James Bond's love affair with the Aston Martin DB5
"Skyfall" hits theaters Friday. The latest installment of the James Bond series stars Daniel Craig, who returns for a third time as agent 007, in what some critics are calling the best Bond film ever.
Director Sam Mendes puts Bond in a gritty world of espionage that has been updated to reflect the modern technological landscape, which includes sophisticated viruses. However, Bond's world in "Skyfall" has room for a dear old friend: the Aston Martin DB5.
"I love them, and this story was the perfect platform to re-introduce the DB5," said Craig. "The film is about Bond returning to his roots and confronting old demons, so it felt right. We get some good use out of it, too."
Named after Sir David Brown, the DB series of Aston Martins debuted in 1948 at the London Motor Show. At the time, 15 prototypes of the automobile were produced.
Its appearance in "Skyfall" marks the sixth time the DB5 has been featured. The Aston Martin DB5 was first driven by Bond in the 1964 film, "Goldfinger," in a silver birch color.
"We've flirted with other cars from time to time, but we always do come back to Aston Martin," said producer Michael Wilson. "It's a signature car for Bond and a classic one, his own personal one."
The DB5 has also been seen in "Thunderball," "GoldenEye," "Tomorrow Never Dies," and "Casino Royal."
"Skyfall" was a box-office hit when it opened in the United Kingdom on Oct. 29, taking in $32 million on opening weekend. It opens on Nov. 9 in the United States.
