An all-new version of one of the most famous cars in the world - the Aston Martin DB5 driven by Sean Connery in the James Bond blockbuster Goldfinger - has rolled off the production line.
The DB5 Goldfinger Continuation programme is seeing the first new DB5s to be built by the Warwickshire car maker in more than half a century.
The Job 1 DB5 is the first of a limited run of 25 cars that even comes fitted with some James Bond gadgets which helped cement its place in cinematic history.
They include revolving number plates, simulated twin front machine guns and a bullet resistant rear shield.
The DB5 was dubbed ‘the most famous car in the world’ and is renowned as being among the most desirable and sought-after classic Aston Martin models.
Fewer than 900 saloon examples were built between 1963 and 1965, with by far the most famous of the original owners being the world’s best-known secret agent – James Bond – who first drove the car that is today inextricably linked with him in the 1964 film, Goldfinger.
Now, 55 years after the last new DB5 rolled off the production line at Aston Martin’s then global manufacturing base in Newport Pagnell, Buckinghamshire, work is ongoing there on a strictly limited number of new DB5 models.
The special editions of an undisputed classic are being created in association with Bond filmmaker EON Productions.
The new cars include an array of 'working' gadgets created by Bond film special effects supervisor Chris Corbould back in the 1960s.
The Bond-inspired devices are as follows:
Exterior
Rear smoke screen delivery system
Rear simulated oil slick delivery system
Revolving number plates front and rear (triple plates)
Simulated twin front machine guns
Bullet resistant rear shield
Battering rams front and rear
Simulated tyre slasher
Removable passenger seat roof panel (optional equipment)
Interior
Simulated radar screen tracker map
Telephone in driver’s door
Gear knob actuator button
Armrest and centre console-mounted switchgear
Under-seat hidden weapons/storage tray
Remote control for gadget activation
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Each of the 25 new cars are meticulously detailed authentic reproductions of the DB5 seen on screen, with some modifications and enhancements to ensure the highest levels of build quality and reliability.
All the Goldfinger edition cars are being built to one exterior colour specification – Silver Birch paint – just like the original.
The cars feature original DB5 styled aluminium exterior body panels cloaking an authentic DB5 mild steel chassis structure.
Under the bonnet there’s a 4.0-litre naturally aspirated inline six-cylinder engine with a six-plug head, three SU carburettors and oil cooler, that’s capable of generating 290 bhp.
This is mated to a five-speed ZF manual transmission in the rear-wheel drive DB5, which also features a mechanical limited slip differential.
Servo-assisted hydraulic Girling-type steel disc brakes, rack and pinion steering – which does not feature assistance – and a suspension set-up comprising coil over spring and damper units with anti-roll bar at the front, and a live axle rear suspension with radius arms and Watt’s linkage, complete the dynamic package.
Scores of Aston Martin craftsmen and women, technicians, development engineers and designers have been involved in the project, working carefully with suppliers from across the world.
Marek Reichman, chief creative officer of Aston Martin Lagonda, said: “The DB5 is, without question, the most famous car in the world by virtue of its 50-plus year association with James Bond.
“To see, the first customer car finished, and realise that this is the first new DB5 we have built in more than half a century, really is quite a moment.
“It is a genuine privilege, and significant responsibility, to have been involved in the shaping of this new DB5 and to be helping to lead the creation of new versions of this automotive icon.
“I’m absolutely certain that the 25 lucky owners who are beginning to take delivery of these cars will be thrilled with them.”
