A rare and noteworthy James Bond movie car is set to hit the auction block during RM Sotheby’s Monterey Car Week sale. This particular car is not the iconic “Goldfinger” DB5 that is so often associated with the Bond franchise, but rather a 1973 Aston Martin V8 that was used in the filming of the 1987 Bond movie “The Living Daylights”. While not as well-known as some of the other Bond films, “The Living Daylights” marked Timothy Dalton’s debut as 007 and also marked Aston Martin’s return to the franchise after a long absence.
As with many of the Bond cars, the 1973 Aston Martin V8 had a number of gadgets and features to aid in Bond’s thrilling escapades. Equipped with a rocket booster and deployable skis, this car was ready for action. The car up for auction is one of the four drivable vehicles used during filming, designated as car 10. In order to maintain continuity with the other cars, car 10 was updated to resemble a more recent Aston Martin V8, receiving a roll cage and sunroof. It even had its engine and transmission removed when it was pushed down a hill and into a snowbank for a chase scene. Despite this demanding scene, the car survived and was retained by Bond production company Eon Productions until 1995 when it was sold to James Bond collector Peter Nelson along with two other “Living Daylights” Astons.
Since its sale to Peter Nelson, the car has changed hands a couple more times, eventually making its way to the United States where it underwent a thorough restoration to bring it back to roadworthy condition. It received a new 5.3-liter V8 engine from the more powerful V8 Vantage model, as well as the correct 5-speed manual transmission. Additionally, any signs of corrosion were repaired and the front of the car was repainted.
While “The Living Daylights” may not have the same level of recognition as some of the other Bond films, and the Aston Martin V8 may not have achieved the same iconic status as the DB5, this is still a genuine Bond car with a potentially significant price tag. In 2019, one of the James Bond DB5s sold for over $6 million, and RM Sotheby’s estimates the 1973 Aston Martin V8 from “The Living Daylights” will sell for between $1.4 million to $1.8 million.
Related Post
This auction serves as a reminder of the enduring appeal of James Bond and the iconic cars featured in the films. The Bond franchise has had a long history of showcasing luxury and high-performance vehicles, becoming a significant platform for car manufacturers to feature their latest models. The association with James Bond often adds a certain level of desirability and excitement to these cars, making them highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts alike.
Throughout the years, Aston Martin has been a key player in the Bond films, with its cars becoming inseparable from the character of 007. The 1973 Aston Martin V8 from “The Living Daylights” represents a unique piece of Bond memorabilia, being part of the renaissance of the Aston Martin brand within the franchise. As Bond continues to captivate audiences with his thrilling adventures, the cars that accompany him on these journeys will continue to hold a special place in the hearts of fans and collectors around the world.
In conclusion, the upcoming auction of the 1973 Aston Martin V8 from “The Living Daylights” presents a rare opportunity for car enthusiasts and Bond fans alike to own a genuine piece of cinematic history. With its notable appearances in the film and its connection to the Bond franchise, this car carries an undeniable allure that is sure to attract significant attention from bidders. As the gavel falls on this iconic vehicle, its new owner will not only acquire a stunning piece of automotive engineering but also a tangible link to one of the most beloved and enduring film franchises of all time.
