The famous James Bond 1964 Aston Martin DB5 - Chassis no. DB5/2008/R - the unofficial star of "Thunderball" and "Goldfinger", will be offered for sale for the very first time in 35 years at RM's Arizona Sale next January at an estimate of $1,500,000 - $2,500,000.

The auction is titled "Vintage Motor Cars in Arizona", and will be held at the historic Arizona Biltmore in Phoenix, January 20th, 2006.

Formerly the property of Sir Anthony Bamford, the Aston Martin is one of several celebrity cars offered from the Pigeon Forge, Tennessee museum where it has been on display since the late 1970. Complete with all the exciting and operational spy gadgets, the Aston DB5 is one of only four cars originally constructed by the production company and used for film, tour and promotional purposes. This specific example was primarily used for promotion during the movie’s release in the mid-sixties and includes a documented history dating back to the original ownership.

Some of the special James Bond options include: Front and rear hydraulic over-rider rams on bumpers; Front firing .30 caliber Browning prop machine guns powered by trunk mounted oxy/acetylene system; Wheel mounted tire slasher; Retractable rear bullet-proof screen; Radio telephone concealed in secret compartment; Radar scanner in racing type wing mirror with tracking screen in the cockpit; Passenger ejector seat - with removable roof panel (seat since replaced with standard seat); Oil slick ejector from left side rear light cluster; Triple spiked nail (calthrop) ejector from the right side rear light cluster; Smoke screen system - located next to rear exhaust; Revolving number plates (3) featuring licenses YRE 186H, 007JB and JB007; Armaments drawer under front driver seat.



It is one of only three examples that exist today and remains in completely original, low mileage condition. Its occasion for sale represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to acquire what is widely considered to be "the most famous car in the world".

Other important cars up for bids at this multi-million dollar event include a 1955 Maserati 300 S, 1953 Jaguar C-Type , 1969 Ferrari 212E Montagna, 1937 Bugatti T57C Aravis Drophead Coupe, 1941 Chrysler Thunderbolt Concept Car, 1930 Duesenberg Model J LWB Dual Cowl Phaeton, 1932 Packard Super 8 Custom Dietrich Sport Phaeton, and a 1934 Packard Twelve 1106 Runabout Speedster by LeBaron.

For further information please visit www.rmauctions.com

Text: Classic Driver
Photo: RM Auctions - Strictly Copyright