Aston Martin create ‘OHMSS’ DBS

The least known, and arguably least liked of all the classic-era Bond films (even though it was commercially successful), On Her Majesty’s Secret Service (OHMSS) was the sixth film in the 007 franchise and saw the title role pass from Sean Connery to George Lazenby. Born and raised in Australia, Lazenby had worked as a car salesman and part-time model before his starring role as James Bond.

While Lazenby was new to the 007 franchise, Aston Martin wasn’t. Debuting with 1964’s Goldfinger, the popularity of the Aston Martin DB5 saw it return in Thunderball (1966), but for OHMSS, Bond’s ride was upgraded to the DBS. The newest model in Aston’s range at the time, the DBS was still powered by a 4.0-litre straight six engine (a V8 version arrived in late 1969), but added a DeDion rear end, all-new styling and improved interior space.

The Olive Green DBS from OHMSS would reappear briefly in 1971’s Diamonds are Forever, after which Aston Martin was absent from a 007 film for almost two decades.

For the 50th Anniversary of OHMSS, Aston Martin are producing an ‘OHMSS Edition’, based on the current DBS Superleggera.

Limited to 50 examples worldwide, the OHMSS Edition is finished in the same Olive Green as the 1969 car, with this colour extending into the pillars and roof that are normally black. Also honouring the original DBS is a modified grille and unique, diamond-turned 21-inch alloys that mimic the Bond car’s wire-spoke wheels.

More modern touches include a carbon fibre splitter and aero blades, while OHMSS Edition identification is added to the air vents in the front guards.

Inside, further OHMSS identification features on the sills and rear seat divider, while the combination of black leather and grey Alcantara trim is highlighted with red stitching in homage to the red felt-lined glovebox in Bond’s 1969 DBS which housed a disassembled telescopic rifle.

While a rifle isn’t part of the new car’s spec, an optional extra is a bespoke drinks case for the boot that’s trimmed in red felt and holds champagne bottles and flutes.

Running gear from the DBS Superleggera is unaltered for the OHMSS Edition, meaning a 5.2-litre twin-turbo V12 engine with an active exhaust system and selectable dynamic modes, producing 533kW at 6,500rpm and 900Nm at 1,800-5,000rpm. A ZF 8-speed automatic transmission and a mechanical LSD with torque vectoring completes the drivetrain. Claimed performance is 0-100km/h in 3.4 seconds and a top speed of 338km/h.

Available to order now, with an expected Q4 delivery for the UK and Europe, the DBS Superleggera OHMSS Edition is priced at £300,007, a £75,000 premium over the model it’s based on. Australian pricing will be around $660,000, a full $145,000 (excl. ORCs) over the regular DBS Superleggera.