Ranking: 1st
Year of release: 1964
The car: Aston Martin DB5 with the usual eyebrow-raising modifications from Q’s gadget division.
Why it’s special: What’s not to like about an Aston DB5 with gun barrels behind the indicators, a revolving number plate and a bulletproof rear window?
Best bit: Q introducing 007 to the various gadgets on the Aston with his summary gusto.
Q: ‘Now this one I’m particularly keen about. You see the gearlever here? Now if you take the top off, you’ll find a little red button. Whatever you do, don’t touch it.’
Bond: ‘And why not?’
Q: ‘Because you’ll release this section of the roof, and engage and fire the passenger ejector seat.’
Bond: ‘Ejector seat? You’re joking!’
Q: ‘I never joke about my work, 007.’
Pub fact: The DB5 also appears in Thunderball, Goldeneye, Tomorrow Never Dies and Casino Royale. But Ian Fleming actually had Bond in a DB MkIII in the novels.
Plot overview: Auric Goldfinger has a conniving plan (Operation Grand Slam) to radiate Fort Knox’s gold supplies, thus sending the value of his own gold reserves through the roof. Agent 007 – James Bond (Connery) is despatched to investigate and neutralize the situation, but it’s not going to be easy with hired muscle the likes of rotund oriental assassin Oddjob (Skata) and Pussy Galore (Blackman) in his way.
For: Close to automotive perfection; those gadgets
Against: A bit obvious
CAR verdict: The golden car on the silver screen
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