Bonding with James - Several Car Brands Can Help You Find Your Inner Spy

By Rich Manning

Bond.  James Bond.

That sound of that three-word phrase is simple yet elegant, and its utterance instantly evokes images of high adventure and an unmatched feeling of sleek style.  It also makes us think of the virtual army of slick cars that the film icon has driven since Sean Connery first set foot in a Chevrolet Bel Air convertible in Dr. No; a vehicle that almost seems modest compared to some of the rides that have graced the film series since.

From a lifestyle perspective, the cars of James Bond are far and away the most important feature in his bevy of films.  For they represent the one tangible toy in the character’s arsenal that can be enjoyed in real life, unless you have somehow managed to get your hands on a wristwatch that shoots poison darts.   This connection is so strong, that the cars that Bond has driven over the years carry the potential to reproduce a certain level of mystique that can be felt whenever you sit behind its wheel and tool down the open road. 

Of course, this may raise an important question; namely, which brand of vehicle possesses the closest bond to Bond?  The answer to this burning question, honestly, is that there is no incorrect answer.  Indeed, any make and model that Bond has aligned himself with have reaped in the benefits of the super spy’s charm and grace.  Granted, it may be tempting to assume that no car may fill you with a greater sense of Bond-like adventure than a vehicle from Aston-Martin’s elegant line.  After all, their DB5 model is arguably the most famous James Bond ride in the franchise’s long history.   However, while the character’s legacy is rightfully associated with their models, it does not mean that his aura is solely contained with them.  Instead, it is equally and refreshingly spread out amongst several other luxurious brands.

To prove this point, let us briefly take a look at the car manufactures that Bond has driven in the franchise’s Pierce Bronsnan/Daniel Craig era.  You will find a list that includes vehicles made by such refined car makers as Alfa Romeo, Audi, BMW, Jaguar, Mercedes Benz, and Rolls Royce.  Every one of these brands offers cars that inherently carry their own interpretation on the James Bond charisma, one that is present even if you do not drive a model that was represented in the movie.  This sense of magic does manifest itself in different ways, whether it is from a standpoint of elegance, accomplishment, or just plain coolness.  Yet ultimately, the relationship that you can extract from the car’s association with James Bond is that they are all fun vehicles to drive. 

And it is that latter reason that makes seeking out and owning a car that has the James Bond seal of approval such a worthwhile pursuit.  You may not be able to deploy an oil slick from your undercarriage, but you will at least feel a whimsical sense of identity when you are cruising down Pacific Coast Highway.