James Bond turned 60 this year and, from “Dr. No” (1962) to “No Time To Die” (2021), our man, 007 has had a garage filled with many great cars used for the duty of Queen and Country. The Bond In Motion: The Official Collection of Original James Bond Vehicles exhibition at the Saratoga Auto Museum features 25 official vehicles from the longest-running film franchise in movie history.
“James Bond has driven some of the most exciting and iconic cars in movie history, and he has been involved in some of the greatest car chases ever filmed so to have them form the centerpiece of our exhibit as they take the visitor on a rollercoaster ride of magic Bond moments as expressed through the automobile is thrilling,” says Carly Connors, Saratoga Automobile Museum executive director.
The exhibition is highlighted by the white 1977 Lotus Esprit from “The Spy Who Loved Me” (1977) that could transform into a submarine to avoid the bad guys. Also included are the 2007 Aston Martin DBS that set a world record with seven full rotation rolls in “Casino Royale” (2006), and one of ten 2015 Aston Martin DB10s built specifically for “Spectre” (2015).
“It is truly the most ambitious exhibition we’ve ever put together,” adds Connors.
Aston Martins and European exotics tend to dominate the screen during a 007 movie, but Bond In Motion also features the automotive supporting cast: a Ski-Doo snowmobile, wet bike (an early jet ski), and the Tuk Tuk from “Octopussy” are also featured in the exhibit.
As a 007 devotee, I would love to see the exhibition but logistics is an issue, as I live in Phoenix. Specifically, I would likely go fanboy over the Lotus from “The Spy Who Loved Me” and the Tuk. Of course, seeing any Aston Martin up close is a treat, but the selections for the exhibition have 007 pedigree, and that could be a special moment for James Bond fans.
“With their machine guns, lasers, ejector seats and gadgets, Bond in Motion honors the vehicles from the past 60 years that have wowed us and which are indelibly etched in our minds. We’re thrilled to bring so many of these unique vehicles together under one roof for everyone to enjoy,” concludes Connors.
Bond In Motion runs through November 2023 at the Saratoga Automobile Museum in Saratoga Springs, New York.
How about the Toyota 2000GT?
I loved that car and actually saw it on a car hauler in Miami, FL last year, don’t know who owns it or if it lives down there but it is so unusual and there are no other convertibles that I know of.
@Crown, that was Kissy Suzuki’s car. Major Boothroyd never issued it to Bond.
One of my absolute favorite bond cars is the sunbeam Tiger
Maybe not, but she looked GREAT!!!
Bond’s Sunbeam was an Alpine, a way underrated car.