With the recent unveiling of the latest James Bond flick, Quantum of Solace and its upcoming March release to DVD, it seems appropriate to review James’ faithful and ever-present co-star, the Really Cool Car.

As every movie-goer knows, 007’s vehicle has evolved over the years in sophistication, speed and sex appeal.  In the first film (Dr. No), 007 outran his pursuers in a light blue 1961 Sunbeam Alpine Series II.  Flash forward 46 years to the new Quantum of Solace, and you’ll find James driving a sleek, edgy and downright dangerous 2008 Aston Martin DBS.

The ultimate embodiment of the DB9 coupe, the DBS replaces the Vanquish as the flagship Aston Martin.   Although the DBS is lighter, louder and track-day fast (0 to 60 in 4.3 seconds) it’s also luxurious and sophisticated.  Aston Martin’s CEO, Dr. Ulrich Bez, describes the DBS as “…brutal, but dressed in black tie.”  Just like…someone we know?

The vehicle’s ultra-light carbon-fiber body panels and aerodynamic design allow for a top speed of 191 mph.  Eighty-five percent of the car’s weight is positioned within its wheelbase, giving the driver an exhilarating ride while maintaining maximum control.  A front-mid mounted engine and a rear-mid mounted transaxle ensure a near perfect weight distribution.   

Aston Martin will produce only 300 of these vehicles.  You can own one now for about $265,000.  Classic Aston Martins, such as the 1969 DBS V8 James drove with the Comtesse di Vincenzo in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, carry more affordable price-tags.

If you could drive a Really Cool Car impossibly fast in an Improbable Chase Scene with a Stunningly Beautiful and Mysterious Girl, which would you choose?   Here at American Collectors, our top picks are:

1.  Aston Martin DB5 (Goldfinger, 1964)

2.  Bentley Mark IV (From Russia With Love, 1963)

3.  Ford Mustang Mach I (Diamonds Are Forever, 1971)

4.  Toyota 2000GT (You Only Live Twice, 1967)

5.  Lotus Esprit (The Spy Who Loved Me, 1977

     (Transforms into a submarine at the flick of a switch!)

P.S.

Corgi Classics makes 1:12 die cast replicas of 007’s Really Cool Cars.  You can purchase models online at www.crgrace.com (click on Corgi Classics) or www.corgi-toys.com (click on James Bond Cars), or see all manner of 007 memorabilia for yourself (if you happen to be in Sweden) at the James Bond Museum in Nybro.