enthusiasm by Sean Connery, Bond made it clear that he wouldn’t be caught driving anything as commonplace as an Austin 1100. Launched in October 1962 alongside the release of Dr. No, this unimpressive sedan went on to dominate as Britain’s best-selling car in the 1960s.
Bond’s vehicles aren’t ordinary; they must be extraordinary. Across 27 movies, he has showcased some of the finest automobiles ever crafted. A comprehensive exploration of the Bond franchise has enabled us to compile a list of the 007 cars that graced the silver screen. The outcomes might be unexpectedly intriguing.
#11 – Lincoln Continental
Kicking off our James Bond cars list is the lone American entry, a Lincoln Continental featured briefly in the fourth Bond movie. Although a limo appears initially, lacking the allure of the blue ’65 convertible seen on Paradise Island with Bond behind the wheel, Continentals stayed in production until 2020, never recapturing the visual appeal of that moment.
#10 – Aston Martin V8 Vantage Volante
Aston Martin faced challenges in the latter part of the 20th century, and the V8 Vantage Volante reflected a mechanical throwback to the brand’s glory days. Despite this, a James Bond Aston Martin always commands attention. Equipped with 21st-century features like a head-up display, this model, driven by Timothy Dalton, also boasted missiles and lasers.
#9 – BMW 750iL
BMW’s brief collaboration with Bond films produced mixed results, notably the disappointing Z3 in Golden Eye (1995). However, the long-wheelbase Seven redeemed BMW somewhat. Pioneering features such as remote parking and missile launchers showcased its forward-thinking design, providing a rare instance of Bond opting for luxury over sheer performance.
#8 – Triumph Stag
Ironically named, the Triumph Stag received a positive PR boost after Bond took it on a European ferry trip. Designed by Giovanni Michelotti, the pre-production Stag, featured a decade before Triumph’s decline, suffered from subpar build quality. Nevertheless, it earned the distinction of being associated with the best Bond theme song of all time.
#7 – Aston Martin V12 Vanquish
The second Aston Martin on our list, the robust V12 Vanquish driven by Pierce Brosnan in Die Another Day marked the end of an era. As the final old-school Aston before the modern DB9, it also concluded Brosnan’s wisecracking tenure as Bond, making it a notable vehicle in the franchise’s evolution.
#6 – Jaguar XJ
Despite initial reservations about Daniel Craig as 007, it’s challenging to imagine anyone else in the role today. Craig seamlessly fit behind the wheel of M’s XJ in Skyfall, presenting a striking alignment between the actor and the car. The XJ, utilized by real-world Prime Ministers and royalty, granted Jaguar a rare but welcome appearance in the Bond series.
#5 – Land Rover Series III
Owned by the same company, Jaguar and Land Rover both featured in Skyfall, showcasing the Series III. Designed well before the two brands shared DNA, this Land Rover served Bond and Moneypenny in Istanbul. In a film replete with Land Rovers, including a Range Rover and a Land Rover Discovery, the Series III made its mark in a subtle nod to product placement.
#4 – Aston Martin DB10
Aston Martin’s DB10 made a memorable appearance in Spectre, attracting attention even after submerging into the River Tiber. As expected from a James Bond Aston Martin, it featured an array of gadgets, including an ejector seat and a flamethrower. Despite initial design criticisms, only ten DB10 vehicles were produced before the arrival of the DB11 in 2016.
#3 – Alfa Romeo GTV6
An iconic 007 car, the Alfa Romeo GTV6 stands out as one of the most soulful on our list. Despite Alfa Romeo grappling with rust issues, the GTV6 boasted a remarkable 2.5-liter V6 engine. Designed by Giovanni Michelotti, the coupe showcased its beauty and distinctive engine sound during a chase scene, making it a quintessential Bond vehicle.
#2 – Lotus Esprit Turbo
Did any car capture the essence of the Eighties better than the Lotus Esprit? While the Esprit S1 from The Spy Who Loved Me (1977) could have been included, the turbo models exuded more coolness. Unfortunately, Bond’s Turbo self-destructed mid-film, leading to an unexpected shift to a Citroen 2CV. Nevertheless, a white Esprit remains an attention-grabbing symbol of automotive allure.
#1 – Aston Martin DB5
Undoubtedly the most renowned James Bond Aston Martin, the iconic DB5 has made appearances in eight movies. Manufactured for just two years in the mid-1960s, the coupe and convertible exude luxury, featuring hand-built bodies and wooden steering wheels. While James Bond car prices can be high, a DB5 convertible fetched a staggering $2.2 million in August 2023, underscoring its legendary status.
