10 Things You Didn't Know About James Bond’s Aston Martin DB5

When it comes to the world’s most famous spy, James Bond, one thing stands out: the Aston Martin DB5. First appearing in the 1964 film Goldfinger, the DB5 has become more than just a car — it's a cultural icon that represents sophistication, style, and innovation.

In this article, we’ll uncover 10 surprising facts about the James Bond Aston Martin DB5, from its Q Branch gadgets to its skyrocketing value at auctions. Whether you're a James Bond fan or a classic car enthusiast, these insights will give you a deeper appreciation for the 007 car that changed cinematic history.

1. The DB5 Wasn't Meant to Be Bond's Car

In Ian Fleming’s original novels, James Bond drove a Bentley, not an Aston Martin. When the producers of Goldfinger decided to use the Aston Martin DB5, it wasn't a universally supported choice.

However, after Goldfinger hit the screens, the DB5 became synonymous with Bond, launching it into automotive legend. Today, it’s hard to imagine 007 driving anything else.

2. The Gadgets Were Designed by Q Branch (And Some Actually Work!)

The Aston Martin DB5 gadgets seen in Goldfinger and Thunderball were designed by Q Branch, including:

• Ejector seat
• Machine guns hidden behind headlights
• Bulletproof rear shield
• Rotating license plates
• Tire-shredding spikes
• Oil slick and smoke screen dispensers

Many of these gadgets were purely for cinematic effect, but some continuation models of the DB5 released by Aston Martin in recent years feature fully functional gadgets.

3. The DB5 Helped Launch Aston Martin Into Global Fame

Before Bond, Aston Martin was a niche British car manufacturer. The appearance of the Aston Martin DB5 in Goldfinger completely changed that. The car became an instant symbol of luxury and British craftsmanship.

Today, the Aston Martin DB5 is one of the most recognizable cars in the world, thanks largely to its association with James Bond movies.

4. The DB5's Appearance in Goldfinger Was Pure Marketing Genius

At the time of filming Goldfinger, Aston Martin wasn’t sure if they should lend a car to the movie producers. They eventually agreed — and it became one of the most successful product placements in history.

The Goldfinger Aston Martin DB5 propelled Aston Martin into the spotlight and made the car the most famous movie car of all time.

5. Sean Connery Loved the DB5 So Much He Bought One

Sean Connery, the actor who originally played James Bond, loved the Aston Martin DB5 so much that he purchased one for himself in 2018. His personal DB5 was later auctioned for $2.4 million.

Connery’s love for the car wasn’t just part of his character — he truly admired the vehicle's elegance and performance.

6. The DB5 Is One of the Most Valuable Cars in the World

If you’re wondering, “How much is James Bond’s Aston Martin DB5 worth?”, the answer might shock you. An original DB5 used in Goldfinger sold for a whopping $6.4 million at auction.

Even standard DB5 models without any ties to the movies are valued at over $1 million today. The car’s pop culture status and scarcity have made it one of the most coveted collectibles in the world.

7. The DB5 Appears in Multiple Bond Films

While the DB5 made its debut in Goldfinger, it has appeared in numerous James Bond movies since then:

• Thunderball (1965)
• GoldenEye (1995)
• Casino Royale (2006)
• Skyfall (2012)
• Spectre (2015)
• No Time to Die (2021)

Each appearance has cemented the car’s status as Bond’s signature vehicle.

8. The DB5's Gadgets Were Revolutionary for Their Time

In the 1960s, the idea of a car with an ejector seat or hidden machine guns seemed outlandish. But thanks to Q Branch’s innovative designs, the gadgets became a key part of Bond’s appeal.

Interestingly, modern luxury cars now feature some of the technology that once seemed like science fiction, such as rotating license plates and bulletproof shields.

9. The DB5’s Popularity Spawned Replicas and Continuation Models

Due to the Aston Martin DB5’s iconic status, several companies have built replicas of the Goldfinger car, complete with working gadgets.

In 2019, Aston Martin released 25 limited-edition DB5 "Goldfinger" Continuation cars, which included many of the original gadgets. These cars were sold for $3.5 million each.

10. The DB5 Is a Permanent Fixture in Pop Culture

Beyond the James Bond franchise, the DB5 has made appearances in:

• Video games (like Forza and James Bond 007 titles)
• Lego sets
• Model kits
• TV shows and commercials

The Aston Martin DB5 has transcended its role in Bond films to become a symbol of elegance, style, and timeless cool.

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