Aston Martin V12 Vanquish James Bond Press Car #007 on auction

A beautiful right-hand drive 2001 Aston Martin V12 Vanquish James Bond Press Car #007 will go on auction on November 11th, 2023.

Aston Martin V12 Vanquish James Bond Press Car #007 will be auctioned by Iconic Auctioneers
photo © Nathan Rigby

This stunning vehicle will be offered at The Birmingham NEC Classic Car Show on November 11th by Iconic Auctioneers (formerly known as Silverstone Auctions).

Beautiful brown leather interior of the Aston Martin V12 Vanquish James Bond Press Car #007
photo © Alan Kenny

About the Vanquish

The Aston Martin Vanquish is a high-performance grand tourer introduced in 2001 as a successor to the Aston Martin Vantage.

Aston Martin V12 Vanquish James Bond Press Car #007 on auction
photo © Alan Kenny

Designed by Ian Callum and drawing inspiration from the DB4 Zagato, the car features an advanced carbon fibre and alloy structure and Aston Martin's powerful V12 engine.

The Vanquish model was last model to be produced at the Newport Pagnell Works between 2001 and 2007.

photo © Nathan Rigby

Only available with a 6-speed automated manual transmission, the interior, whilst still trimmed in the finest leather, saw the wood veneers replaced with brushed aluminium. The Vanquish was Aston’s flagship between 2001 and 2007 and was the last model to be produced at the Newport Pagnell Works.

Aston Martin V12 Vanquish James Bond Press Car #007
photo © Alan Kenny

The Aston Martin Vanquish was prominently featured in the 2002 James Bond film Die Another Day starring Pierce Brosnan as 007. Bond drives the car in Iceland and the car is fitted with gadgets, including automatic guns that pop-up from the bonnet cooling vents, rockets behind the grille, spikes on the tyres and a passenger ejector seat. All features are very useful during the chase with a Jaguar XK-R. The most remarkable feature is its ability to become invisible.

About press car #007

This early Vanquish carries the distinctive chassis number ending '007' and is the seventh of seven UK Press Cars used for promoting the film alongside Pierce Brosnan.

Pierce Brosnan with one of the Aston Matin Vanquish press cars in 2002
 

Aston Martin V12 Vanquish James Bond Press Car #007, rear view
photo © Alan Kenny

This particular Vanquish was first owned by Aston Martin's then Chief Executive, Dr Ulrich Bez.

Aston Martin V12 Vanquish James Bond Press Car #007
photo © Nathan Rigby

Aston Martin V12 Vanquish James Bond Press Car #007 has a brown leather interior with aluminum details and a built-in telephone.
photos © Nathan Rigby

With an odometer reading of just a little over 52,500 miles, the car features 'Power Park' mirrors; heated front seats, aluminium/leather steering wheel; heated front screen; satellite navigation, a built-in telephone and a fire extinguisher.

Aston Martin V12 Vanquish James Bond Press Car #007 odometer
photo © Alan Kenny

A Bond-style feature are the original Aston Martin accessories 'hidden' in the glove box.

Aston Martin original accessories in the glove box
photo © Nathan Rigby

Finished in Skye Silver with Chestnut Nubuck interior, the car comes complete with owners/service book, main dealer service history, MOT to March 2024, two keys, Aston Martin Build Log.

Aston Martin V12 Vanquish James Bond Press Car #007
photo © Alan Kenny

The vendor, a lifelong James Bond fan, and the proud custodian of some historically important motorcars, has used his long-term relationship with Aston Martin, aided by an open chequebook, to enhance the car and has commissioned one of the UK’s leading professional detailers to present this “The Jewel in The Crown” in the world of Aston Martin Vanquish, for auction. Visitors to the Iconic Auctioneers section of the show will be in for a very nice surprise when they see the car, but for fans it would be delightful.

Arwel Richards, car specialist at Iconic Auctioneers said:

"Car enthusiasts are usually James Bond fans and it's why most buyers of an Aston Martin DB5 want one in Silver Birch, and why, for some, only a white Lotus Esprit will do. The Vanquish is beginning to mature in the classic market and the most popular colour is, naturally, Skye Silver, as seen on screen."

"I cannot think of any other supercar at this estimate with such a direct link to the James Bond franchise that is currently available, and as 007 will forever be linked to Aston Martin, this car offers a unique opportunity, at sensible money."

"With some 180 odd auctions under my belt and having sold many celebrity, film and TV cars I can easily say that this Vanquish represents my vendor's passion for excellence and his enthusiasm like no other."

A garage lift elevates the Vanquish into the current owner's study area

This beautiful example of the first Vanquish produced and a true collectors' item has a great history of maintenance and heritage specific to Aston Martin Works ‘The Factory’ in Newport Pagnell and comes with a full Aston Martin Service History.

This Vanquish comes with Aston Martin paperwork confirming it's Press Car provenance.

Aston Martin V12 Vanquish James Bond Press Car #007
photo © Alan Kenny

This LOT will be auctioned on Saturday 11th November, 2023 at 10.00am GMT at NEC, Birmingham, B40 1NT.

Guide price: £55,000 - £65,000

For more information visit Iconic Auctioneers.