By Heiko Baumann on 2013-01-14
“That interesting car of yours…” Goldfinger said, before telling James Bond about his newest toy, a leaser beam which he intended to use for cutting 007 in half. “That interesting car” is, of course, the vehicle which was earlier introduced by Q: “You’ll be using this Aston Martin DB5, with modifications… ” Windscreen bulletproof, as on the side and the rear windows. Revolving number plates, valid all countries. A Homer transmitting device, with, reception on the dashboard. Smokescreen, oil slick, rear bulletproof screen and left and right front-wing machine guns – and of course the famous ejector seat. The beginning of a beautiful friendship between one of the most famous cars in the world with one of the world’s most famous movie characters. People from all around the world have been associating James Bond and Aston Martin ever since.
From Sean Connery to Daniel Craig, every James Bond has been driving an Aston, except for Roger Moore (who made up leeway in his role as James Bond wannabe in “Cannonball Run II”). Connery drove the aforementioned DB5, George Lazenby pursued his future wife Tracy in a DBS, Timothy Dalton had optional extras installed in his V8 Vantage Volante, and Pierce Brosnan had again a DB5 as his personal car and the “invisible” Vanquish. Present day Bond Daniel Craig drove a DBS V12 as company car, and won his DB5 in a poker game against Alex Dimitrios. Apparently, he handed that car over to Q branch to have some of the extras of the Goldfinger car installed.
Only a few months after the 50th anniversary of the Bond movies, the Aston Martin company doubles the numbers and celebrates its 100th anniversary on January 15th. The company has also planned a number of events, culminating in the Centenary week from July 15th to July 21st 2013. For further information, please read the press release below. Commanderbond.net wishes a Happy Anniversary to Aston Martin. Here’s to he next 100 years, of both Aston Martin and the James Bond movies.
Aston Martin Press release:
17 December 2012, Gaydon: 2013 sees Aston Martin celebrate its centenary with a year-long calendar of exceptional events.
The globally-renowned British luxury sports car maker will mark its first 100 years with a series of UK and international celebrations highlighting the unique success of the brand worldwide.
Boasting the strongest product line-up in its 99 years to date, Aston Martin has recently introduced its new ultimate GT – the exceptional Vanquish – and timeless new DB9. The new cars have been unveiled to global media acclaim and, in the case of the Vanquish, numerous prestigious awards.
Aston Martin has also played a key role in one of the year’s most hotly-anticipated films, with the iconic DB5 stealing the automotive limelight in the latest James Bond blockbuster, Skyfall.
Centenary launch
15 January 2013 marks the official incorporation of the company 100 years ago and to commemorate the historic occasion the oldest surviving Aston Martin – A3 – and a stunning new Vanquish, the brand’s ultimate GT, will take their places at a photo call at Henniker Mews in Chelsea – the original home of Aston Martin – where a commemorative plaque will be unveiled.
In the evening of 15 January the Aston Martin Heritage Trust Walter Hayes Memorial Lecture will take place in central London with A3 and Vanquish again guest starring alongside actor Sir John Standing as Lionel Martin, telling the story of his early days and his experience of making the first Aston Martin in Lionel Martin’s own words.
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