Latest news with #AstonMartinDB5
The Citizen
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Citizen
Gauteng to unveil new cutting-edge provincial number plate system
There were discussions about 'self-destructing' number plates which sound like the revolving system on James Bond's 1964 Aston Martin DB5. An example of what the number plate piloted by G-Fleet vehicles in Gauteng will look like. Pictures: iStock and Government Gazette Motor vehicles in Gauteng will soon feature new, cutting-edge technology and possibly James Bond 007-style number plates, in an effort to mitigate criminal activity. Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, along with MEC for Roads and Transport Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, is expected to preside over the launch of the new provincial number plate system at the Nasrec Expo Centre in Johannesburg on Thursday. James Bond style Lesufi first mentioned the new number plate project during his State of the Province Address (SOPA) last year, where he outlined plans to overhaul the region's number plate system. At the time, there were discussions about 'self-destructing' number plates, which may have sounded like the clever revolving system on James Bond's 1964 Aston Martin DB5. However, the new system may very well be the future of Gauteng number plates. The notice was published in the Government Gazette, signed by Transport Minister Barbara Creecy, who exempted provincial government cars (the G-Fleet) trialling the number plates from using regular number plates. ALSO READ: The driver's licence machine is fixed, but another problem remains 'Cutting edge' According to the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport, the new number plate system, which it calls 'the first of its kind, is cutting-edge, technological and tamper-proof.' 'This new system is a secure, traceable, and smart number plate solution, incorporating tamper-evident decals, forensic QR codes, and a fully digitised back-end portal.' 'It makes use of technological interventions aimed at tackling criminal activities including vehicle theft, fraud and cloning thereby enhancing and streamlining traffic law-enforcement as well as improving road safety in the province,' the department said. Pilot project The department said G-Fleet Management vehicles will be affixed with the new number plates as part of the six-month pilot project, before a provincial rollout. 'The system is expected to strengthen the vehicle registration and law enforcement landscape, eradicating the use of cloned or fraudulent number plates and facilitate interoperability with SADC systems, amongst others. 'Furthermore, the provincial government will also welcome enforcement officers from the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) to beef up traffic law-enforcement operations,' the department said. The province's current provincial number plate system is also nearing the end of the possible character combinations for identifying specific vehicles, possibly necessitating the implementation of the new system. ALSO READ: R400m driving licence tender takes wrong turn
Forbes
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Father's Day Gift Guide 2025 : The Best Luxury Resort Vacations Based On Bestselling Books
Actor Sean Connery poses as James Bond next to his Aston Martin DB5 during the filming of 'Goldfinger', Switzerland, 1964. Getty Images Reading and travel: This Father's Day, why not combine the two passions into the ultimate luxury vacation? Some of the planet's finest vacation spots have also served as the inspiration — often literally — for the best books ever written. Here are 11 destination ideas for dads who love a good luxury vacation as much as a good book. GoldenEye Villa on Jamaica's northern coast, Fleming spots a field guide to the Birds of the West Indies and borrows the name of its author: Bond. (c) Giovanni Damiani / Island Oupost Images The year is 1952. An aspiring British novelist, Ian Fleming, needs to name the titular character of his first book, Casino Royale. As he sits in the corner of a room at the present-day GoldenEye Villa on Jamaica's northern coast, Fleming spots a field guide to the Birds of the West Indies and borrows the name of its author: Bond. James Bond. Today, the GoldenEye's main villa sleeps up to 10 people in its three bedrooms, each with tropical garden baths. Two standalone guest cottages, Sweet Spot and Pool House, sleep two adults comfortably. The famed property