One of the coolest and most significant cultural icons of the 20th century, the 1964 Aston Martin DB5 driven by Sean Connery as James Bond in ‘Goldfinger’ and ‘Thunderball’, will be put up for sale for the first time in history at RM Auctions‘ Automobiles of London event on October 27 where it is expected to fetch over $5 million.
1964 Aston Martin DB5
Under the guidance of Oscar-award-winning special effects expert, John Stears, DB5 was factory fitted with operational ‘Q-Branch’ gadgets including machine guns, bullet-proof shield, revolving number plates, oil slick sprayer, smoke screen, nail spreader, tracking device and a removable roof panel.
The Aston Martin factory in Lagonda originally loaned the car to EON Productions for the filming of the two Bond films and had it returned after completing a promotional tour. After receiving its star treatment, the DB5 was sold to radio broadcaster Jerry Lee of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, for $12,000 in 1969. Lee is putting the classic movie car up for sale to benefit the Jerry Lee Foundation, a charitable program dedicated to poverty-related social issues.
Sean Connery as James Bond with Aston Martin DB5
A careful re-commissioning program was recently undertaken by RM Auto Restoration, returning the car to running condition after its long-term static storage. Mechanically, this included a head-off engine service, a new clutch, a fully rebuilt braking system and new exhaust piping. The odometer shows approximately 30,000 miles, mostly – one presumes – from its tour usage. The original dark grey interior remains in generally good condition, displaying a remarkably authentic and appealing original patina to match the mileage.
The car is set to make its first 21st century public appearance at the Bond-themed Midsummer Classic / Thunderball concours and black-tie reception scheduled for June 26 at the Stoke Park Club located outside of London, familiar to Bond fans as the site of the first confrontation between 007 and Goldfinger.
1964 Aston Martin DB5
1964 Aston Martin DB5
1964 Aston Martin DB5
1964 Aston Martin DB5
1964 Aston Martin DB5
1964 Aston Martin DB5
1964 Aston Martin DB5
