50 Years of Bond: Top 10 Cars

Ever since the Goldfinger, Bond films have become synonymous with really, really cool cars.  However, after reviewing all the movies, I realized there is almost nothing in the way of the exotics -- Ferraris, Lamborghinis or Porsches.  With few exceptions, the movies have gone almost exclusively with British manufacturing to supply 007 with transportation, but they are no less fantastic.  I have no strict criteria for this list.  I rank each car not only by how cool it is, but by its prominence in the film.  If the car makes little more than a passing appearance, or it's never driven, I've left it off.

10.  1961 Sunbeam Alpine Series II  (Dr. No)

James Bond's first ride was a modest one by his standards, but still respectable.  I was tempted by the 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Bond is picked up in at the airport, but he's only a passenger for a few minutes.

9.  1997 BMW 750iL  (Tomorrow Never Dies)

The Pierce Brosnan movies were dominated by BMWs.  This model has a few fun modifications, including a remote control which Bond uses to fight off and escape his enemies in a parking garage.

8.  1969 Aston Martin DBS  (Her Majesty's Secret Service)

In this film, Bond's uses his own personal car to chase down a girl who is driving an even better car (which is also on the list).

7.  1967 Toyota 2000GT Roadster  (You Only Live Twice)

Probably the first cool Japanese car.  Bond never actually drives this, but his Japanese lady friend Aki uses it to outrun the bad guys more than once.

6.  1971 Ford Mustang Mach 1  (Diamond Are Forever)

I read that director Guy Hamilton hated big American muscle cars and took pleasure in wrecking them in this movie.  But British envy of American-awesomeness won't keep it off this list.

5.  1985 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Volante  (The Living Daylights)

This is about as muscley-looking as European cars get.  Among the extras are rockets, wheel mounted lasers, and outriggers (naturally).  

4.  1969 Mercury Cougar XR-7  (On Her Majesty's Secret Service)

The top American car on the list is driven by Bond's wife to be, the Contess Teresa di Vicenzo.  She proves to be a pretty kick-ass driver, as she outdrives and outsmarts Bond's pursuers. 

3.  2007 Aston Martin DBS  (Casino Royale)

The Brosnan years were pretty weak on cars, so Casino Royale brought respectibility back to the series with the return of the Aston Martin, but without the gadgets and gimmicks.  Unfortunately, Bond wastes no time in destroying it. 

2.  1976 Lotus Esprit S1  (The Spy Who Loved Me)

The peak of Roger Moore era gadgetry, this Lotus memorably turns into a submarine. Still a slick looking ride, few cars today have the unique, angular aesthetic of the Lotus.

1.  1964 Aston Martin DB5  (Goldfinger)

The most iconic of all Bond cars, the DB5 beautifully complemented the character. Sean Connery was the perfect match for this car, and like the owner, the DB5 oozes sophistication and style.  Cross it off your Christmas list.  The original vehicle used in the film sold for $4.6 million in 2010.  

The Worst Bond Car of All Time?

2007 Ford Focus  (Casino Royale)

Really MGM?  Really EON Productions?  You put a Ford advertisement in the middle of a Bond movie, forcing Daniel Craig to drive a car that suburban parents buy for their daughters when they leave for college?  Shameful.