advertises a private beach, personal butler and housekeeper — perfect for the dad who lives (or aspires to live) a confidential lifestyle. The Flying Stag bar at The Fife Arms in Braemar, nestled in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, is one of two hotel bars on the property. The Fife Arms Through 10 novels, multiple generations of family members, and lots of time travel, Diana Gabalon's Outlander series spins a romantic image of the Scottish Highlands. To relish its present form, send dad to The Fife Arms in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park. Opened in 2018, the hotel features 46 one-of-a-kind rooms and suites, two restaurants, and two bars: a whisky bar with more than 500 bottles and a cocktail bar inspired by Elsa Schiaparelli. The Fife Arms also brings the Outlander world to life with its extraordinary art collection (more than 16,000 antiques and artworks adorn the property), roaring fireplaces, and richly layered sense of place. No time travel required. NoMad London is the former Bow Street Police Station, where Oscar Wilde was detained and tried NoMad London NoMad London, a luxurious 91-room boutique hotel, now home to tourists around the globe, was once the Bow Street Police Station that detained Oscar Wilde. Step back in time and appreciate the adaptive reuse — One wing of the original holding cells has been preserved and converted into guest rooms. The hotel weaves Wilde's legacy throughout: portraits by Napoleon Sarony hang in the Twenty8 NoMad restaurant, and subtle nods to his work can be found in the hotel's library. Guests can also visit the adjoining Bow Street Police Museum, which offers deeper insight into the building's storied past and its famous former occupants. Shangri-La The Shard, London is offering Bees in Bloom Tea at TĪNG Restaurant and Lounge on Level 35 Shangri-La The Shard, London One of London's most celebrated luxury hotels, the Shangri-La The Shard, London, is offering the Bees in Bloom Tea at TĪNG Restaurant and Lounge on Level 35. Served on a stand adorned with dried florals, the afternoon tea includes nature-inspired pastries such as The Bee, The Ladybug and The Marguerite Daisy followed by delicious savouries and finger sandwiches. The tea will be finished with the hotel's signature miniature chocolate Shard pastry, decorated with a honeycomb pattern, filled with berry mousse and served over clouds of dry ice. Beach villa cottage at the Hotel del Coronado. that Baum found both refuge and inspiration for The Wizard of Oz. Hotel del Coronado Between 1904 and 1917, L. Frank Baum made frequent winter pilgrimages to Coronado Island, often taking up residence at the Hotel del Coronado. It was here, off the coast of San Diego, that Baum found both refuge and inspiration. He completed three books in the Oz series during this period: Dorothy and the Wizard in Oz (1908), The Road to Oz (1909), and The Emerald City of Oz (1910). Beyond writing, Baum left a literal imprint on the hotel itself, designing the crown-shaped chandeliers that still hang in the Crown Room today — an idea he pitched to the hotel's manager, insisting the space needed something more regal. In a 1905 poem, Baum captured the island's enduring appeal: 'And every day her loveliness shines pure, without a flaw; new charms entrance our every glance, and fill our souls with awe!' The Hotel del Coronado, opened in 1888 and now a National Historic Landmark, remains a favorite for travelers chasing both the ocean breeze and echoes of the past. For a splurge, send dad to an exclusive Beach Village cottage with ocean views, and dinner at 1500 Ocean, where the menu matches the setting: elevated, coastal, and unhurried. Caernarfon Castle is located in Gwynedd, north-west Wales and was built in the late 11th century. Shutterstock Send Dad through the looking glass and explore Wales through the eyes of Lewis Carroll. The British author and poet was inspired to write Alice in Wonderland by the real-life Alice Liddell, whose family vacationed in the beach town of Llandudno. The Liddells' summer home was located in Penmorfa, about three hours south, and the rugged coastal landscapes spanning the region will inspire even the most veteran globetrotter. The Jane Austen 250th anniversary tour ends with a stay at The Bird, a charming hotel in Bath The Bird, Bath Active England's immersive Wonderland Trail ($4,999 per person) takes travelers through Wales in Carroll's footsteps: the myth-rich peaks of the Brecon