Searches for Aston Martin DB5s up 45% as No Time To Die reignites collectors’ interest in Bond heritage
Growing James Bond fever is driving up demand for some of the franchise’s most iconic cars – including the Aston Martin DB5 and V8 saloon – according to data from the world’s first in-app marketplace for prestige cars.
Searches for Aston Martin DB5s have increased by 45 per cent in the past 30 days, according to prestige car supermarket PrestigeDriverApp™, with collectors, car buffs and superfans clamouring to own a piece of Bond history as the new release reignites interest in the super sleuth’s iconic car collection.
The Aston Martin DB5 is the most iconic Bond car and to date has featured in eight films, including Goldfinger, Thunderball, Goldeneye, Casino Royale and new release No Time To Die. Searches for Aston Martin V8 saloon – another iconic Bond supercar which is also set to feature in the new release – have increased by 29 per cent; whilst searches for the Lotus Esprit (the submarine car made famous by Roger Moore in the Spy Who Loved Me) and the BMW Z8 (driven by Pierce Brosnan in the World is Not Enough) have also risen.
Reuben Smith, founder of PrestigeDriverApp™ which brings together live inventory from the world’s leading supercar dealers, said: “James Bond is synonymous with driving some of the world’s most exclusive supercars and it is no surprise that as excitement grows for the new release collectors are once again switched on to some of the film’s most iconic cars.
“Although in the original Ian Fleming books, Bond’s car of choice was a Bentley, Aston Martin is probably the car maker most associated with the films and there have been numerous models featured in the franchise over the years – including the DB5, V8, V12 Vanquish and made-to-order DB10.
We have seen searches for Bond’s favoured car brands (including Aston Martin, Lotus, BMW and even Bentleys) increase across the board over the past 30 days as excitement surrounding the long-awaited film starts to build. And buyers could be on to something – the classic car market is booming and if purchased at the right time and kept in good condition, the returns on prestige cars (especially those associated with the James Bond franchise) could outperform property, art or gold.”
Here are three classic Bond-style cars currently for sale via PrestigeDriverApp™:
1965 Aston Martin DB5 – Price on application (DB5s sell for around £400,000 to £900,000 ). Being sold by www.williamloughran.co.uk
The DB5 was first introduced in 1964 and remains the first production to be equipped with 5-speed gear box, electric windows, tinted glass and twin fuel filler caps. This Dubonnet Rosso colour specification with black hides has a low mileage with a highly detailed and comprehensive service and ownership file spanning over 45 years of use.
Less than 900 coupes were manufactured for global distribution, this example still retaining its original matching numbers engine and 5 speed transmission. Both have been rebuilt by respected specialists in recent years with the engine being upgraded to 4.2 litre specification. This distinctive car stands out in being one of the few remaining in this period popular and original colour.
1986 Aston Martin V8 Volante – £195,000. Being sold by www.manorparkclassics.com
One of only 849 V8 Volantes ever made, this convertible version is similar to the car used by Timothy Dalton in 1987 Bond film, The Living Daylights. Described by former Aston Martin Chairman Victor Gauntlett as, ‘a stylish thoroughbred, beautifully built, luxurious, fast and immensely safe,’ the V8 was built in several variants, one of the more exclusive being the Volante convertible. Introduced in response to customers’ demands for such a car, the Volante first appeared in June 1978. Arguably the ultimate in soft-top luxury, the newcomer boasted a lined, power-operated hood which, when erected, endowed the walnut embellished interior with all the solidity and refinement associated with the saloon version. Although its open-car aerodynamics meant that top speed suffered with the hood down, the Volante’s 150mph maximum nevertheless ranked it among the world’s fastest convertibles.
Lotus Esprit X180, 1989 – £31,995. Being sold by www.hexagonclassics.com
This pacific blue fourth generation Lotus Esprit shares the classic lines of the 1977 version made famous in the Spy Who Love Me. Penned by the hand of Peter Stevens, famed designer of the McLaren F1, the X180 bought the Esprit up to date, softening the angular lines of the original car. There is an extensive history file available, with all MOT certificates present dating back to 1992. Original service book and handbook. Recently serviced with new Bilstein dampers and springs fitted along with cam belt and tensioner, this Lotus Esprit is ready to be enjoyed by its next custodian.
If you are looking to invest in a classic car – Reuben has this advice:
“When it comes to investing in cars there are a number of factors that you need to take into consideration – from budget to how you intend to use it and whether you are looking for something unusual and rare or a classic that you can use day-to-day. You might also be looking to invest in something which you can restore – in that case you are more likely to buy though auction.
The key is to do your homework first – read up on the type of cars that you are interested in buying and gain an understanding of the best models to invest in, running and servicing costs and any other issues that particular models may regularly experience. You also could join an owners club which can provide lots of valuable insights and advice.
Ultimately budget is going to be a huge deciding factor when you come to buy – you can pick up cars for as little as a few thousand pounds, right up to millions of pounds for the rarest models and iconic performance cars. That said, many classic cars will offer you a good return if bought at the right price and well looked after – and for many, collecting is a passion project and long term investment. “Before parting with your money, make sure that you fully inspect the car. You may want to pay an experienced classic car engineer to come along with you to identify any issues or faults. Buying through a reputable dealer is always recommended – especially for cars with higher price tags. You can research and source a wide range of classic cars via PrestigeDriverApp™, which will link you straight with a specialist dealer.”
