First Aston Martin DB5 Continuation rolls off the production line

The first new Aston Martin DB5 to be produced in over half a century has rolled off the assembly line at Aston Martin Works in Newport Pagnell, UK.

‘Job 1’ is the first of a strictly limited run of 25 vehicles planned for production, created in association with EON Productions to recreate the movie car from the classic 1964 James Bond film, Goldfinger.

Like the original, all examples of the continuation project will be finished in Silver Birch paint, and feature authentic DB5 exterior body panels and mild steel chassis structure.

Power comes from a 4.0-litre naturally-aspirated inline six which features a six-plug head, three SU carburettors and oil cooler.

A five-speed ZF manual transmission channels the engine’s 290hp (216kW) to the rear axle through a mechanical limited-slip differential.

Other specifications which hark back to the original include servo-assisted hydraulic Girling-type steel disc brakes, rack and pinion steering (with no electric assistance), as well as coil-over spring and damper suspension with a front anti-roll bar and live rear axle.

EON Productions and Bond film special effects supervisor, Chris Corbould OBE, have included a raft of movie-inspired working gadgets similar to those used on the cars used on set.

These include:

• Rear smoke screen delivery system 
• Rear simulated oil slick delivery system 
• Revolving number plates front and rear (triple plates) 
• Simulated twin front machine guns 
• Bullet resistant rear shield 
• Battering rams front and rear 
• Simulated tyre slasher • Removable passenger seat roof panel (optional equipment)
• Simulated radar screen tracker map 
• Telephone in driver’s door 
• Gear knob actuator button 
• Armrest and centre console-mounted switchgear 
• Under-seat hidden weapons/storage tray 
• Remote control for gadget activation

The DB5 has been dubbed “the most famous car in the world” and renowned as one of the most desirable vehicles in history, let alone Aston Martin’s own extensive portfolio.

“The DB5 is, without question, the most famous car in the world by virtue of its 50-plus year association with James Bond. To see, the first customer car finished, and realise that this is the first new DB5 we have built in more than half a century, really is quite a moment,” said Marek Reichman, Chief Creative Office for Aston Martin Lagonda.

“It is a genuine privilege, and significant responsibility, to have been involved in the shaping  of this new DB5 and to be helping to lead the creation of new versions of this automotive icon.

“I’m absolutely certain that the 25 lucky owners who are beginning to take delivery of these cars will be thrilled with them.”

All this history and gadgetry doesn’t come cheap, either. Each vehicle is believed to cost around £2.75 million ($4.93 million) before taxes. Ouch.