In 1964, the Aston Martin DB5 made its debut in the film Goldfinger. The car quickly became iconic, appearing in several more Bond films over the years. Today, it’s one of the most recognizable cars in the world. At Beverly Hills Car Club, you can see and even feel the sensation of being inside this beast. Moreover, the incredible special agent features featured in the movie, like revolving license plates, machine guns, and an ejector seat, may be the most well-known details about the car. However, there are many other lesser-known facts about this amazing vehicle that are sure to surprise even the biggest James Bond fan. Let’s talk about these facts here.
Aston Martin DB5 Has Four Previous Models
The DB5 is not the first Aston Martin model to appear in a James Bond movie. Before it, there were three other Aston Martin models featured: the DB Mark III in Dr. No (1962), the DB5 in Goldfinger (1964), and the DBS V8 in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service (1969). The DB Mark III was actually the first Aston Martin to appear in a movie – it was driven by Bond in Dr. No, but unfortunately, never made it into any of the films after that. What’s more, the DB5 was the first to receive special agent features.
The Real-Life Car Is Much More Expensive Than Its Movie Counterpart
At the time of its release, the Aston Martin DB5 cost around £4,500 – a considerable sum in those days. But that’s nothing compared to how much it would cost today. A real-life version of the DB5 recently sold at auction for a staggering £3.2 million! And that’s not even counting all the additional modifications and special agent features it came with. So, if you ever want to own an Aston Martin DB5, prepare to dig really deep into your wallet. If not, then it might not be the best investment.
The Car Is Made Out of Carbon-Fiber
Known for its lightweight construction, the Aston Martin DB5 was one of the first cars to feature a carbon-fiber body. Carbon fiber is an incredibly strong and light material, making it perfect for performance vehicles like the DB5. It’s estimated that the car weighed in at roughly 1,500 pounds (680kg) – much lighter than other cars at the time. This helped James Bond accelerate from 0 to 60 mph (0-100 km/h) in 7.1 seconds, a record that would have been impossible with other heavier material.
The Engine Has Been Upgraded Over the Years
When it was first released, the Aston Martin DB5 had a 4-liter engine that could produce 282 horsepower. However, over the years, the engine has undergone several upgrades and now produces up to 420 horsepower. This makes it one of the most powerful cars in its class and an absolute joy to drive. That being said, note that the DB5 is still intended for luxury and style, not speed. So consider it a collector’s item rather than a performance vehicle. So if the need for speed is what you’re after, there are better options out there.
That wraps up our look at the incredible Aston Martin DB5 – certainly one of the most iconic cars ever to grace the big screen. Whether you’re a fan of James Bond or appreciate beautiful cars, this is one vehicle that won’t disappoint. So if you ever get the chance to take it for a spin, don’t miss out. Aston Martin DB5 has indeed succeeded in becoming an icon and will continue to be for many years to come, especially for classic car hunters and collectors.
