Genuine James Bond Aston Martin DB5 for sale

One of three surviving genuine 007 Aston Martin DB5s is to go under the hammer during Monterey Car Week on August 15.

Arguably the most famous car in the world, the automotive icon from 1965 will be sold by RM Sotheby’s.

Commissioned by EON Productions and fitted with Q-Branch specifications, the car is one of two cars that went on American promotional tours in 1965.

Beautifully restored, all 13 Bond modifications (as seen in Goldfinger) are fully-functioning, including a Browning .30 calibre machine gun hidden beneath each headlight, wheel-hub mounted tyre-slashers, smoke screen dispensers, revolving licence plates and a passenger-seat ejection system.

Following the tour, the two cars were no longer required as the next two Bond films featured newer models so both DB5s were quietly offered for sale in 1969.

They were bought by well-known collector Anthony (now Lord) Bamford. He then sold DB5/2008/R to B.H. Atchley, the owner of the Smokey Mountain Car Museum in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. The Aston Martin was featured as the museum’s centerpiece, remaining in a pristine state of display for 35 years, receiving regular start-ups for exercise.

In 2006, RM Sotheby’s (previously RM Auctions) offered the car for public sale, in a largely unrestored state.

Since that time, a well-documented, no-expense spared restoration by Switzerland’s esteemed Roos Engineering was completed.

Roos Engineering is one of 13 specialist facilities whom Aston Martin have appointed as official Heritage Specialists. Not only were the chassis and body completely refinished to proper standards, but all 13 of the John Stears-designed Bond modifications were properly refurbished to function as originally built.

“No other car in history has played a more important leading role on film and in pop culture than the Aston Martin DB5,” said Barney Ruprecht, Car Specialist, RM Sotheby’s

“The DB5 is the iconic cornerstone of a marketing relationship that still exists to this day—with the model’s collectible status rooted largely in its 007 fame — and we look forward to exciting car and film enthusiasts alike in the lead up to the auction.

“This is an unbelievably rare chance to play secret agent in a car that offers incredible performance and style in its own right and we’re honoured to offer the Bond DB5 alongside our partners at Aston Martin.”