James Bond's gadget filled Aston Martin hits the auction block
Last updated on: 27 July,2019 09:05 pm
The auction will take place on Aug. 15 in Monterey, California.
NYC (Reuters) - A 1965 Aston Martin DB5 outfitted with special gadgets for James Bond, such as tire slashers, machine guns and a bulletproof shield, will go up for auction in August.
RM Sotheby’s expects the vehicle, painted gray, to fetch between $4 million and $6 million (USD).
"This is really the first example of product placement in all of, you know, film and public advertising that I can really think of. And the James Bond franchise is the most iconic," said RM Sotheby’s Car Specialist Barney Ruprecht.
The car was never seen in Bond films, but matches the one that "007" - the code number by which Bond was often known - drove in the movies "Goldfinger," and "Thunderball."
The vehicle was commissioned by filmmaker Eon Productions and used at promotional events for "Thunderball" in the United States, the auction house said
It includes 13 modifications created for Bond, including a Browning .30 caliber machine gun in each fender, tire slashers mounted on its wheel hubs and a bulletproof rear screen that can be raised and lowered.
RM Sotheby’s said the Bond modifications had been "properly refurbished to function as originally built," and has had three private owners over 50 years.
The auction will take place on Aug. 15 in Monterey, California.