Only a few partnerships in Hollywood are as iconic as James Bond and Aston Martin. Across more than six decades and 25 official films, the charming and confident secret agent and the British luxury carmaker have built a legacy that blends style, performance, and national pride.
From Sean Connery’s silver DB5 to Daniel Craig’s modern DBS Superleggera, the Aston Martin name is tied to 007 forever!
This guide explores every Aston Martin that James Bond has driven and why the brand became the signature choice for James Bond.
Why Does James Bond Drive an Aston Martin?
James Bond was first introduced in Ian Fleming’s novels of the 1950s.
In Ian Fleming’s novels, Bond’s garage was a little different. His preferred car was a Bentley. But by the time the films rolled out in the 1960s, producers wanted something sharper. Something modern, distinctly British, and sleek enough to stand alongside Bond’s charm.
Aston Martin was the obvious answer because of its craftsmanship and luxury.
Both Bond and Aston Martin represented the same value: refined yet dangerous, elegant but quick to strike. When the DB5 roared into Goldfinger in 1964, the match was sealed. With its ejector seat, machine guns, and timeless style, the DB5 became a symbol for what a Bond car should be.
Since then, more than half of Bond’s films have featured an Aston Martin.
While other manufacturers have made cameo appearances, none fit Bond quite like Aston.
Every Aston Martin James Bond Has Driven
Aston Martin DB5: The Icon of James Bond
- First Appearance: Goldfinger (1964) with Sean Connery
- Specs: 4.0L inline-six, 282 horsepower, 145 mph top speed
- Gadgets: Ejector seat, machine guns, revolving plates, smoke screen
Introduced in Goldfinger, it instantly captured the imagination of audiences around the world and set the template for all Bond cars that followed.
It has since reappeared in Thunderball (1965), GoldenEye (1995), Tomorrow Never Dies (1997), Casino Royale (2006), Skyfall (2012), Spectre (2015), and No Time To Die (2021).
The timeless design and gadgets of the DB5 made it a cultural icon.
Few cars in film history have achieved such recognition, making it the ultimate symbol of Bond’s taste and ingenuity.
Aston Martin DBS (1969)
- Appearance: On Her Majesty’s Secret Service (1969) with George Lazenby
- Specs: 6-cylinder engine in early versions, later V8 upgrades
- Role: Bond’s wedding car
The 1969 Aston Martin DBS was George Lazenby’s sole Bond car.
The DBS wasn’t loaded with gadgets, but it played one of the most emotional roles in Bond history.
Lazenby’s 007 drove it to his wedding with Tracy.
The film ended tragically, but the DBS remains memorable for marking a transitional moment in the franchise.
The car also made a subtle cameo in Diamonds Are Forever (1971), visible in Q’s workshop.
Aston Martin V8 Vantage / Volante
- Appearance: The Living Daylights (1987) with Timothy Dalton
- Specs: V8 engine, top speed around 170 mph
- Gadgets: Missiles, skis, rocket booster, laser system
After almost two decades away from the screen, Aston Martin returned with the V8 Vantage in The Living Daylights. Dalton’s Bond first drove the convertible V8 Volante, which Q later “winterised” into a hardtop version. Technically, this meant Bond drove two different versions of the car in the same film.
Dubbed “Britain’s first supercar,” the V8 was a powerhouse that looked every bit the part of a Bond machine. It reappeared decades later in No Time To Die (2021), creating a nostalgic link between Dalton’s era and Craig’s.
Aston Martin V12 Vanquish (2002)
- Appearance: Die Another Day (2002) with Pierce Brosnan
- Specs: 6.0L V12, 460 horsepower, 190 mph top speed
- Gadgets: Invisibility cloak, autocannons, rockets, ice spikes
Nicknamed the “Vanish” because of its adaptive camouflage, the Vanquish in Die Another Day represented the peak of Bond gadgetry. Though the invisibility tech was pure fantasy, it made for a thrilling chase across the ice against Zao’s Jaguar XKR.
With its muscular styling and blistering performance, the Vanquish was a reminder that Aston Martin could still deliver a car as futuristic as it was beautiful.
Aston Martin DBS V12 (2006-2008)
- Appearance: Casino Royale (2006) and Quantum of Solace (2008) with Daniel Craig
- Specs: 6.0L V12, 510 horsepower, 0-62 mph in 4.3 seconds, 191 mph top speed
- Highlight: Guinness World Record for most cannon rolls in a stunt car
Craig’s rebooted Bond needed a car that looked aggressive yet elegant and that’s how the DBS V12 delivered.
