The Inspiration for 007’s DB5 is up for Grabs

If regular moviegoers instantly recognize the silver Aston Martin DB5 as James Bond’s car, true aficionados of the English spy know that this coupe was not his first choice, or even 007's favorite car. In the original Ian Fleming novels, James was more of a Bentley enthusiast, driving a 1930 4½-Litre car equipped with a blower. It was badly damaged in Casino Royale, but was repaired just in time for Moonraker, where it was obliterated in a crash. Bond then buys a convertible Bentley Mark VI.

In Goldfinger, the English spy is behind the wheel of an Aston Martin for the first time. Why the switch to the small sporty coupe? The recent discovery of a 1954 Aston Martin may bring some answers.

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While Ian was writing Goldfinger, a friend of his neighbor regularly came to visit in his DB 2/4, modified for road rallies and therefore fitted with ‘’gadgets’’: heavy-duty starter, time watches,  a two-way radio with a seek function and reinforced bumpers.

It is more than probable that this car inspired Mr. Fleming, since a few years later, 007 was driving a DB III Aston Martin equipped with similar gadgets.

The original vehicle is for sale in an English auction house, and with such a remarkable history, it is bound to attract the collectors!