Beacons, walking behind a waterfall, indulging in a private whiskey tasting, exploring centuries-old cathedrals, and experiencing a private seaside choir performance. The seven-day tour takes guests by foot and by train to some of Carroll's favorite locales, with stays at the best boutique hotels along the way. For this itinerary, enquire through the website. Active England also offers the Jane Austen 250th Anniversary Tour ($3,600 per person), which celebrates the novelist with a 6-day curated guided tour across London to Winchester and Southampton, to New Forest and Bath. Walk right up to Jane Austen's house in Chawton, where she lived and wrote her novels, and visit her final resting place, the Winchester Cathedral. The tour ends in Bath, which is mentioned in each of Austen's six novels. Charming accommodations like the Wykeham Arms and The Bird in Bath offer dad a local retreat off the beaten tourist path. Pool view of the Ocean Key Resort and Spa in Key West Ocean Key Resort and Spa Ernest Hemingway lived in Key West, Florida from 1928-39, and wrote or completed some of his most famous works here — A Farewell to Arms, Death in the Afternoon, and To Have and Have Not, which was set in Key West. For the 125th anniversary of Hemingway's birth, hotels and restaurants across the city have turned up the literary love. Visit the Hemingway Home and Museum or, for a more comprehensive tour of his Key West experience, visit some of Papa's favorite haunts via the Hemingway Experience. The sprawling Casa Marina Key West resort opened in 1920 and was frequented by Ernest Hemingway. Casa Marina Key West Send dad to the Casa Marina Key West, an oceanfront property originally opened in 1920 and frequented by the author himself. This year, the Casa Marina opened the Canary Room, a new lobby bar and lounge inspired by Hemingway's short story A Canary for One and lifelong ties to the island. It's part of a recent $79 million transformation to the 311-room, 63-suite hotel. Browse the lounge library and order a rum-based cocktail flight featuring Papa's Pilar from the Hemingway Rum Company. At the Bungalows Key Largo, guests immerse themselves in the legacy of Ernest Hemingway at the Hemingway Bogie and Bacall's for fine dining (Hemingway and Bacall had a brief marriage) and on-site restaurant Fish Tales, inspired by Hemingway's love for deep-sea fishing in the Florida Keys. Bungalows Key Largo When coming from or going to the westernmost Key, visit Bungalows Key Largo, the Keys' first and only adults-only, all-inclusive resort. The waterfront oasis offers an exclusive experience: 135 private bungalows, each appointed with opulent amenities and accommodations. The 12-acre property includes multiple restaurants, jacuzzies, pools, water sports and a wellness spa. Hemingway's influence is felt throughout. Bogie and Bacall's is a fine dining restaurant inspired by the connection between Humphrey Bogart, Lauren Bacall, and Ernest Hemingway. The Hemingway Bar serves Papa's favorite drinks within a space adorned with the same Art Deco ambiance and Cuban tiles found in his Key West home. The on-site restaurant Fish Tales, like the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel The Old Man and The Sea, is inspired by Hemingway's love for deep-sea fishing. Jazz Age charm permeates the lobby of the NH Collection New York Madison Avenue NH Collection New York Madison Avenue The sounds of live jazz saturate the lobby every weekday night at the NH Collection New York Madison Avenue, The building has a rich history dating to 1923, including a past life as a college residence for men and fraternities, rising up during the Jazz Age depicted in F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby. Located four blocks from Grand Central Station, the property blends modern and vintage, luxury and functionality. Its 288 rooms are highlighted by five suites, including the 784-square-foot penthouse. Dad will enjoy a visit to the Morgan Library and Museum next door. Originally the private library of financier J.P. Morgan when it opened in 1924, it's now one of the world's greatest collections of illuminated manuscripts, early printed books, and literary manuscripts — and free to the public. Morgan found the American Dream in New York and, more than a century later, is still synonymous with wealth. Gatsby could only dream of it. The 42-room boutique hotel is centrally located to the Roman Forum, Piazza Venezia, and the Coliseum NH Collection Roma Fori Imperiali