James Bond is one of the most iconic fictional characters of all time. Amongst all the vehicles that he drove, the 1965 Aston Martin DB5 is perhaps the most memorable one. This Aston Martin, dubbed as "the most famous car in the world", fetched US$6,385,000 at RM Sotheby's. 

James Bond 1965 Aston Martin DB5

The "Bond Car" had a pre-sale estimate of US$4m - 6m. Its value lies not only in its fame but also its functions. The car is fitted with a Browning .30-caliber machine gun in each fender, wheel-hub-mounted tire slashers, a retractable rear bulletproof screen, revolving license plates, and a passenger-seat ejection system.

The story behind this James Bond car began in 1963 when the James Bond movie Goldfinger was made. During the making of the film, Eon Production requested car manufacturer Aston Martin to produce a DB5 car, fully equipped with gadgetry.

This DB5's 13 original special-effects modification helped Jame Bond to escape from dangerous situations. Apart from the functions mentioned, the vehicle also comes with a telephone in the driver’s door utilised to communicate with MI6 headquarters.

A total of four DB5s were produced for the film. Two were used for stunt driving and chase sequences as well as interior shots and close-ups; the other two for promotional benefits for the next James Bond film Thunderball. The current lot belongs to the latter. One of the DB5s used for the former purposes is lost. 

This DB5 had three owners. The production company’s parent financier, the Swiss-based Danjac S.A., sold the two cars in 1969 to collector Anthony Bamford. Bamford then sold it to the owner of the Smokey Mountain Car Museum in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. The car was soon featured as the museum’s centerpiece. In 2006, the vehicle was sold again and landed in the hands of its present owner.

1965 Aston Martin DB5 "Bond Car"

Lot no.: 111
Chassis no.: DB5/2008/R
Engine no.: 400/1995
Estimate: $4,000,000 - $6,000,000
Price realised: US$6,385,000

Auction house: RM Sotheby's
Sale: Monterey 2019
Location: Monterey, California
Date: 15 - 17 August 2019