Are you a James Bond [ Images ] fan? If yes, then here is some news for you. The 1964 Aston Martin DB5 that James Bond used in his movies Goldfinger and Thunderball will go up for auction in London [ Images ] later this year. The car Sean Connery [ Images ] used in in the two movies is the only remaining model of the original 007 DB5s.
This 1964 Aston Martin DB5 was procured by U.S. radio broadcaster Jerry Lee for $12,000 in 1969 and at the upcoming auction the car is expected to fetch more than $5 million for the Jerry Lee Foundation.
The 1964 Aston Martin DB5 on offer's details include - Chassis No.DB5/1486/R, 1964, engine: 400/1469/V, original UK Reg: FMP 7B.
The car's other details are - silver birch exterior paint; dark grey leather interiors, a engine 3,995 cc/ capable of producing power 282 bhp (210 kW) at 5500 rpm/, torque 390 Nm at 3850 rpm/, top speed 145 mph (233 km/h)/ and a capacity of going from 0-060 mph (97 km/h) in 7.1.
In Goldfinger, It had the first Vantage engine of any DB5 and displays triple SU carbs rather than Webers. And in the movie Thunderball the FMP 7B had 'bond' gadgets like machine guns, bullet-proof shield, revolving number plates, tracking device, removable roof panel, oil slick sprayer, nail spreader and smoke screen controlled from factory installed toggles and switches hidden in the centre arm-rest.
Originally there were two Aston Martin DB5s used in the Bond movies but one of those cars was reported stolen in 1997 and is believed to have been destroyed. The other is FMP 7B. The car and its gadgets are attributed to Oscar-award-winning special effects expert John Stears. And the fact that the car has not been tampered with and retains its old day looks and specifications is very special. Its distinctive gadgets remain intact!
This famous James Bond car has always been a crowd puller at numerous exhibitions. The car was showcased at the NY Motor Show in 1981 and at the Meadow Brook Concours d'Elegance in 1993. After that it was never seen again.
The Aston Martin has been driven for approximately 30,000 miles and RM Auto Restoration restored the car recently. A head-off engine service, a new clutch, a fully rebuilt braking system and new exhaust piping are the new things in the car.
Other additional gadgets like the revolving number plates, machine guns, bullet-proof rear shield, smoke screen, tracking device and electric release of removable roof panel and smoke screen have also been taken care of.
source: rediff
