Imagine some of the most intense action scenes from the last James Bond film you’ve seen (You haven’t seen ANY of them? Stop reading and go watch now, seriously). From close quarters, hand-to-hand combat to extraordinary cinematic explosions, each Bond film packs in a ton of hair-raising action. Of all the bits of action-packed goodness that the catalog of Bond films have to offer, there’s something extra special about the iconic driving scenes – the chases, the nearly acrobatic driving maneuvers, and the thrilling speed. It’s easy to get excited just thinking about it!
Those scenes wouldn’t be anywhere near as captivating without the amazing sports cars that they feature. Further still, out of the stunning automobiles featured in the films, the several Aston Martins featured throughout the franchise have shaped the everlasting image of the quintessential Bond car.
Here is a brief rundown of each Aston Martin Bond car and the film in which it was featured.
The DB5
Featured in: Goldfinger (1964), Goldeneye (1995), Tomorrow Never Dies (1997), The World Is Not Enough (1999), Casino Royale (2006), Skyfall (2012)
By far the most ubiquitous of any of the Bond cars, the classic and distinguished Aston Martin DB5 is a core feature of the James Bond aesthetic as a whole. The fact that it was used in six Bond films throughout the years speaks to the validity of that statement, if not confirming it as fact.
The DBS
Featured in: On Her Majesty’s Secret Service (1969)
The Aston Martin DBS is a bit of a departure from the classically styled DB5 with which the traditional Bond car image is associated – mostly due to its GT-based construction and engineering. This could be part of the reason why the DBS has only made one appearance in the collection of Bond films. However, that’s not to say it doesn’t deserve the respect and recognition of the rest of the Aston Martins in the Bond car hall of fame.
The V8 Vantage Volante
Featured in: The Living Daylights (1987)
Serving as somewhat of a stepping stone (in the film series) between the original DBS and the DBS V12, the V8 Vantage Volante locked down a star role in the only film in the franchise to feature Timothy Dalton as the lead protagonist, James Bond himself. Although he only appeared in one Bond film, Dalton drove the V8 Vantage Volante in true Bond form, with daring skill and ability.
The V12 Vanquish
Featured in: Die Another Day (2002)
In terms of technology and modern aesthetic appeal, the next car on the list represents a big jump from the previous Bond cars. The V12 Vanquish is a full-blown, iconic luxury sportscar with all the bells and whistles. Bond fans would expect nothing less, right?
The DBS V12
Featured in: Quantum of Solace (2008), Casino Royale (2006)
It seems that James Bond developed a love affair with V12 AMs after the turn of the century, didn’t he? Well, we can’t know for sure, but the DBS V12 that was used in Quantum of Solace and Casino Royale seems to suggest so. This beast of a machine replaced the Vanquish S in the AM lineup, and it’s been a beloved member of the Bond car family ever since.
The DB10
Featured in: Spectre (2015)
Officially, the DB10 is not a Bond car quite yet. But that’s only because the film in which it’s set to be featured won’t be released until November this year. However, that didn’t stop Daniel Craig, the latest Bond man, from taking a little joy ride in the DB10 during his time off set. What a naughty boy!
Well, there you have it – each of the Aston Martin Bond cars ever to grace the silver screen. You may be forlorn to reach the end of the list, but don’t fret, for there as long as there are new Bond films there will likely be new sleek Bond Aston Martins to go with them.