The Living Daylights 1973 Aston Martin V8
When it came time to film The Living Daylights, Timothy Dalton's first appearance as James Bond, EON Productions knew they wanted him behind the wheel of an Aston Martin V8. The problem was the 18-month waitlist to get one. So they pivoted, buying up four vintage models and converting them so they looked like new. This 1973 model was one of them. Initially delivered in Tudor Green metallic, it was repainted Cumberland Grey, and given a host of modifications including updated rear bodywork, a carburetor-specification hood, updated wheels, and a simulated sunroof to match the other cars. 007s cars always include gadgets, so a simulated rocket booster and removable skis attached to the side sills were also added. The engine and transmission were also removed to reduce weight, as the car was driven into a snowbank at the end of a chase scene. It remained in EON's possession until 1995 when it was sold along with the DB5 from Goldeneye to a well-known James Bond collector. After changing hands once again, the current owner decided in 2021 to get it back on the road, fitting it with a carbureted V540 V-8 and ZF five-speed manual, fixing any corrosion, and modifying the "rocket booster" so it could actually shoot real flames. Coming up for sale at RM Sotheby's Monterey auction, it's the only one of the four production cars not in a private collection and would make a grail-level addition to any 007 collection.
Photos: Erik Fuller / RM Sotheby's
