The Iconic Aston Martin V8 from James Bond’s “The Living Daylights” is Up for Auction
One of the most iconic cars from the James Bond franchise is going up for auction. The Aston Martin V8, which was used as a camera car in the filming of the 1987 movie “The Living Daylights,” is now available for collectors and enthusiasts alike. After undergoing a thorough restoration, this legendary vehicle is ready to make a statement in any collection.
A Storied History
The Aston Martin V8 camera car has had a fascinating journey. Originally sold in 1973, it was purchased by EON films in 1986 due to the automaker’s long waiting list for new cars. To make it suitable for the movie, the production team made several modifications. The car was repainted Cumberland Grey, and the hood from a carbureted model and a sunroof were added. Additionally, any details that had been updated since its original sale were updated to match the movie’s requirements.
Furthermore, the car was equipped with removable skis and a prop rocket thruster to enhance its role as a James Bond vehicle. However, its time on set was not gentle. In one scene, the engine and gearbox were removed to facilitate driving down a hill and into a snowbank.
After its use in “The Living Daylights,” EON Productions held onto the car until 1995 when it was sold to Peter Nelson, a renowned Bond collector. It remained on display at the Cars of the Stars Motor Museum in England until 2004 when it was sold to an American collector. Finally, in 2021, it found its current owner who decided to restore the car to its former glory.
A Thorough Restoration
The current owner spared no expense in restoring the Aston Martin V8 camera car. The car received a new carbureted V540 V8 engine with Vantage-spec upgrades, along with the correct ZF five-speed manual transmission. The restoration process also included addressing any corrosion, mechanical issues, and a fresh coat of paint to restore its original beauty.
Additionally, the owner added some unique touches to make the car even more reminiscent of its on-screen appearance. A removable center console with dummy switches for all the movie gadgets was installed, along with a self-destruct button. To make the rear rocket booster more believable, a flamethrower was also added.
A Rare Opportunity
If you’ve ever dreamed of owning a true Bond car, this is an incredibly rare opportunity. However, it comes with a hefty price tag. RM Sotheby’s, the auction house handling the sale, estimates that the Aston Martin V8 camera car will fetch between $1.4 to $1.8 million at its upcoming Monterey sale in August.
Whether you’re an automotive enthusiast or a die-hard James Bond fan, this Aston Martin V8 is a piece of cinematic and automotive history. With its meticulous restoration and unique features, it’s sure to be a standout addition to any collection.