Round the twist
The 360-degree spin stunt came about after engineer Raymond McHenry created a computer programme to predict the result of car crashes and began using stunt drivers to double-check the results. He realised it could also be used to plan car stunts and teamed up with Jay Milligan, who ran a travelling car stunt show, to work out an automotive barrel roll. Once perfected and patented, in 1972 they contacted James Bond franchise producers about using the stunt in a film.
Two AMC Hornets were extensively modified to improve weight distribution. The engine – a straight six rather than the expected V8 − was moved backward in the tube frame and the driver repositioned to the centre of the car. Milligan equipped the cars with a full rollcage and reinforced suspension. Following seven tests, the actual jump was filmed in one take with the Hornet only suffering a cracked windscreen. The film car then went into Milligan’s collection, where it sat in ‘as jumped condition’ until being auctioned in 2017. He used the other Hornet to continue doing the stunt at shows.