1960s James Bond Car Could Fetch $6 million at Auction

An Aston Martin DB5, one of the most iconic cars from the James Bond movies, could fetch up to $6 million at auction in California.

The 1965 “Silver Birch” Aston Martin was one of the most coveted vehicles of its time, containing numerous cool gadgets that James Bond used to fend off his enemies in the movies. It was a oneof-a-kind vehicle, mainly because no one had it except James Bond. As Desmond Llewelyn’s legendary weapons-master Q explained to Sean Connery’s 007, the Snow Shadow Gray-painted DB5 was equipped with front and rear hydraulic over-rider rams on the bumpers, a Browning .30 calibre machine gun in each fender, wheel-hub mounted tyre-slashers, a bulletproof rear screen that could be raised and lowered, an in-dash radar tracking scope, oil, spiked metal caltrop and smoke screen dispensers, revolving licence plates, and a passenger-seat ejection system.

The car was also equipped with a telephone in the driver’s door to communicate with MI6 headquarters and a hidden compartment under the driver’s seat containing several weapons. The smash success of Goldfinger saw Aston Martin DB5 sales surge to fuel an unprecedented level of production. The movie producers, Eon Productions, also took notice of the enormous appeal and potential marketing opportunities.

In preparation for the release of their next film, Thunderball, Eon ordered two more DB5 saloons, including the example on offer at RM Sotheby’s Monterey sale.

The two cars were fitted with all of the Goldfinger modifications and were shipped to the United States for promotional duties for Thunderball, but were not actually used in the film itself.

This particular Aston Martin DB5 has had only three private owners over the course of its life.

For a die-hard James Bond fan it’s a must, assuming, of course, that you have a few million dollars to hand. It’s estimated to fetch a cool $4-6 million.