The Most Famous Sports Car

In 1959, Ian Fleming penned Goldfinger and inserted his secret agent hero, James Bond, into a 1959 Aston Martin DB-3. There was a lag between the story's release, however, and the motion picture that shared its name. By the time Sean Connery was prepared to take out Goldfinger, the DB-3 seemed dated. James Bond got behind the wheel of a 1963 Aston Martin DB-5 and made it the most famous sports car in the world.

Sports cars are wonderful, but the Bond car had a few special features that made it even more appealing to moviegoers. It was outfitted with bulletproof glass, machine guns, and other assorted gadgetry. Its understated color scheme fit the Bond character perfectly, and the car's role in the film afforded it significant screen time. Within a few years, there would be no better-known sports car in the world.

The Aston Martin DB-5 was a fine car in its own right, but the popularity of Goldfinger and Thunderball (in which it also appeared) elevated it to a global phenomena. Even today, after countless intervening James Bond movies, when someone says they want a Bond car, the mind races back to the DB-5 made famous over forty years ago.

An American eventually purchased the original Bond car and kept it in superb condition, using it primarily for special appearances and events. In 1999, the DB-5 was stolen from outside a Boca Raton, Florida airport. The would-be thief didn't blend into traffic well in the Aston Martin and was apprehended.

The remarkable performance of James Bond's DB-5 was no doubt aided by Q and the other technicians at headquarters. Movie feats such as outracing a Ferrari were beyond the limitations of the real DB-5. Although a fine sports car, the DB-5 was really designed more as a touring vehicle than as a speedster. It possessed a six-cylinder engine that topped out at approximately 280 bhp. It's top-end speed was approximately 140 mph, and it took over 8 seconds to achieve speeds in excess of 60 mph from start.

Although the DB-5 was by no means considered a clunker, it was not the top performer in its class. Ferrari, Jaguar and others were producing sports cars at the same time that outperformed the Aston Martin by a considerable margin. These cars, however, faded into history as the uniquely British styling of the DB-5 and its use by one her majesty's best secret service agents elevated it to worldwide popularity.

The ever-popular DB-5 has been reproduced countless time in miniature, with the famed Danbury mint still offering a small-scale replica of the famous sports car. Items relating to the DB-5 are popular crossover collectibles, coveted by fans of film and British sports cars alike.

There are many other famous sports cars. The Ferrari Testarossa from Miami Vice, Steve McQueen's Mustang from Bullitt, the Spider in which James Dean met his fate and other sports cars all share places in our collective memories. But the Aston Martin DB-5, propelled by two incredibly successful films and attractive in its own right, remains the world's most famous sports car.

By James Young.

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Luxury Cars For Sale - How To Make A Smart Car Buying Decision

When you see exotic automobiles like a Ferrari's and Lamborghini's driving down the highway, do you wonder how people can afford such extravagance? As teenagers we had these cars plastered across our bedroom walls. But now we're grown up and have them as screen savers on our computers at work.

If you have never had the chance to be one of the "chosen few" and have a shiny red Ferrari Modena parked in your garage (or Porsche 911, Turbo, Ferrari 355, 360, F430, Lamborghini Gallardo, BMW M5, Aston Martin, etc.), I have a confession to make. Today's auto consultants can literally save you thousands of dollars (quite often well over "ten" thousands of dollars!) on one of these high-end or exotics and point you in the right direction for financing. It's now possible to be "one of the few."

For the past 10 years we have helped hundreds of people to make their dream come true. Let me give you an example. How about getting a MINT 2000 Ferrari 456 , 7,500 miles, gray, black, and auto - all records, receipts and even the original $246,000K window sticker for only $70,000? We found just that for one of our clients. He bought it, racked up some miles, and sold it for a $15,000 profit. He made enough profit to be able to use as a down payment for his dream car - an Aston Martin Vantage. By buying a used Porsche 911 or a Ferrari 355 Spider you can save literally thousands of dollars,and double these savings if you hire us to find you a car!

You can take advantage of our 10+ years of established relationships with auto dealers negotiation tactics with private sellers. Our clients get exclusive luxury sport cars below the book values and in most cases at below the auction prices that the US car dealers are buying from!

We completely share your passion for exclusive cars because we're owners of these too. Do you want to buy a Porsche Carrera 911? We know why: a classic look which is always cool. Go for it, you only live once. By the way, all Porsche 911's year 1999 or later basically have the same power, performance and looks as the later ones. How would you like Porsche 911 Cabriolet for only $25,000? We'll find it. How about the Porsche Carrera GT SUPERCAR? We'll not only find the perfect color combination, we'll save you enough money to buy a Porsche Boxster as well!

Some other models may grab your attention as well and we will be able to find them too! All you need to make your dream come true is to contact us today. It is that simple.

By Tim Broder.