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The iconic Aston Martin
DB5 is back, thanks to a unique collaboration between Aston Martin and EON
Productions, the company that produces the James Bond films with Metro
Goldwyn Mayer Studios.
Following the successful DB4 G.T. continuation project, a series of 25
Goldfinger DB5 continuation editions*, will be created for customers
by Aston Martin Works and EON Productions. The Goldfinger DB5
continuation 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. They will be authentic reproductions of the DB5 seen on screen, with
some sympathetic modifications to ensure the highest levels of build
quality and reliability.
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.
Officially sanctioned by Aston Martin and EON Productions, all the
Goldfinger edition cars will be produced to one specification - Silver
Birch paint - just like the original.
The most instantly recognisable car of all-time, 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. |
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Since its seminal appearance in Goldfinger the DB5 has featured in
a further six 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).
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.
Such was its popularity, the DB5’s movie debut even spawned a CORGI
die-cast model, an astonishing 2.5m of which were sold in its first year
of production (1965). No wonder an entire generation of children grew-up
aspiring to own an Aston Martin. Now, thanks to the remarkable
Goldfinger DB5 continuation project, a fortunate 25 of them can now
own a faithful and authentic tribute to that original car. A further three
cars will be built – one each for EON and Aston Martin, plus another to be
auctioned for charity.
Andy Palmer, President and Chief Executive Officer, Aston Martin, said:
“The connection between Aston Martin and James Bond is something of which
we are very proud and it is remarkable that the DB5 remains the definitive
James Bond car after so many years. To own an Aston Martin has long been
an aspiration for James Bond fans, but to own a Silver Birch DB5, complete
with gadgets and built to the highest standards in the very same factory
as the original James Bond cars? Well, that is surely the ultimate
collectors’ fantasy. The skilled craftspeople at Aston Martin Works and
the expert special effects team from the James Bond films are about to
make this fantasy real for 25 very lucky customers.”
Paul Spires, Managing Director at Aston Martin Works, added of the
Goldfinger DB5 continuation editions: “The connection between Aston
Martin and James Bond originated more than half a century ago. Creating 25
Goldfinger DB5 continuations and working with EON Productions and
special effects supervisor, Chris Corbould, is something truly unique and
a real career highlight for everyone involved here at Aston Martin Works.”
Each Goldfinger DB5 continuation car will be priced at £2.75m plus taxes.
First deliveries to customers will commence in 2020. *Please note, this car is
not road legal. |
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Aston Martin DB5
1963-1965
The DB5, unveiled at the Earls Court motor show in October 1963, was a
development of the DB4 but with many updates and improvements. The most
significant change for the new model would be the introduction of a 3995cc
straight six complete with three SU carburetors it offered an additional
42bhp over the outgoing DB4. Originally built with the 4 speed and
overdrive transmission from the DB4, but 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-inch wheels. Many other improvements were incorporated including
electric windows and twin hydraulic brake servos. During 1963 – 1965, 898
DB5 Coupes were built at Aston Martin’s factory in Newport Pagnell.
Specification
Engine: DOHC Straight-six, 3995cc
Power: 282bhp @ 5500rpm
Torque: 280lbs-ft @ 4500rpm
Top speed: 148mph
0-60mph: 7.1 seconds |
