In the glamorous, high-octane world of James Bond, the cars are as iconic as the secret agent himself. The 007 franchise has given us some of the most unforgettable automobiles in cinematic history, from submersible sports cars to vehicles armed with rockets. Buckle up for a ride through Bond’s most iconic cars—each one more fabulous and fantastical than the last.
Aston Martin DB5 – Goldfinger (1964)
Let’s start with the granddaddy of them all: the Aston Martin DB5. First seen in Goldfinger, this silver beauty set the gold standard for Bond cars. Packed with gadgets like machine guns, an ejector seat, and a smoke screen, it was the utility knife of cars. Sean Connery may have been the man, but the DB5 was the real star, returning for an encore in several Bond films, including Skyfall and Spectre. If cars had Hollywood Walk of Fame stars, the DB5 would be next to Lassie.
Lotus Esprit S1 – The Spy Who Loved Me (1977)
Next is the car that makes Transformers look boring: the Lotus Esprit S1. Nicknamed “Wet Nellie,” this sleek, wedge-shaped sports car famously transforms into a submarine in The Spy Who Loved Me. Yes, you read that right—this car swims better than most. Equipped with surface-to-air missiles and torpedoes, it’s the ultimate ride for those underwater commutes. Plus, it made everyone rethink the potential of their commute-mobile.
Aston Martin V8 Vantage – The Living Daylights (1987)
Timothy Dalton’s Bond needed a car to keep up with his grittier, more intense persona. Enter the Aston Martin V8 Vantage. Outfitted with lasers, missiles, and a rocket booster (because why not?), this car is essentially a land-based fighter jet. It also had spiked tires for those tricky winter chases, proving once again that Bond cars are prepared for anything—including impromptu ice-skating.
BMW Z3 – Goldeneye (1995)
The 90s brought us many things: Tamagotchis, grunge music, and the BMW Z3 in GoldenEye. While it didn’t feature heavily in the action, the Z3 was a significant product placement coup, signaling Bond’s temporary switch from British to German engineering. Equipped with stinger missiles and an ejector seat, it was like a Swiss watch: stylish, precise, and not particularly prone to catching fire.
BMW 750iL – Tomorrow Never Dies (1997)
Pierce Brosnan’s Bond had a thing for BMWs, and the 750iL in Tomorrow Never Dies was no exception. This sedan had a remote control, allowing Bond to drive it from the back seat using his phone. In an era before smartphones, this was mind-blowing. With tear gas dispensers, caltrops, and self-inflating tires, this car was as loaded as a baked potato at a Texas BBQ.
BMW Z8 – The World is Not Enough (1999)
In The World is Not Enough, Bond’s BMW Z8 gets sliced in half, but not before showcasing its impressive arsenal. This car featured surface-to-air missiles, titanium armor, and even a cigar cutter. It’s almost like the engineers at Q Branch said, “What if a sports car had everything except a swimming pool?” and then realized they might need to add a pool, too.
Aston Martin Vanquish – Die Another Day (2002)
The Vanquish, or “Vanish” as Q nicknames it, is perhaps the most controversial Bond car due to its cloaking device. Love it or hate it, this car from Die Another Day epitomizes the over-the-top nature of the Brosnan era. Besides turning invisible, it has machine guns, rockets, and ice spikes. It’s the perfect car for anyone who wants to disappear after parallel parking poorly.
Aston Martin DBS – Casino Royale (2006)
Daniel Craig’s gritty, rebooted Bond needed a suitably serious car, and the Aston Martin DBS fit the bill. In Casino Royale, the DBS is more about raw power and less about gimmicks, although it does feature a hidden compartment for Bond’s trusty defibrillator and a gun. Its most memorable moment? Flipping an astounding seven times in a record-breaking stunt, proving that even in death-defying car crashes, Bond’s cars are cooler than ours.
Aston Martin DB10 – Spectre (2015)
InSpectre, we were treated to the exclusive Aston Martin DB10, a car so special it was never released to the public. Designed specifically for the film, the DB10 boasts a flamethrower and an ejector seat, making it the ultimate in bespoke espionage vehicles. It’s the car equivalent of a tailor-made tuxedo—sharp, stylish, and ready to cause serious mayhem.
Citroën 2CV – For Your Eyes Only (1981)
Sometimes, the most iconic Bond cars are the underdogs, like the Citroën 2CV from For Your Eyes Only. After Bond’s Lotus explodes, he escapes in this quaint, yellow French car. It’s endearing, funny, and entirely out of place in a high-speed chase, which is why it’s unforgettable. It’s like watching a tortoise outrun a hare—unexpected and delightful.
Aston Martin V12 Vanquish – Casino Royale (2006)
Another gem from Casino Royale, the Aston Martin V12 Vanquish, is as luxurious as lethal. Its elegant design and raw horsepower perfectly match Daniel Craig’s rugged yet refined portrayal of Bond. The car’s moment of glory comes when Bond uses its defibrillator to save his life—just another day at the office for 007.
Toyota 2000GT – You Only Live Twice (1967)
Rounding out our list is the Toyota 2000GT from You Only Live Twice. This stunning car, driven by Aki, Bond’s Japanese counterpart, is a convertible version of Toyota’s first supercar. Though not packed with gadgets, its sleek design and rarity make it one of the coolest Bond cars ever. Plus, it’s a reminder that Bond’s global adventures bring him into contact with some seriously stylish wheels.
The 10 Most Reliable Car Brands According to Mechanics
When choosing a car, one of the most crucial factors is reliability. But what exactly does it mean when we say a car is reliable? Reliability refers to the vehicle’s ability to perform consistently well over time with minimal issues. A reliable car requires fewer repairs, is cost-effective to maintain, and offers peace of mind to the owner. In this article, we delve into the ten most reliable car brands according to mechanics, explaining why these brands are trusted and highlighting endorsements from institutions, car experts, and reputable websites. The 10 Most Reliable Car Brands According to Mechanics