For those who yearn to create a connection with one of Italy's most historic cities, the Hotel Calimala in Florence rises to the occasion in a literal sense. Its rooftop bar, Angel, feels straight out of a scene where Gilbert roams through Renaissance streets and dines al fresco under a golden sky. In Rome, the NH Collection Roma Fori Imperial is a 42-room boutique hotel centrally located to the Roman Forum, Piazza Venezia, and the Colisseum. Oro Bistrot by Natale Giunta serves delectable local cuisine in-house, while the rooftop cocktail bar is the perfect place to watch the sun set over some of Rome's most famous monuments. The in-house restaurant at the Shangri-La Eros, Delhi pairs a three-course menu with Italian wine or mocktails © 2019 WHAT THE FOX STUDIO ALL RIGHTS RESERVED Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts recently introduced an 'Eat Play Love' campaign inspired by Gilbert's novel. Two of the 15 participating properties are in India, and each offers its own unique brand of pampering. At the Shangri-La Bengaluru, that includes a trip with an expert chef to a bustling local market to handpick fresh produce. Guests return for a guided cooking session, in which they learn to create two traditional South Indian dishes. For 'play,' dive into Bengaluru's vibrant brew scene with a visit to a local microbrewery. Visit Chi, the property's on-site spa, and select a signature therapy designed to heal, relax and rejuvenate. At the Shangri-La Eros, Delhi, the Wellness Club offers a calming 30-minute hand or foot massage for two, a deeply relaxing 45-minute signature massage, and a 60-minute private yoga and meditation session. Sorrento, the in-house restaurant, will serve up a three-course themed menu (aphrodisiac, mystery, or a blind tasting) paired with Italian wine or mocktails. Explore the colorful capital with a local English-speaking expert guide. The four-hour tour passes grand sights such as India Gate, Rashtrapati Bhawan, and Raisina Hill. The Spa & Wellness Center at Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, integrates its services with the natural setting of Ubud. felixhug/ Two hours north in Ubud, Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, sits where the lush jungle meets the Ayung River. Guests can immerse themselves in the setting of Eat, Pray, Love and explore the best of all worlds. Mandapa's proximity to the center of town allows guests to enjoy slow mornings wandering the market for local food. Its on-site spa and wellness center focuses on holistic wellness and lifestyle programs based on the six pillars (Balinese Spa, Detox & Nutrition, Alternative Therapy, Body Therapy, and Healing). Try the yoga classes, held in the river-facing pavilion or on the rice paddy-fields platforms. The gorgeous Hotel Monteleone, located in the French Quarter, is where many storied authors sought as their hideout when visiting New Orleans. © James Shaw 2015 New Orleans is a writer's haven. Between its longstanding reputation as a multicultural hub for arts and music, and the quirky and infamous characters who have walked its famous streets, New Orleans always has a story to tell. It's also a great place to sit and write a book: Anne Rice, Truman Capote, William Faulkner, John Kennedy Toole, Ernest Hemingway, Tennessee Williams and Eudora Welty are among the many famous authors who have called New Orleans home, if even as a hideaway for writing their literary tomes. Located in the historic French Quarter is the literary landmark hotel, Hotel Monteleone. Williams, Hemingway and Welty spent time writing their award-winning novels and plays here. Williams was often in the Carousel Bar & Lounge, the setting in his Tony Award-winning play 'The Rose Tattoo.' Hemingway mentioned the Carousel Bar & Lounge in his short story 'The Night Before Battle,' and Welty drew inspiration from the Monteleone for 'The Purple Hat.' Set dad up one of the many literary suites named after his favorite author. The Jack Rose restaurant was named after Tennessee Williams' 1951 play in the city's Garden District on St. Charles named after Tennessee Williams' 1951 play in the city's Garden District on St. Charles Avenue. Jason Thomas Crocker Photography Tennessee Williams also frequented The Pontchartrain Hotel in the city's Garden District and wrote some of Pulitzer Prize-winning play 'A Streetcar Named Desire' while staying at the storied hotel. Original handwritten pieces of the play are written on the hotel's letterhead.
