Best James Bond Cars Ranked
For over six decades, James Bond has driven some of the most incredible cars ever put on film. From gadget-packed supercars to humble everyday vehicles that somehow became legendary, 007’s wheels have defined cool for generations. Each Bond actor brought their own style to the driver’s seat, but the cars themselves became characters in their own right.
Ready to take a ride through automotive history with the world’s most famous spy? Buckle up.
Aston Martin DB5
Despite being over 60-years-old, the DB5 remains as effortlessly cool as it was when it was unveiled in “Goldfinger.” The Aston Martin DB5 debuts for Bond in ‘Goldfinger’ with a full suite of Q Branch equipment that includes rotating number plates, an ejector seat, machine guns behind the front indicators, a rear smoke screen, an oil slick dispenser, and extendable tire shredders.
This car single-handedly created the Bond car template that every other vehicle in the series would try to match. Sean Connery looked absolutely perfect behind the wheel, and the DB5 has appeared in eight different Bond films. No other car comes close to its iconic status in cinema history.
Lotus Esprit Submarine Car
The white Lotus Esprit from “The Spy Who Loved Me” did something no Bond car had done before or since. It turned into a submarine. “Wet Nellie” is the behind-the-scenes name given to a custom-built submarine, created for the 1977 James Bond film The Spy Who Loved Me in the shape of a Lotus Esprit S1 sports car.
A semi-functioning Lotus Esprit submersible really was built for the film at a cost of supposedly $100,000 – a lot of money in 1977. Roger Moore’s Bond drove this beauty off a pier in Sardinia and kept going underwater, complete with torpedoes and periscope. Kids everywhere wanted the Corgi toy version, which came with tiny plastic missiles that parents stepped on for years.
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Aston Martin DBS
Daniel Craig’s Bond brought a new level of intensity to the franchise, and his Aston Martin DBS matched that energy perfectly. The car made its debut in “Casino Royale” and immediately proved itself in one of the most spectacular crashes in Bond history.
The DBS rolled over seven times during filming, setting a Guinness World Record. Its sleek design and powerful V12 engine made it the perfect companion for Craig’s more physical interpretation of Bond. This car proved that modern Bond films could create new classics while honoring the past.
BMW Z8
Pierce Brosnan’s Bond got to drive this stunning roadster in “The World Is Not Enough,” though sadly not for very long. The BMW Z8 represented German engineering at its finest, with a naturally aspirated V8 engine and timeless styling.
The car featured remote control operation, which came in handy when Bond needed to escape from the back seat. Unfortunately, the Z8 met its end courtesy of a helicopter-mounted buzz saw, making it one of the shortest-lived but most memorable Bond cars. Its brief screen time only made it more desirable.
Aston Martin V8
Timothy Dalton’s Bond drove this beast in “The Living Daylights,” and it remains one of the most underrated Bond cars ever. The V8 had a more aggressive look than previous Aston Martins, matching Dalton’s harder-edged portrayal of 007.
It came equipped with laser cutters, rocket motors, and a self-destruct system that Bond actually used. The car’s chase sequence through the snowy mountains showcased both its performance capabilities and its impressive array of gadgets. This Aston Martin proved that Bond cars could be both beautiful and genuinely menacing.
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Aston Martin Vanquish
The invisible car from “Die Another Day” divided Bond fans, but there’s no denying its technological ambition. The V12 Vanquish was the star of one of Bond’s most iconic car chases, and is famously the Aston Martin that could turn invisible through adaptive camouflage technology.
While the effect looked better in theory than on screen, the Vanquish itself was a genuinely impressive supercar. Its 460-horsepower V12 engine and carbon fiber construction made it one of the fastest cars Bond had ever driven. The ice chase sequence in Iceland showcased both the car’s performance and the film’s willingness to push technology to its limits.
BMW Z3
The Z3 from “GoldenEye” marked BMW’s first partnership with the Bond franchise, though the car appeared more in marketing than actual action. Pierce Brosnan’s Bond received the roadster from Q, complete with heated seats and a few hidden surprises.
While the Z3 didn’t get much screen time compared to other Bond cars, it represented a shift toward more modern, accessible sports cars. The partnership with BMW brought real-world credibility to Bond’s garage and introduced the franchise to a new generation of car enthusiasts.
Ford Mustang Mach-E
Bond went electric in “No Time to Die” with this American SUV, marking a significant departure from traditional Bond cars. The Mustang Mach-E represented Bond’s adaptation to modern concerns about the environment and sustainability.
While purists might have preferred another Aston Martin, the Mach-E proved that Bond could evolve with the times. Its instant electric torque and quiet operation actually made it perfect for spy work. The car showed that going green didn’t mean sacrificing performance or style.
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Citroën 2CV
Roger Moore’s Bond found himself in this humble French car during “For Your Eyes Only,” and somehow made it work. The 2CV chase through the olive groves of Greece became one of the most entertaining sequences in Bond history.
With only 29 horsepower, the little Citroën had no business being in a Bond film, yet it held its own against much more powerful opponents. The sequence proved that skilled driving and clever tactics could overcome raw power. Sometimes the most unexpected choices make the biggest impact.
Toyota 2000GT
The modified Toyota 2000GT from “You Only Live Twice” was one of the most beautiful cars ever featured in a Bond film. Toyota created a special convertible version just for the movie, since Sean Connery was too tall to fit in the standard coupe.
The 2000GT represented Japanese automotive excellence and helped establish Toyota’s sporting credentials worldwide. Its appearance in the film was brief but memorable, especially during the helicopter chase sequence. The car’s rarity and connection to Bond made surviving examples incredibly valuable to collectors.
Aston Martin DB10
Created specifically for “Spectre,” the DB10 existed solely to be Bond’s car in that single film. Only 10 examples were built, with most used for filming and destroyed in the process.
The DB10 previewed design elements that would appear on later production Aston Martins, making it a genuine concept car that happened to star in a movie. Its chase through Rome against a Jaguar C-X75 became one of the most visually stunning sequences in modern Bond films. The exclusivity and purpose-built nature of the DB10 made it special even by Bond standards.
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Jaguar XKR
The Jaguar from “Die Another Day” served as the opponent to Bond’s invisible Vanquish during the ice chase in Iceland. Driven by the villainous Miranda Frost, the XKR proved that Jaguar could create cars worthy of being Bond’s adversary.
The car featured its own array of weapons and defensive systems, including mounted machine guns and armor plating. The chase sequence on the ice palace showcased both cars’ capabilities in extreme conditions. Having a proper British rival made the conflict more interesting than usual.
From Silver Screen to Showroom Floor
These 15 cars represent more than just transportation for the world’s most famous secret agent. They’ve influenced automotive design, inspired countless enthusiasts, and created a template for what makes a car truly cool.
From the gadget-packed Aston Martins to the humble Citroën 2CV, each vehicle brought something unique to the Bond mythology.
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