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This 24-carat gold Aston Martin DB5 has cool James Bond gadgets, but it’s impossible to drive

Posted on by darion

James Bond's Aston Martin DB5 is awarded gold to mark the 60th anniversary of the Golden Eye
 10 photos

Photo: Agora Models (composite)

There is no doubt about the longevity and legacy of the James Bond franchise. No other film franchise has forged such deep ties with the automotive industry or developed a more loyal and diverse fan base, and this is one instance where the two go hand in hand.

October 5 is officially James Bond Day. The celebration is worldwide and coincides with the release date of the first James Bond film: Doctor No had its world premiere on October 5, 1962. In all the years and decades that have passed since then, 007’s legacy has become richer and more fascinating.

Collections like this have certainly helped a lot with that.

This is “the ultimate luxury model in scale” the most famous car in the world, the Aston Martin DB5, which was the “official” car of James Bond during his first trips to the cinema. It is a limited edition and unique collector’s item that will go on sale on James Bond Day this year, with deliveries scheduled for summer 2025.

James Bond's Aston Martin DB5 is awarded gold to mark the 60th anniversary of the Golden Eye

Photo: Agora models

Because the James Bond universe is so rich and incredibly popular – and amazing! – collectibles and souvenirs are neither easy to obtain nor cheap. In fact, 007-related collectibles are probably the most expensive in showbiz, with larger items such as movie cars selling for millions on the rare occasions they come on the market.

In that sense, the upcoming scale model is a cheaper alternative – although, honestly, that’s still more than the average Joe or Jane can spend on what is essentially a trinket with no immediate functionality. If at all.

At the same time, however, it is a limited collector’s edition. It is also made of 24k gold and is incredibly amazing. This is the “ultimate” of everything for a true James Bond fan who already boasts an impressive collection of memorabilia.

James Bond's Aston Martin DB5 is awarded gold to mark the 60th anniversary of the Golden Eye

Photo: Agora models

This is a 1:8 scale model of James Bond’s iconic Aston Martin DB5, recreated in museum quality. It’s not drivable, but aside from its excellent build quality, it’s still neat. Produced by Agora Models under the direct supervision of EON Productions (the production company behind all the James Bond films) and Aston Martin, it features most of the gadgets available in a movie car.

This model car features a working ejection seat, fold-out bulletproof rear cover and the famous rotating number plates with three possible plates – always a great help in getting rid of James Bond’s pursuers. It also features machine guns that pop out of the turn signals when the machine gun sound effects are activated, oil slicks poking out from behind the taillights, tire slashers, a battering ram at the front and rear, a telephone hidden in the driver’s door panel, a gadget control panel in the center armrest, and a radar screen.

Since no James Bond, fictional or pretend, is the real 007 without his weapons, this gold-plated scale model comes with a tray with a wide range of weapons: a replica Armalite rifle, a hand grenade, a Mauser automatic pistol and a throwing knife.

James Bond's Aston Martin DB5 is awarded gold to mark the 60th anniversary of the Golden Eye

Photo: Agora models

The car is 569 mm (22.4 in) long and is made of Zamak metal, plated with 24-carat gold by specialists from the Mint of St. Paul, which weighs 15 pounds (6.8 kg). James Bond’s DB5 wasn’t gold – and couldn’t have been if he really wanted to succeed as a secret agent – but this one is such that its launch is scheduled to celebrate its 60th anniversary Golden Eyes.

Agora Models claims that only 7 such models will be available for sale worldwide, which will ensure the exclusivity of the product. They will be shipped disassembled, with a certificate of authenticity and a display pedestal in a protective display case. Each piece will be accompanied by a limited edition plaque with an individual number from 001 to 007.

The gold used for plating qualifies as Fairmined Gold, ensuring the highest level of responsible mining, and all units will be hand-built starting in early 2025. Deliveries will be made in the summer of the same year, Agora Models notes that some components may be shipped earlier upon request.

James Bond's Aston Martin DB5 is awarded gold to mark the 60th anniversary of the Golden Eye

Photo: Agora models

Considering the model has over 500 parts, it’s probably a good idea to put all the pieces together. If you need help with assembly, the manufacturer will provide an exclusive build service, which will cost extra and be offered upon request.

Speaking of costs, the gold-plated scale model of the DB5 goes on sale on October 5 for £24,999 (approximately $33,500 at current exchange rates), on a first-come, first-served basis. Interested buyers must now register their interest. A prototype of this car model can be seen at The 007 @ Burlington Arcade in Mayfair, London – for those of you who want to see for yourself what you’re paying for.