The Top 5 Most Iconic James Bond Cars

After many delays because of the global pandemic, it’s looking like fans will finally see the 25th James Bond movie, No Time to Die. 

It was first rescheduled for November 2020 and then April 2021, but according to the studios and producers behind the film, the new release date is October 8, 2021. 

The movie will be Daniel Craig’s last foray as Bond, who has now had the longest stint as the British character. 

The new 30-second trailer featured a montage of Bond-Esque action shots, with Craig’s Bond returning to his spy duties.

All Bond fans are looking forward to at least one thing: what car he will drive. Bond is always seen in sleek sports cars that are the pinnacle of luxury and technology. 

With the 25th film arriving soon, we have rounded up the top 5 most iconic cars driven by the world-famous spy. 

1. Aston Martin DB5—'Goldfinger'

Without a doubt, this is probably the most famous Bond car of all time. The DB5 model first made a film appearance with Sean Connery in 1964’s Goldfinger and soared in popularity, with some claiming it was as famous as Connery. 

Everyone was fascinated by the exceptional improvements such as the three-way revolving number plates, machine guns, a bulletproof shield at the back, and an ejector seat.

The DB5 also appeared in subsequent Bond movies, including 1965’s Thunderball, 1995’s Goldeneye, 1997’s Tomorrow Never Dies, 2006’s Casino Royale, and 2012’s Skyfall. 

It is also considered the fastest DB5 in existence. In 2019, one of the four DB5s used in the movie was sold at an auction for $6,385,000. The DB5 is one of the most iconic vehicles in the film franchise. 

2. Toyota 2000GT—'You Only Live Twice'

You Only Live Twice was the fifth James Bond movie and set in Japan. Although Bond didn't do much driving, the film producers, who had seen the vehicle’s prototype at the Tokyo Motor Show in October 1965, thought it would be the ideal machine for Bond. 

The original Toyota 2000GT was produced as a coupe, but it became apparent that Connery was too tall to fit in the car comfortably, making it a challenge to shoot from inside the vehicle. 

As a result, Toyota created two 2000GT roadsters that allowed the film crew to shoot the actor's face better. The roof was removed, and the seat was lowered by about an inch. 

These were the only open-top 2000GT ever officially produced.

3. Lotus Esprit S1–'The Spy Who Loved Me'

The Lotus Esprit wasn’t the fastest car Bond had or the most desirable, but it definitely came close to challenging the Aston Martin DB5. The iconic white wedge first appeared in 1977’s The Spy Who Loved Me, featuring the late Roger Moore. 

The car was fast and could also transform into a fully working submarine with anti-aircraft missiles. The car/submarine made so much impact in the movie that Lotus Cars received orders for three years. 

Years later, in 2013, one of the Lotus Esprit S1 used in the movie was purchased at an auction for USD 997,000 by Tesla CEO Elon Musk.

4. BMW Z8—'The World Is Not Enough'

The makers of the James Bond films have worked with many car manufacturers, and in 1985, it was BMW. 

After the slightly limp Z3 roadster and ultra-luxurious 750iL limousine, Bond drove the muscular and stylish BMW Z8 roadster in the 1999 film The World Is Not Enough, which suited Britain’s favorite spy the best. 

Like always, the car came packed with an array of hi-tech gizmos and gadgets and was used in one scene to help take down a helicopter. 

However, the enemies soon sent over another helicopter and destroyed the Z8. That was the last time that James Bond drove a BMW.

5. Aston Martin V8 Vantage—'The Living Daylights' 

After 18 years, Bond got behind the wheels of an Aston Martin, and this time it was the V8 Vantage Volante. The car was featured in the 1987 film The Living Daylights, in which Timothy Dalton played 007. 

The V8 he drove was equipped with various weapons and had missiles, lasers, and a rocket booster. It was also bulletproof and managed 60mph in just 5.3secs. 

The V8 Vantage will make an appearance once again in the super spy’s upcoming 25th film. The coupe has already been featured in a lot of the movie’s promotional material.