Only remaining Goldfinger DB5 car returns to The UK
When EON Productions turned Ian Fleming’s famed Goldfinger novel into a film, they commissioned Aston Martin to create two DB5s in Silver Birch for lead character James Bond to drive. DB5 prototype DP216/1 was fitted with the gadgetry and weapons and can be seen when ‘Q’ introduces Bond (Sean Connery) to his new car while DB5/1486/R was used for the road scenes in Goldfinger and later Thunderball, again with Connery at the wheel.
DP216/1 was also seen in 1981 in The Cannonball Run but while in storage in Florida was stolen in 1997 and has not been recovered. DB5/1486/R has been privately owned by American Jerry Lee and has occasionally been seen since at various events. Mr Lee is putting the car up for sale with RM Auctions on 27th October 2010 with proceeds going to his charity at JerryLeeFoundation.com. The car is predicted to become possibly the highest value road-going Aston Martin.
The car is currently in The UK and was in the press recently following an Aston Martin / James Bond event where the car’s 47 year old clutch finally gave up the ghost. The car is undergoing a clutch change and minor works at RS Williams prior to the auction in the autumn. All the car’s gadgets are in working order and the car shows its history and patina in keeping with an unrestored car of this vintage.
