Aston Martin creates ‘007 Edition’ sports cars
Continuing the strong bond (pun intended) between Aston Martin and the 007 movie franchise that started 56 years ago with the DB5 in Goldfinger, the British carmaker has announced that limited-edition versions of their Vantage and DBS Superleggera will be built to celebrate the release of the 25th James Bond film, No Time to Die, later this year.
Both the DBS and Vantage have Bond history, featuring in 1969’s On Her Majesty’s Secret Service and 1987’s The Living Daylights, respectively, although, to be specific, the latter was the Vantage’s predecessor in the Aston Martin V8.
In a case of Aston Martin overkill, No Time to Die will feature no less than four Aston Martins on screen, from the iconic DB5, to a classic V8, the latest DBS Superleggera and the new Valhalla mid-engined hypercar.
Both the ‘DBS Superleggera 007 Edition’ and ‘Vantage 007 Edition’ have been designed and built by ‘Q by Aston Martin’ – the carmaker’s in-house division for limited-edition models like these, as well as special projects and bespoke personalisation services.
“Creating a 007 Edition is always an exciting challenge as we work to develop and style a car that embodies the legend of James Bond,” said Aston Martin Vice-President and Chief Creative Officer, Marek Reichman. “It is an honour to apply carefully judged 007-inspired styling to our sports cars, which gives our customers the opportunity to own a unique piece of both cinematic and automotive history.”
Vantage 007 Edition
While based on the current Vantage, the special edition takes styling inspiration from the Aston Martin V8 that debuted in the 1987 Bond film, The Living Daylights and makes a cameo appearance in No Time to Die.
The special edition features unique exterior styling treatments, led by a bespoke mesh grille with chrome bezel that references the look of the V8 that featured in The Living Daylights, while a dashed yellow diffuser is inspired by the hazard stripes on the 1987 film car’s rockets. In another nod to that film, the Vantage 007 Edition can be optioned with a set of limited-edition skis and ski rack.
Each Vantage 007 Edition will be finished in Cumberland Grey paint, with the interior in obsidian black leather and dark chrome. On versions with a manual gearbox, ‘007’ branding will be applied on the centre console.
The seats feature unique heritage fluting reminiscent of that seen in the V8, along with carbon fibre seat backs and, in a detailed nod to the 1980s film, the outline of cello ‘f holes’ inspired by the “cello chase” scene featuring Timothy Dalton’s Bond and Maryam D’Abo’s Kara Milovy character.
There’s also a laser-etched gadget plaque that references the various weapons and devices seen on the ‘87 film car - from its rocket motor to missile launchers, lasers, a targeting display and ski outriggers. Cross hairs etched onto the 007 Edition’s paddle shifters allude to the missile guidance system seen in the film.
Finally, in a more subtle touch, the sun visors carry ‘96.60’ embroidered identification, which hardcore 007 buffs will recognise as the Russian police FM frequency that Bond used to aid his escape in The Living Daylights.
The Vantage 007 Edition is limited to 100 units globally.
DBS Superleggera 007 Edition
To the base V12-engined DBS Superleggera, the 007 Edition adds similar styling and detail finishes to the version that features prominently in No Time to Die. The homage starts with special Ceramic Grey exterior paint that’s complemented by black-tinted carbon fibre on the roof, mirror caps, front splitter, diffuser and rear Aeroblade II system that uses a number of aerodynamic elements to generate downforce without resorting to a large rear wing.
Gloss black diamond-turned Y-Spoke 21-inch wheels will be unique to the 007 Edition, while the DBS Supperleggera also gets a 007 badge on the front guards that the Vantage version misses out on. Finished in chrome with a black enamel infill, this badge is complemented by a silver 007 foil applied to the rear spoiler blade.
Inside, black leather is highlighted with red detailing, with ‘007’ branding added to the door cards, armrest buckle badge and rear sub-woofer cover.
The DBS Superleggera 007 Edition will be much more exclusive than the Vantage version, limited to just 25 units worldwide, with door sill plaques identifying its one-of-25 status.
Global Reach
When Aston Martin announced the 007 Editions, they also confirmed the pricing, which will be £161,000 (AU$233,600 approx.) for the Vantage 007 Edition and a hefty £279,025 (AU$405,000 approx.) for the DBS Superleggera 007 Edition.
Order books opened on 17 August and given the popularity of past Aston Martin special editions, the entire complement of 007 Editions are likely to be sold by the time you read this.
No Time to Die, the 25th film in the James Bond franchise and the last to feature Daniel Craig as 007, was due for release in April, but the coronavirus pandemic has delayed its cinema debut to November.
