Aston Martin DB5, James Bond’s Ride in No Time to Die, Auctioned for Charity

In 2021, actor Daniel Craig stepped into the shoes of James Bond for the movie No Time to Die. The movie was special not only because it was Craig’s last appearance as the super spy, but also because, in true 007 fashion, it featured eight Aston Martin DB5s used as stunt cars. One of these cars was sold recently at Christie’s charity auction marking 60 years of the iconic James Bond movies. The auction proceeds of a whopping $3.2 million will go to UK’s most famous charities.

The Car DB5

Aston Martin built eight versions of the DB5 as props for Craig’s swansong as James Bond in No Time to Die. Each car was used for a specific purpose in the film and highlighted MI’s tech-savviness in building Bond’s cutting-edge get-away automobiles! Every car had a unique characteristic. The one currently being auctioned had rotating license plates, firing prop bomblets, retractable headlights, and even pop-out machine guns. Although movie prop cars can’t legally run on streets, this DB5 fetched fantastic auction proceeds. The funds are to be donated to two charities- the Prince’s Trust, which helps Brits aged 11-30 years, and the Prince of Wales Charitable Fund which supports ex-employees of UK’s Intelligence Agencies and Special Forces.

Other Bond Cars Auctioned

It was a spectacular evening for DB5 at the auctions, as three more Astons were also sold. Another car that saw a great sale was the 1981 V8 Vantage, which was a favorite of actor Timothy Dalton when he was James Bond. The V8 itself was a revived version of the car in the 1987 Bond movie, The Living Daylights, auctioned at $692,046. The proceeds from the V8 sale were donated to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. A third Aston auctioned was the DBS25 Superleggera 007 Edition, it sold for $442, 909 with proceeds going to the Royal Foundation of the Prince and Princess of Wales.

Mercedes-Benz Vision EQXX – The Future Is Here

While many concept cars come and go, very few of them ever go beyond the prototyping stage and even fewer hit the road. That’s exactly what makes Mercedes-Benz Vision EQXX stand out from the herd. The Vision EQXX made its premiere at CES in January in Las Vegas, where the German car brand claimed it would show off its technological foresight and prowess in the field of electric vehicles.

The Exterior Design

With a low leading edge, a short bonnet, shapely fenders, and wide wheelhouses, the Mercedes-Benz Vision EQXX’s front leans towards a more sports car-like appearance. In the latest model, the digital LED headlights are joined by a full-width LED light bar, and the iconic Mercedes grille is replaced with a star pattern incorporated into the front bumper. Mercedes’ logo is stenciled onto the hood to reduce weight and maintain maximum aerodynamic effectiveness. Additionally, Mercedes has added ninth-generation external mirrors and advanced aerodynamic wheels to the EQXX.

The Interior Design

The interior layout of the car puts simplicity and elegance into focus with only a few modules. This is demonstrated by the absence of complex geometries and the seamless incorporation of lightweight structures into the interior design aesthetic. The enormous 47.5-inch seamless display that fills the width of the dashboard is what will first catch your eye when you peep inside. Mercedes has also made a significant effort to use eco-friendly materials throughout the interior. These materials include a silk-like fabric manufactured from Biosteel fiber, vegan leather made from fibers found in mushrooms or cacti, and carpets woven from bamboo.

Going Beyond the Limits

Aside from the car’s slick shape and lightweight design, its claimed powertrain efficiency of 95 percent also contributes to its impressive range. Additionally, the latest EQXX model comfortably coasts on flat ground without losing speed, thanks to reduced mechanical and aerodynamic resistance.