What's the news?
We already know that 25 lucky individuals will be getting one of the Aston Martin Goldfinger DB5 continuation cars, but Aston is keen to point out precisely which gadgets these owners will get to play with, as they pretend to be James Bond.
Aston Martin and EON Productions, the company that produces the Bond films, are working on the cars right now, with the 25 continuation models - which will not be road-legal - being built at the same Newport Pagnell base that the original 898 DB5s were. Chris Corbould, a special effects supervisor on the Bond films, is leading the inclusion of the functioning gadgets.
Facing challenges to get some of the devices fitted, Corbould said: "The main challenge has been to recreate the gadgets from the film world and transfer them into a consumer product. We have licence in the film world to 'cheat' different aspects under controlled conditions. For instance, we might have four different cars to accommodate four different gadgets. We obviously don't have that luxury on these DB5s, as all the gadgets have to work in the same car all the time."
The film DB5's list of Q-branch-equipped extras was lengthy, so - subject to final engineering approval - here's what the continuation cars will have: on the outside, a rear smoke-screen delivery system; a simulated oil-slick delivery system; revolving number plates front and rear (three plates); simulated twin front machine guns; a bullet-resistant rear shield, battering rams front and rear; and, inside, a simulated radar screen tracker map; a telephone in the driver's door; the gearknob actuator button; armrest- and centre console-mounted switchgear; an under-seat hidden weapons/storage tray; and an optional ejector seat teaser.
Corbould added: "My involvement has chiefly been with the front guns, smoke-screen and oil-slick gadgets, with Aston Martin engineers producing the other items. The guns appearing from the front lights were a particular challenge as, in the film world, we are able to use flammable gas mixtures combined with an ignition system to produce a flame and noise effect. Clearly this is not practical in untrained hands, so we have devised a new system to achieve a realistic effect."
Anything else?
All the continuation DB5 models will be finished in Silver Birch paint and will have some 'sympathetic modifications' the ensure the highest levels of build quality and reliability. Each one will cost €3.18 million, plus local taxes.
Paul Spires, president of Aston Martin Works in Newport Pagnell, said: "As work progresses on these remarkable cars, it's both exciting and a little sobering to think that we are truly making history here. Creating 25 Goldfinger DB5 continuations and working with EON Productions and special effects supervisor, Chris Corbould, is something truly unique and a real career highlight for everyone involved here at Aston Martin Works."