From the Aston Martin DB5 to the Lotus Esprit S1; what would some of James Bond’s most famous cars look like in the modern day world?
Known for being an intelligent and calm spy, agent 007 or James Bond as he’s more commonly known, is one of the world’s most powerful and inspiring fictional characters of all time. As part of the Secret Intelligence Service, Bond is often faced with tackling strenuous tasks and intriguing missions both in the UK and in more exotic locations across the globe.
James Bond – the brainchild of former naval intelligence officer Ian Fleming – is also known for the collection of prestigious cars he has driven over the years. From modern day sports models to stylish convertibles; since the first Bond movie, Dr No, was released in 1962, the franchise has included a range of vehicles which have added to Bond’s majestic character.
Unfortunately, due to the unprecedented times the world is currently facing, the next installment of the James Bond collection No Time To Die has had its release date rescheduled for November. For any Bond fans out there eagerly awaiting their next fix of 007, we thought we’d look back at some of Bond’s most iconic vehicles and reimagine how they would look in the modern day world.
Aston Martin DB5 – Goldfinger
The Aston Martin DB5 is iconic to the Bond collection. Most famously driven by Sean Connery, the vehicle was equipped with a series of gadgets. In order to keep a low profile, the DB5 was fitted with a revolving number plate which was suited to UK, Swiss and French roads. To help 007 in any hair raising situations, two Browning machine guns were installed behind the front indicators, while the rear window was also protected by a bullet proof screen.
Although our updated model of the DB5 still has the classic body shape, prestigious silver colour tone and some of the easily disguised gadgets; we’ve imagined the vehicle to have a more sleek and streamlined appearance, as well as more modern wheel trims.
Lotus Esprit S1 – The Spy Who Loved Me
If you’re a Bond fan, you’ll know that the Lotus Esprit S1 featured in a dramatic chase around the island of Sardinia in the movie, The Spy Who Loved Me. At first glance, you’d be right in thinking this model was the same as any other Esprit S1, but of course this wasn’t the case. In the film, the vehicle had the ability to convert into a submarine, allowing Bond to evade danger.
It’s difficult to change a classic, but we’ve updated this car by giving it a more stylish and modern appearance at the front and rear, as well as more contemporary wheel alloys.
Citroën 2CV – For Your Eyes Only
Unlike his endless list of illustrious other vehicles, the Citroën 2CV wouldn’t have been Bond’s first choice if it wasn’t for his Lotus Esprit being attacked and having to quickly escape the grasp of Cuban hitman, Hector Gonzales. The compact French model was originally created to help modernise farmers who were still operating via horse and cart. The size of the vehicle would allow for easy driving around the twists and turns of narrow country roads, which Bond would soon encounter. The scene in the movie was more comical compared to other nerve-racking moments Bond would be faced with and many believe it was the choice of car to thank for this.
As the original model is brimming with character, we wanted to bring the majority of this into the modern day version. It’s inevitable that the size of the model would remain the same, as it was created with a purpose in mind. The eye-catching yellow colour is a must, so all we have done is made some changes to the design of the vehicle and added 007’s stylish logo onto the body of the car.
Ford Mustang Mach 1 – Diamonds Are Forever
Featured in Diamonds Are Forever, the agile Ford Mustang Mach 1 was put through its paces when Bond and Tiffany Case were in an adrenaline-fuelled police chase through the streets of Las Vegas. Although the Mustang wasn’t equipped with gadgets like Bond’s own cars, it did prove useful during the chase when it famously tipped onto two wheels to travel through a narrow alleyway, enabling the duo to escape from the hands of the law. Ford Mustangs are popular in the real world, but what would the model in Diamonds Are Forever look like if you purchased it today?
The symbolic long bonnet and streamlined design are what make the Ford Mustang so popular, so this has to remain the same. We’ve kept the red and black colour combination and updated the front grill and wheels to add a more modern appearance; making for an eye-catching update to the classic Bond model.
Toyota 2000 GT – You Only Live Twice
The last Bond vehicle we’re going to focus on is the elegant Toyota 2000 GT. Rumour has it that the convertible model used in You Only Live Twice was only created to allow the 6ft 2” Sean Connery to be able to fit in the vehicle. This classic model not only has an open-top roof which is perfect for the summer weather and a top speed of around 135mph, but it also has a unique and standout design – especially the unmissable front end.
Our updated version maintains the stylish and convertible appearance of the original model, with an additional few tweaks as well. Compared to the model used in the Bond movie, we have made the unique bonnet more rounded and sleek, giving it a modern-day appearance. We’ve also made the headlights more compact and added more stylish wheels just like those on the other models.
So there you have it, some of the most iconic James Bond cars refreshed and brought to life in the modern world. From a powerful Aston Martin DB5 to a compact Citroën 2CV; there’s no denying that 007 has driven some of the most iconic vehicles in film.
We want to know what your favourite Bond car of all time is and what you thought of our designs. Join in the conversation on social, using #BondCarsRefreshed and tag @LeaseCar_UK.