Los Angeles Times
16-05-2025
- Automotive
- Los Angeles Times
Revving engines, thrills and drama drive ‘Duster' and ‘Motorheads'
After humans, and arguably before dogs and horses, there is no character more vital to the screen, and more vital onscreen, than the automobile. Driven or driverless, the car is the most animated of inanimate objects, sometimes literally a cartoon, with a voice, a personality, a name. Even when not speaking, they purr, they roar. They are stars in their own right — the Batmobile, the Munster Koach, James Bond's Aston Martin DB5, K.I.T.T. (the modified 1982 Pontiac Trans Am from 'Knight Rider'), the Ford Grand Torino (nicknamed the Striped Tomato) driven by Starsky and Hutch. They might represent freedom, power, delinquency or even the devil. Whole movies have been built about them and the amazing things they can do, but even when they aren't jumping and flipping and crashing, they play an essential role in helping flesh-and-blood characters take care of business. Perhaps in some sort of reaction to our enlightened view of the effects of our gas-guzzling ways, two new series fetishizing the internal combustion engine arrive, Max's 'Duster,' now streaming, and Prime Video's 'Motorheads,' premiering Tuesday. Created by J.J. Abrams and LaToya Morgan and named for the supernaturally shiny cherry-red Plymouth the hero drives, 'Duster' is stupid fun, a comic melodrama steeped in 1970s exploitation flicks, with a lot of loving homage to period clothes, knickknacks and interior design. The driver is Jim Ellis, played by Josh Holloway, in what reads like a turn on Sawyer, his charming, criminal character from Abrams' 'Lost,' topped with a shot of Matthew McConaughey. Jim, a man who has never bothered to make a three-point turn, works out of Phoenix for Southwest crime boss Ezra Saxton (Keith David, monumental as always), picking up this, delivering that. The first delivery we see turns out to be a human heart, picked up from a fast-food drive-through window, destined for Saxton's ailing son, Royce (Benjamin Charles Watson). Along for the ride is little Luna (Adriana Aluna Martinez), who calls Jim 'uncle,' though you are free to speculate; her mother, Izzy (Camille Guaty), is a big-rig trucker — trucking being another fun feature of '70s pop culture — who will find cause to become a labor leader. The Ellises and the Saxtons, also including daughter Genesis (Sydney Elisabeth), have history — Jim's father, Wade (Corbin Bernson), served with Ezra in World War II, and his late lamented brother had worked for him as well. Saxton is the sort of bad guy with whom you somehow sympathize in spite of the violence he employs; there's genuine affection among the families, though one is never sure when or where a line will be drawn, only that one probably will be. Into Jim's low-rent but relatively settled, even happy world comes FBI agent Nina Hayes (Rachel Hilson, sparky), fresh out of Quantico and ambitious to make a mark. As a Black woman, she's told, 'No one's clamoring for an agent like you,' but she's been assigned to Phoenix 'because we have no other options.' She's partnered there with cheerful Navajo agent Awan (Asivak Koostachin), as if to corral the minorities into a manageable corner, and assigned the Saxton case, regarded as 'cursed' and so intractable as to be not worth touching. Which is to say, agents deemed not worth taking seriously — along with underestimated 'girl Friday' Jessica (Sofia Vassilieva) — have been thrown a case deemed not worth taking seriously. This is a classic premise for a procedural and strikes some notes about racism and sexism in the bargain, not out of tune with the times in which it's set, or the times in which we're watching. Nina, who has managed to gather evidence of Jim crossing state lines to deliver the heart, which was stolen, and that Saxton may have been responsible for his brother's death, bullies and tempts him into becoming a confidential informant. Thus begins an uneasy partnership, though their storylines run largely on separate tracks in separate scenes. 'Lost' was not a show that bothered much with sense in order to achieve its effects, and 'Duster,' though it involves a far-reaching conspiracy whose payoff plays like the end of a shaggy-dog story, is a show of effects, of set pieces and sequences, of car chases and fistfights, of left-field notions and characters. These include Patrick Warburton as an Elvis-obsessed mobster named Sunglasses; Donal Logue as a corrupt, perverse, evangelical policeman; Gail O'Grady as Jim's stepmother, a former showgirl who doesn't much like him; LSD experiments; absurd puzzles (also see: 'Lost'); an airheaded version of Adrienne Barbeau (Mikaela Hoover), with the actual Barbeau, a queen of genre films, making an appearance; Richard Nixon (in a few creepy seconds of AI); an oddly jolly Howard Hughes (Tom Nelis) in his Kleenex-box slippers; and a 'Roadrunner' pastiche. Though not devoid of genuine feeling, it's best experienced as a collection of attitudes and energies, noises and colors. Don't take it any more seriously than it takes itself. The opening titles are super cool. 