‘007’ Aston Martin auctioned for AU$4.8 million
An Aston Martin DB5 replica was the highlight of a special, two-part auction conducted by Christie’s in the UK this past September and October to mark six decades of the James Bond film franchise.
The ‘Sixty Years of James Bond’ auction combined an online element in October that featured props, costumes, posters and memorabilia from the 007 films, with a live auction on 28 September, where the DB5 was one of several vehicles on offer, including a classic Aston Martin V8 and modern DBS Superleggera, as well as Jaguar, Land Rover and Range Rover stunt vehicles used in the latest film in the James Bond franchise.
Produced specifically for EON Productions by Aston Martin, the DB5 replica on offer through Christie’s was one of eight built specifically for the James Bond franchise by Aston Martin Special Projects and features in the pre-title chase scene in Matera that includes a spectacular shootout in the Italian town’s piazza.
While it looked just like a C1964 DB5 from the outside and had many of the Bond gadgets, like machine guns behind the headlights, deployable bombs, bulletproof glass and a smoke dispenser, the cars were built specifically for stunt work, based on a custom-made space frame chassis, with a roll cage and carbon fibre body panels.
In place of period DB5 brakes and suspension, Aston Martin Special Projects developed a bespoke braking system and long-travel “rallycross” suspension to suit the stunt work that the car would be subjected to. Special effects supervisor for the recent Bond films, Chris Corbould, guided the Aston Martin team to ensure the finished vehicles, including this one, would be capable of the stunts required.
The powerplant wasn’t period-correct, either; rather a modern 3.2-litre six-cylinder petrol engine of undisclosed origin, matched to a six-speed manual instead of the 4.0-litre six and five-speed manual that a genuine DB5 from C1964 would have been equipped with.
More carbon fibre was used to form the interior, while the dash was recreated using 3D printing. Tillet stunt seats feature in place of conventional seats, but the steering wheel and gauges are authentic-looking replicas.
The DB5 stunt car on offer through Christie’s is, to date, the only one to be released for public sale.
Used during filming of the 25th film in the James Bond franchise, the “scratches” along the sides are decals, with the rest of the car appearing pristine, indicating it may have been used early in the Matera scene and avoided the pounding the DB5 takes in other parts of the pre-title sequence.
Given its modifications, including the non-standard drivetrain, suspension and braking, as well as the non-functional machine guns and other gadgets, the car was offered with no registration, warranty or any guarantees regarding its condition, with Christie’s running a lengthy disclaimer to this effect, stressing that any attempts to return the car to road-legality would be up to the successful bidder.
Despite not being approved for use on public roads, the provenance behind this car ensured it was the most highly sought-after item amongst the 25 consignments for the Sixty Years of James Bond live auction.
The value of this car as a collector’s item was reflected in the pre-auction high estimate of £2 million (AU$3.34 million approx.), but even this proved conservative, as the mania for all things Bond saw the DB5 replica sell for £2.92 million (AU$4.87 million approx.), with other items from the auction also selling above their estimates.
Aston Martin, who supplied the car for the auction, donated all proceeds to several UK charities, including The Prince’s Trust, The Special Air Service Regimental Association, The Special Boat Service Association and The Special Reconnaissance Regimental Association and The Prince of Wales's Charitable Fund.
Of the other vehicles in September’s live auction, a 1981 Aston Martin V8 with a 1979 body and driveline modifications sold within estimate for £630,000 (AU$1.05 million approx.), while a late-model Jaguar XF stunt car used in the Matera scene sold for £37,800 (AU$63,000 approx.). A Triumph Scrambler 1200 motorcycle from the same pre-title sequence sold for a remarkable £138,600 (AU$231,400 approx.) against a pre-auction high estimate of just £30,000 (AU$50,000 approx.).
Other vehicles not used in the film included a 1-of-25 ‘007 Edition’ 2021 Aston Martin DBS Superleggera that sold above estimate for £403,200 (AU$673,300 approx.) and a 2022 Land Rover Defender 110 V8 Bond Edition that sold for £163,800 (AU$273,550 approx.).
For more details from this auction, go to: christies.com
