1. Five of the Best 007 Cars
2. Aston Martin DB5
3. Lotus Esprit
4. Aston Martin Vanquish
5. Aston Martin DBS
6. BMW's Involvement

There is no doubt in our minds that the archetypal Bond car is the classic Aston Martin DB5, painted in 'Silver Birch' obviously. The photograph of Sean Connery perched on its bonnet is a famous one.

The first appearance of the iconic DB5 was in Goldfinger in 1964 and its array of weaponry and self-protection was impressive. The side lights flipped down to reveal machine guns, while the wheel 'spinners' contained sharp extending blades to chop would-be baddies' car tyres. Pursuers were fended off with smokescreens or oil slicks and if that couldn't get rid of them, then at least Bond had the protection of a pop-up bullet-proof rear screen.

Corgi made detailed models of this car and such was the DB5's popularity with 007 fans that it reappeared in Thunderball, GoldenEye and Tomorrow Never Dies. It will be difficult to ever surpass its success.

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