Along the streets of London, several models of James Bond’s Aston Martins were recently on exhibit. The tribute commemorated “50 Years of Bond”. Although the display drew a crowd of enthralled Agent 007 enthusiasts, the show lasted but a week. One of the vehicles, a mint quality Vanquish, made its debut in the Bond movie, “Die another Day.” Other Aston Martin DBS sports car from the films “Quantum of Solace” and “Casino Royale” joined the line-up.
The presentation, “Bond in Motion” honoured the half-century relationship that has developed between James Bond and Aston Martin. Fortunately, since this appearance, the vintage automobiles remain on public display at Covent Garden. Glimpsing the sports cars and Bond memorabilia helps spectators recall five decades of exclusive Bond moments.
On display at the London Film Museum
The show has proven to be a crowd-pleaser. It represents the largest collection of original Bond cars anywhere in the world. Enjoying its first anniversary in the London Film Museum, the new and classic automobiles are on display through the generosity of members of the Austin Martin Owners Club. Due to social interest and demand, the “Bond in Motion” exhibition will remain for an indefinite period for public viewing.
Organized and facilitated by EON Productions, the show includes several vehicles never before seen in an open venue. In addition to the cars, more than a hundred items of memorabilia from the twenty-three Bond movies are on display. Visitors can enjoy viewing diminutive models, storyboard representations of scenes from the movies, various pieces of art, as well as the extensive collection of Aston Martins.
One of the vehicles on display is the Aston Martin Vanquish driven in “Die another Day.” Visitors familiar with the movie will appreciate viewing the vehicle from the film, and may also recognize it as the car that appeared in the video game “Nightfire” (2002), and “Everything or Nothing” (2004).
The car brings back some highlights from “Die another Day” (2002). This was the twentieth Bond film in the series. It was also the last of a set of four that starred Pierce Brosnan as Agent 007. This particular Aston Martin included front mounted rockets that transformed into location target guns positioned on the vehicles front hood. Another memorable feature about this particular AM was its “adaptive camouflage.’
As one might recall, the car became invisible to the eye due to Bond’s compression of a stealthily installed adaptive button. Each of these adaptations was critical aspects in the film, which began with his mission to North Korea. As with all Bond films, the events included betrayal, capture, and imprisonment. The AM DBS V12 on display brings to life key moments, from the tracking of traitors to locating the killers responsible for 007s torment.
Aston Martin’s DBS V12 and “Casino Royale”
Visiting the exhibit and viewing the Austin Martin DBS V12 provides a good look at the vehicle used in one of the most thrilling automobile race scenes. In “Casino Royal” Bond barrel rolls his Aston Martin, appearing to destroy the sports car. The vehicle had to be specially rigged for the scene, outfitted with an air-activated cannon designed to launch and propel the vehicle. A ramp, initially intended for the roll would not allow enough force. The special effects personnel created the cannon, placed behind a modified driver’s seat. The power allowed the vehicle to roll seven times, a stunt recorded in November 2006 in the Guinness Book of World Records.
“Casino Royale” (2006) includes a series of fast-paced action scenes, from car crashes to high-speed chases. As with all Bond movies, the action never slows. Bond’s involvement in a high stakes Texas Hold’em tournament at the Casino Royale, in Montenegro, is just one of several scenes captured by the memorabilia on display at the London Film Museum exhibition.
Other displays
The Aston Martin DBS V12 on show from “Quantum of Solace,” in the exhibit, is a darker version of the Aston Martin DBS V12 that Bond drives in previous movies. Marc Forster directed this 2008 sequel to “Casino Royale.” It stars Daniel Craig in his second appearance as Bond.
This automobile was heavily damaged in a chase scene in Siena, Italy at the onset of the movie. Moreover, “Quantum of Solace” is considered the most violent of all James Bond movies, more intense than other films in the Bond series. In “Quantum of Solace,” Bond is looking for revenge following the murder of his lover, Vesper Lynd’s death, played by Eva Green.
A Glimpse of What is Yet to Come…
The show provides a glimpse of what is to come later this year with the release of “Spectre.” The film will also star Daniel Craig as Agent 007. The latest Aston Martin DB10 is just one of ten cars of this model. It provides a glimpse of the next generation of Bond vehicles and movies. The release of both the movie and the vehicle brings intense speculation of what is in store for November and beyond.
This year, the collection of “Bond in Motion” vehicles and memorabilia help bring some of the finest James Bond events to the forefront. From speeding racecars to Texas Hold’em Tournaments, the exhibition transports spectators through some of the most thrilling Bond moments.
Step inside the world of Bond… and see that the best 007 scenes may be yet to come!
