Stretchy Rolls-Royce you can’t take your eyes off

Running from 1962 until 1969, ,as remembered in pop culture, has become one of the first instances of the hero character’s mode of transport

which was filmed in February 1967.

Less than two years later, Simon Templar was gone from the small screen for good.

Moore later sold the car to actor Martin Benson, who had previously played Mr Solo in the James Bond film

(1964). What’s Swedish for “It’s a small world”?

Rolls-Royce has grasped the concept car media hype machine by the handlebars of late; under its — whisper it — German stewardship, the fabled Brit brand has discovered a rekindled love of hyperbole and teaser shot.

Of course, there’s nothing in the press bumpf for this striking Exterion concept to suggest its designer, Sergey Dvornytskyy, has anything to do with Rolls-Royce. In fact, look a little closer and it’s probable this car only exists as pixels, rather than as physical panels and paint.

But it’s nice to imagine, and Dvornytskyy’s imagination is clearly obsessed with the jet age. About the only recognisable elements are the trad Roller grille and the marque’s logo in the centre of the wheel caps. Otherwise, this thing — rear scoop, enormous squared-off external wheel arches, nonexistent bonnet shut-line and all — is thoroughly otherworldly. And strangely attractive with it.

Oh, and yes, you’re right: the concept doesn’t appear to have windows as such. Either the auto glass has been designed to be paintable so as to match seamlessly with the body panels (a cool idea), or it’s a nod to the fact the Exterion is an autonomous vehicle. Mind you, with a chauffeur up front, isn’t every Rolls-Royce autonomous to a degree for its owner, anyway?