Designfax weekly eMagazine

Subscribe Today!

Archives

View Archives

Partners

Manufacturing Center
Product Spotlight

Modern Applications News
Metalworking Ideas For
Today's Job Shops

Tooling and Production
Strategies for large
metalworking plants

James Bond 'Goldfinger' DB5 will be made in a limited edition of 25

In 2020, 25 lucky customers will receive authentic reproductions of the famous Goldfinger DB5 created by Aston Martin Works and EON Productions. [All images courtesy: Aston Martin]

 

 

 

 

The iconic Aston Martin DB5 is back!

Thanks to a unique collaboration, a series of 25 "Goldfinger" DB5 special editions will be created for customers by Aston Martin Works and EON Productions (the company that produces the James Bond films). The "Goldfinger" DB5 will be based on James Bond's legendary car from 1964 and built by Aston Martin Works at Newport Pagnell -- the original home of the DB5.

James Bond and his DB5 have become two icons of popular culture and one of the most successful and enduring movie partnerships of all time. The DB5's movie debut was so popular that a Corgi die-cast model sold an amazing 2.5 million units in its first year of production (1965). No wonder an entire generation of children grew up aspiring to own an Aston Martin.

The DB5 made its first appearance in the third James Bond movie, "Goldfinger," alongside Sean Connery as James Bond. Laden with gadgets and armaments installed by Q Branch, the secret agent's Aston Martin became an instant hit with moviegoers.

After its debut appearance in "Goldfinger," the DB5 was featured in six other James Bond movies: "Thunderball" (1965), again with Connery; "GoldenEye" (1995) and "Tomorrow Never Dies" (1997) with Pierce Brosnan; and three appearances alongside Daniel Craig in "Casino Royale" (2006), "Skyfall" (2012), and "Spectre" (2015).

All the "Goldfinger" edition cars will be produced to one specification: Silver Birch paint -- just like the original. The new cars will be authentic reproductions of the DB5 seen on screen, with some "sympathetic modifications" to "ensure the highest levels of build quality and reliability," according to Aston Martin. This authenticity will extend to include functioning gadgets such as revolving number plates and more, which were made famous in "Goldfinger." The gadgets will be co-developed with Oscar-winner Chris Corbould, special effects supervisor from the James Bond films.

But don't expect any deadly weapons. Unfortunately, you will probably have to let go of your fantasies of driving around in this using tire slashers, oil slicks, smoke screens, an ejector seat option, and, of course, those front-wing machine guns. This is the real world. Dashboard GPS, like the original, is certainly doable, as well as arm rest controls and bulletproof glass. Aston Martin is still holding out on all the details when it comes to the gadgets (this is a spy car, after all), but it is likely they are packing in a few surprises for the final owners.

The DB5, unveiled at the Earls Court motor show (U.K.) in October 1963, was a development of the DB4 but with many updates and improvements. The most significant change for the new model was the introduction of a 3,995cc straight six complete with three SU carburetors, offering an additional 42 bhp over the outgoing DB4. Originally built with the 4-speed and overdrive transmission from the DB4, the DB5 was later updated with a full synchromesh 5-speed ZF gearbox. Chassis changes included the adoption of the Girling disc brakes that had only been used on the DB4GT, along with 15-in. wheels. Many other improvements were incorporated, including electric windows and twin hydraulic brake servos. During 1963 to 1965, 898 DB5 Coupes were built at Aston Martin's factory in Newport Pagnell.

Engine: DOHC Straight-six, 3,995cc
Power: 282bhp @ 5,500rpm
Torque: 280 lb-ft @ 4,500rpm
Top speed: 148 mph
0-60 mph: 7.1 sec

Besides the 25 available for sale, three other cars will be built: one each for EON and Aston Martin, plus another to be auctioned for charity. Each "Goldfinger" DB5 continuation car will be priced at £2.75 million ($3,600,000) plus taxes. Whoa! Call Miss Moneypenny and see if we have that kind of cash.

VIDEO: Here's a quick, fun look at some of the vehicles of James Bond, courtesy of The official James Bond 007 YouTube channel.

Source: Aston Martin

Published 2018

Rate this article