James Bond. The automobile at the heart of the new film Die Can Wait

The new “James Bond” rolls out the red carpet at the automobile.

Cars in limited series, promotional events, miniatures and other derivative products or even exhibitions, James Bond cars are more than ever in the news as “Mourir Peut Attendre” was released in French cinemas on October 6, 2021.

To die can wait is the title of the new film in the James Bond saga, and it’s an understatement to say that we had to wait before being able to discover the latest adventures of 007. Initially scheduled for April 8, 2020 in France, the film’s release was postponed several times due to the pandemic, until finally materializing on October 6, 2021. The Bond franchise has always given an important place to the automobile, this is particularly true for this 25^th opus riddled with product placements, and these postponements gave the manufacturers involved the opportunity to multiply initiatives related to feature films.

James bond v8 — James Bond, played by Daniel Craig, approaches an Aston Martin V8 in “Die Can Wait”.

TO READ. James Bond. Filming cars are traded at a high price

Aston Martin makes its cinema

As tradition since Goldfinger in 1964, James Bond drove (among others) an Aston Martin DB5 in Die can wait. No less than five replicas of the coupe were used for the stunts and the British manufacturer is very present on the screen since we can also see a V8, a DBS Superleggera and even a Valhalla in this new episode.

Aston martin valhalla — An Aston Martin Valhalla is also in the cast of the 25th opus.

Special series in shambles

At the same time, Aston Martin has marketed a true DB5 “continuation” with 25 units equipped with the same gadgets (dummy or harmless) as that of Goldfinger. One of these cars was on display in the UK in a full-scale replica of the box accompanying the miniature DB5 “007” from manufacturer Corgi, which has been selling it since 1965.

The Vantage 007 Edition is inspired by the V8 of “Kill is not play”.

The DBS Superleggera and Vantage are entitled to a special 007 series. The Gaydon firm even invited its F1 drivers, Sebastian Vettel and Lance Stroll, to compete with stuntman Mark Higgins at the wheel of a DB5 of Die can wait. Under its hood, the replica hides a BMW engine.

Aston Martin is not the only manufacturer partner of the production and Land Rover has also reserved a place of choice in the cast of Die May Wait. Two Range Rover Sport SVRs can be seen there for a chase. A “classic” Range Rover is also present, as well as a Land Rover Series 3 and a new generation Defender which glides 30 meters. A limited series Defender V8 Bond Edition inspired by the model that appears in the film is offered to customers. More low-key, Jaguar also has an official presence in Die Can Wait through XFs used in a chase.

Range Rover SVR James Bond — A Range Rover Sport SVR in the middle of a stunt.

Jaguar XF James Bond — Bond’s DB5 was chased by three Jaguar XFs.

Derivatives of all kinds

Notice to collectors. Aston Martin offers a collection of 007-themed clothing and accessories, and an online auction dedicated to James Bond is being held until October 10 on the site. Catawiki. Among the lots relating to the automobile are for example a complete collection of 100 miniature cars at 1:43 scale accompanied by their booklets dating from the end of the 2000s, a miniature DB5 in scale 1: 8 of the brand Eaglemoss, or a set of shooting photos of The spy who loved me on which appears in particular the amphibious Lotus Esprit which is in reality an authentic submarine. The DB5, again, is also available as a children’s cart at Aston Martin, as a model to be built at Lego, and as a toy at Playmobil.

james bond miniatures — This collection of miniatures brings together cars from the Bond saga.

DB5 Playmobil — Playmobil also offers its miniature DB5.

James Bond cars on display in California

Even manufacturers who are not involved in Die can wait but being part of the history of James Bond can ride the wave. BMW recently reminded us of the 750iL from Tomorrow Never Dies, and the Petersen Automobile Museum in Los Angeles (USA) is dedicating an exhibition to James Bond cars for the 60^th anniversary of the film adaptations of Ian Fleming’s work, a little early since James Bond 007 vs. Dr. No was released in 1962. It remains to be seen what the sequel to the James Bond saga has in store for us, his current interpreter Daniel Craig having decided not to re-stack in the costume of the most famous British fictional spy. To find his successor, we will have to wait (again).