'Motorheads' is a familiar sort of modern teenage soap opera but with cars. For reasons known only to series creator John A. Norris, the whole town is obsessed with them, and along with its human storylines, the series is a tour of automotive entertainments — drag racing, street racing, ATV racing, go-kart racing, classic car collecting. I have no idea whether this will resonate with the target demographic, but there is much I cannot tell you about kids these days. As is common to the form, our young protagonists — Michael Cimino as Zac and Melissa Collazo as Caitlyn — are new to town, having been brought back from New York City by their mother, Samantha (Nathalie Kelly), to the oxymoronically named Rust Belt hamlet of Ironwood, where she was raised, and which is the last place anyone saw their father, Christian (Deacon Phillippe in flashbacks), 17 years earlier. He's an infamous local legend, admired for his skill behind the wheel; aerial footage of Christian threading his way through a cordon of police cars as the getaway driver in a robbery keeps making its way into the show, though if you live in Los Angeles, you see this sort of thing on the news all the time. Marquee name Ryan Phillippe plays the kids' Uncle Logan, who runs a garage that apparently does no business, but he has love and wisdom to spare. Though at the center of the series, Zac's storyline is a little shopworn, not just his wish to become, almost out of nowhere, Ironwood's top speed racer, but his textbook interest in rich girl Alicia (Mia Healey), the girlfriend of rich boy Harris (Josh Macqueen), a Porsche-driving bully who is also hurting inside — so feel free to get a crush on him, if that's your type. More interesting is sister Caitlyn, who prefers building cars to racing them and is perhaps the series' most emotionally balanced character. She becomes friends with shop classmate Curtis (Uriah Shelton), tall and good-looking, whose criminally inclined older brother, Ray (Drake Rodger), will become a sort of dark mentor to Zac. With the addition of Marcel (Nicolas Cantu), the archetypal 'geek who becomes the hero's best friend,' who works at the diner his father (grieving, drunk) used to own and dreams of designing cars, the four constitute the show's outsider band of good guys. They'll have their not-always-happy business with each other — being teenagers, you know, things happen — and with their elders, as their elders will with one another. The past is not past in Ironwood; old feelings will resurface and old plots unravel. (And no one knows what happened to Christian.) Except for the cars sprinkled on top, it's old stuff, not very deep, but produced with an engaging naturalism that rounds off the narrative extremes, enhances what's commonplace and makes 'Motorheads' easy to watch. (Colin Hoult is the sensitive director of photography, it's worth mentioning.) Drive on.
Scottish Sun
24-04-2025
- Automotive
- Scottish Sun
‘Ultimate James Bond car' could be yours as 1964 Aston Martin with restored engine & beautiful interior up for auction
PETROLHEADS can drive like James Bond after a classic 1964 Aston Martin DB5 hit auction. The eye-catching vintage motor, highly regarded as the ultimate 'Bond Car', looks set to scoop an eye-popping £512,000 when it goes under the hammer. 5 The beautiful baby blue Aston Martin DB5 could be yours for £512,000 Credit: mediadrumimages 5 It features an elegant wood-rimmed steering wheel Credit: mediadrumimages When Sean Connery's James Bond character showed up in the Aston Martin DB5 for 1964's Goldfinger film, one of the most unforgettable automotive pop culture icons was created. The vehicle has been restored with a rare Caribbean Pearl finish, electric windows, reclining seats, a three-spoke wood-rimmed steering wheel and wool carpeting. Under-dash air conditioning, extra heat and soundproofing have also been added in for increased comfort on longer journeys. The restoration also included a complete overhaul of the suspension, axles, brakes and transmission. It now comes complete with a fresh 4.2-litre engine using Cosworth pistons. A stainless-steel exhaust system was added for improved performance and durability. The 1964 Aston Martin DB5 is on auction with Broad Arrow Auctions. 