In Casino Royale, Bond famously rolled the car seven times after swerving to avoid hitting Vesper Lynd, setting a world record. The DBS continued in Quantum of Solace, opening the film with a high-speed chase around Lake Garda in Italy.
This era marked Aston Martin’s return to real-world performance and blending of believable stunts with cinematic drama.
Aston Martin DB10 (2015)
- Appearance: Spectre (2015) with Daniel Craig
- Specs: 4.7L V8, manual gearbox, design precursor to the 2017 Vantage
- Unique Fact: Only 10 ever built, with one sold for £2.4 million
Unlike earlier cars, the DB10 was designed exclusively for Bond films. With sleek lines and futuristic styling, it was essentially a concept car gifted to the franchise. Only ten DB10 were produced, eight of which were used during filming.
Though never available to the public, it shaped the Aston Martin Vantage that followed.
In Spectre it featured gadgets like flamethrowers and ejector seats, cementing its place as one of the rarest Bond cars.
Aston Martin DBS Superleggera (2021)
- Appearance: No Time To Die (2021), driven by Nomi (the new 007)
- Specs: 5.2L twin-turbo V12, 715 horsepower, 0-62 mph in 3.4 seconds
- Significance: First Aston driven by another 007 instead of Bond
When Bond retired, his 007 designation was reassigned to Nomi, played by Lashana Lynch.
She drove the DBS Superleggera in No Time To Die. While not Bond’s car, its presence expanded the Aston Martin tradition into the new era of the Double-O program.
Aston Martin Valhalla (2021)
- Appearance: No Time To Die (2021, cameo)
- Specs: Mid-engine hybrid hypercar, over 900 horsepower projected
- Future Role: Symbol of Aston Martin’s innovation
The Valhalla appeared briefly in No Time To Die as a nod to the brand’s future direction. With its hybrid powertrain and advanced aerodynamics, it represents a bold step forward for Aston Martin.
Though Bond did not drive Valhalla, the cameo hinted that the franchise is willing to showcase the most cutting-edge technology available.
Also Read: What Car Does Elon Musk Drive?
The Cultural Legacy of Bond’s Aston Martins
Bond’s cars are more than movie props. They are characters in their own right.
The DB5, in particular, has become a pop culture icon, appearing in everything from toys and video games to Lego sets and luxury replicas.
Auctions prove the cultural weight of these cars. According to Aston Martin’s official website, in 2022, a DB5 stunt car used in No Time To Die sold for £2.9 million ($3.2 million).
When people spend millions on a movie car, you know it’s not about metal and horsepower. It’s about owning a piece of cinematic legend.
James Bond and Aston Martin are now inseparable in the public’s mind. And I’m sure fans would not enjoy Bond without Aston Martin!
What Car Does James Bond Drive Today?
In No Time To Die (2021), Bond drove multiple Aston Martins: the classic DB5, the V8 Vantage, and the modern DBS Superleggera. The Valhalla made a cameo.
As of 2025, Aston Martin remains Bond’s official automotive partner. The DB12, Aston Martin’s latest “super tourer,” is likely the new candidate for the next Bond film.
Fans also speculate that the DBX707 SUV could make an appearance if producers want to show Bond in a more versatile vehicle.
James Bond Aston Martin Cars in a Quick Look
| Bond Film | Year | Actor | Aston Martin Model | Gadgets | Fun Fact |
| Goldfinger | 1964 | Sean Connery | DB5 | Ejector seat, machine guns | The most famous Bond car ever |
| On Her Majesty’s SS | 1969 | George Lazenby | DBS | None | Used in Bond’s wedding |
| The Living Daylights | 1987 | Timothy Dalton | V8 Vantage/Volante | Missiles, skis, rocket booster | Dubbed Britain’s first supercar |
| Die Another Day | 2002 | Pierce Brosnan | V12 Vanquish | Invisibility cloak, autocannons | Nicknamed the “Vanish” |
| Casino Royale | 2006 | Daniel Craig | DBS V12 | None | World record for cannon rolls |
| Spectre | 2015 | Daniel Craig | DB10 | Flamethrower, ejector seat | Only 10 ever built |
| No Time To Die | 2021 | Daniel Craig | DB5, V8, DBS, Valhalla | Multiple gadgets | First Bond film with 4 Aston Martins |
Final Thoughts
From the DB5’s debut in Goldfinger to the futuristic Valhalla, Aston Martin has been an inseparable part of the James Bond universe. These cars are not just transportation. They embody Bond’s identity: sophisticated, fast, and unforgettable.
Looking ahead, the partnership shows no signs of slowing. Whether it is the DB12, the DBS Superleggera, or the Valhalla, Aston Martin will continue to be the carmaker of choice for the world’s most famous spy.
