The relationship between Aston Martin and James Bond has been well established. It’s been rumoured Bond won’t drive an Aston Martin in the next film, as Lotus Cars have thrown their hat into the ring. The newly appointed CEO of Lotus voiced interest in featuring a car in Bond 25. The last time a Lotus appeared in the franchise was 1981’s For Your Eyes Only, starring Roger Moore.
Despite Aston Martin being synonymous with Bond, the company doesn’t have a rolling contract. Speaking to the Financial Times, Aston Martin’s chief marketing officer Simon Sproule said “we cherish our 50-plus year relationship with 007, but we never take it for granted.”
Aston Martin CEO Andy Palmer was asked about the potential of Bond driving an Aston Martin in the next film. “Who knows? We have a great relationship with EON. We’ve just announced the DB5 Goldfinger, so the relationship with EON is very current. We don’t take for granted the James Bond connection – it’s something that’s important to us, but we don’t buy it. I personally think that the best James Bond movies have always included an Aston and long may it be so.”
Providing an Aston Martin wasn’t used in Bond 25, it would be the first film not to feature the car since 1999’s The World Is Not Enough. Even though Bond favoured a Bentley in Ian Fleming’s source material, the film franchise has been linked with the DB5 since 1964’s Goldfinger. Since then, a plethora of Aston Martins have been utilised, including a Vanquish, DBS and custom-built DB10.
There’s been a lot of hype surrounding the next Bond film, with it being tipped as Daniel Craig’s final appearance. Regardless of what car is featured, we’re confident it will live up to the legacy of Britain’s most famous spy.