'One of 707 original right-hand drive DB5s produced,' states the listing. 'Finished in attractive and rarely seen Caribbean Pearl over a Fawn leather interior. 'Features a full and comprehensive restoration completed in 2002 by the marque experts at Post Vintage Engineers Limited. James Bond expert drops huge hint about new 007 actor after he starred in movie with huge A-list actress 'Powered by an upgraded 4.2-liter specification engine mated to a ZF five-speed manual transmission. 'Matching-numbers example documented by a copy of its original Aston Martin build sheet. 'Widely regarded as the ultimate 'Bond Car' this iconic Aston Martin remains one of the most coveted and collectible models in the brand's storied history.' LICENCE TO THRILL It comes as an iconic roadster inspired by a James Bond classic has hit the market for a bargain price. A 1977 MKII Triumph Stag is up for auction giving fans of the spy franchise a chance to drive like Bond himself. The British model starred in 1971 Bond classic, Diamonds Are Forever, with Sean Connery and this one is up for grabs for just £15k. The listing states: 'For anyone with a taste for 007-inspired luxury and the thrill of owning a true British classic, this Triumph Stag offers a unique opportunity to own a part of cinematic and automotive history. 'Whether you're looking to show it off at a car show or simply cruise along the coast with the top down, this car is more than capable of fulfilling your Bond fantasies. 'Its history is well-documented, with paperwork dating back to its original registration in 1977.' 5 The restoration also included a complete overhaul of the suspension, axles, brakes and transmission Credit: mediadrumimages 5 A snap of the driver and passenger seats Credit: mediadrumimages
The Sun
24-04-2025
- Automotive
- The Sun
‘Ultimate James Bond car' could be yours as 1964 Aston Martin with restored engine & beautiful interior up for auction
PETROLHEADS can drive like James Bond after a classic 1964 Aston Martin DB5 hit auction. The eye-catching vintage motor, highly regarded as the ultimate 'Bond Car', looks set to scoop an eye-popping £512,000 when it goes under the hammer. 5 When Sean Connery's James Bond character showed up in the Aston Martin DB5 for 1964's Goldfinger film, one of the most unforgettable automotive pop culture icons was created. The vehicle has been restored with a rare Caribbean Pearl finish, electric windows, reclining seats, a three-spoke wood-rimmed steering wheel and wool carpeting. Under-dash air conditioning, extra heat and soundproofing have also been added in for increased comfort on longer journeys. The restoration also included a complete overhaul of the suspension, axles, brakes and transmission. It now comes complete with a fresh 4.2-litre engine using Cosworth pistons. A stainless-steel exhaust system was added for improved performance and durability. The 1964 Aston Martin DB5 is on auction with Broad Arrow Auctions. 'One of 707 original right-hand drive DB5s produced,' states the listing. 'Finished in attractive and rarely seen Caribbean Pearl over a Fawn leather interior. 'Features a full and comprehensive restoration completed in 2002 by the marque experts at Post Vintage Engineers Limited. James Bond expert drops huge hint about new 007 actor after he starred in movie with huge A-list actress 'Powered by an upgraded 4.2-liter specification engine mated to a ZF five-speed manual transmission. 'Matching-numbers example documented by a copy of its original Aston Martin build sheet. 'Widely regarded as the ultimate 'Bond Car' this iconic Aston Martin remains one of the most coveted and collectible models in the brand's storied history.' LICENCE TO THRILL It comes as an iconic roadster inspired by a James Bond classic has hit the market for a bargain price. A 1977 MKII Triumph Stag is up for auction giving fans of the spy franchise a chance to drive like Bond himself. The British model starred in 1971 Bond classic, Diamonds Are Forever, with Sean Connery and this one is up for grabs for just £15k. The listing states: 'For anyone with a taste for 007-inspired luxury and the thrill of owning a true British classic, this Triumph Stag offers a unique opportunity to own a part of cinematic and automotive history. 'Whether you're looking to show it off at a car show or simply cruise along the coast with the top down, this car is more than capable of fulfilling your Bond fantasies. 'Its history is well-documented, with paperwork dating back to its original registration in 1977.' 5 5 5
