Nothing screams movie nostalgia like the cars the characters drive, especially if the movie is filled with action like the 007 franchise.
In many circumstances, these cars serve as the film’s visual emblem. They also become extensions of the characters themselves – they are more than simple props; they play an essential role in character development. You don’t have to be a car enthusiast to appreciate the awesomeness of these cars.
In the James Bond franchise, cars are not only for transportation; they are minor characters, status symbols, and tools employed for adrenaline-pumping action. Most cars used by James Bond have become almost as iconic as 007 himself. The James Bond franchise takes the impact of cars in movies to a whole new level.
In this article, we will explore some of the famous cars used by James Bond and why they received so much attention from the general public.
The Aston Martin DB5
The Aston Martin DB5 is regarded as the most popular James Bond car of all time and made its first appearance in the 1964 Goldfinger. This car is a perfect blend of elegance and gentleness. It is a timeless symbol of sophistication that suited the British secret service to the letter.
The DB5 is equipped with machine guns behind the front indicators, three-way revolving numberplates, a bulletproof shield like a huge chunk of lead at the back, a smokescreen maker, tyre-damaging spikes, and ejectable seats. This car is regarded as the ultimate spy vehicle. In Casino Royale, Bond wins a DB5 in a poker game with Dimitrios. You can also get a chance at a potential win by checking out games at casino.com.
The Aston Martin DB5 is also the fastest DB5 in existence and anyone who had Corgi toys will most likely remember the gadgets the car possesses in the movie. The car was launched three months to the release of the Goldfinger movie but has gone on to become one of the most iconic cars in the 007 franchise and movie history as a whole.
The Lotus Espirit S1
This is another car that heralded a great era in the James Bond franchise. This car made its first appearance in the 1977 The Spy Who Loved Me. This sleek and elegant vehicle was a submersible sports car that perfectly captured the fantastical elements of the late Sir Roger Moore.
James Bond’s 1977 Lotus was simply unique in that instead of letting water in as many cars do at the time, it was a fully operational submarine with anti-aircraft missiles. The actual car Lotus Espirit S1 is owned by Elon Musk.
Transforming into a submarine while being chased by villains was a surprising feature that caught the global 007 audience by surprise. The Espirit S1 redefined what a “Bond Car” could be.
The BMW 750 IL
Imagine driving a race car while playing a game using your console. The BMW 750 IL made its appearance in the 1997 Tomorrow Never Dies movie. This car was introduced during the Pierce Brosnan era and it ushered in sequels that are advanced in technological gadgets.
From electrified door handles shocking thieves to bulletproof windows that were undamaged after being hit by a sledgehammer, the BMW 750 IL was showcased to have incredible features with the latest gadgets
In a thrilling car chase, James Bond was able to drive the BMW 750 remotely using his phone, and audience was wowed by the highly entertaining scene and the movie gained more attraction.
Other BMWs like the Z8 have also been used in the James Bond Franchise but none comes close to the BMW 750 IL for its significance in making the movie a global success.
The Aston Martin V8 Vantage
After almost two decades of the James Bond franchise not featuring an Aston Martin car, the V8 was the car that reignited the pairing of Bond and Aston Martin. Building on the huge acceptance and attraction gathered by the DB5, the V8 Vantage offered a more rugged and aggressive feel that captured attention at first glance.
In the 1987 The Living Daylights Movie, starring Timothy Dalton, the V8 Vantage had gadgets that included missiles, lasers, a futuristic heads-up display, and rockets. The V8 was hailed as Britain’s first supercar, powered by a Ferrari Daytona-beating 0-60mph at the time– it was the ideal James Bond car.
The Ford Mustang Mach
In an era heavily laden with British cars, the Ford Mustang was a brief departure from the norms at the time. The American muscle car offered an exciting chase through the streets of Las Vegas.
The Ford Mustang was involved in some amazing stunts, even though the car is not loaded with gadgets like Bond cars of the past, it had amazing features that made it escape police and villains capture.
The Ford Mustang featured in Diamonds Are Forever movie and surprisingly, the only cars that were damaged in the movie were all Ford cars. This is because Ford offered to provide as many cars as needed as long as James Bond drives a Mustang in the movie– smart business right?
Conclusion
The James Bond franchise has brought several cars to the spotlight and these are just a few of them. The cinematic adventure of 007 has witnessed some of the best cars of all time and continues to do so. Each car signifies the evolving tech advancement and style showcased in the franchise. This has gone to solidify the bond between Bond and his cars has the most anticipated fixture in fil history.
