Tag: james-bond

Aston Martin DB12 Goldfinger Edition Unveiled

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Aston Martin is proud to present the DB12 Goldfinger Edition, crafted by the ultra-luxury marque’s bespoke personalisation service, Q by Aston Martin, in celebration of 60 years of the iconic association between Aston Martin and the James Bond film franchise.

What has become one of the most notable partnerships in cinematic history began with the release of Goldfinger in 1964, when the Aston Martin DB5 made its silver screen debut. The DB5 went on to become one of the world’s most recognisable cars and a crucial step in the brand’s illustrious ‘DB’ bloodline. Now, the latest evolution in that lineage is getting the 007 treatment.

To mark this historic milestone, just 60 DB12 Goldfinger Editions will be released worldwide, paying tribute to a relationship that has spanned over half of Aston Martin’s illustrious 111-year history.

DB12 Goldfinger Edition
Whilst the DB5 that featured in Goldfinger was equipped with all the gadgets needed to escape Bond’s adversaries, the DB12 Goldfinger Edition is focused on providing a more indulgent James Bond driving experience, incorporating subtle touches from the Goldfinger film.

Presented in the iconic Silver Birch paint colour synonymous with the DB5 in Goldfinger, the DB12 Goldfinger Edition establishes an immediate statement. Striking 21-inch multi-spoke wheels with a unique silver colour with a diamond treatment finish are complemented by black brake calipers, bespoke gold side strakes and a unique Aston Martin logo in silver with a black enamel. Crowned with a bright chrome ‘Q’ fender badge gives confirmation that this DB12 has received some truly special touches.

Inside this special edition, the leather Sports Plus seats are finished in the classic DB5 fluted style with an intricate Prince of Wales check perforation pattern, in a nod to a classic James Bond suit. This pattern extends to both the door inserts and the headliner, as well as being etched onto a unique treadplate. A polished sill plaque adorns the Goldfinger 60th anniversary logo.

Adding an elevated level of ultra-luxury to the interior of the car and awaiting the driver’s touch is 18k Gold Plated interior accents, decorating the drive mode rotary dial and the roller controls, as well as the notched gear selector which takes design inspiration from the golden tracking device used by Bond in the film. This theme is also continued through the trim inlays, as gold metal fibres are weaved into the 2X2 Twill Gloss Carbon Fibre.

A subtle nod for Bond aficionados is the ’eight of hearts’ embroidered onto the drivers’ sun visor, which references the playing card seen in last draw during the famous Miami pool scene in Goldfinger.

Unique gifting for DB12 Goldfinger Edition owners
Each Aston Martin DB12 Goldfinger Edition is presented with an array of gifts that are as exclusive as the car itself. Owners will receive a custom car cover and luxury key presentation box, along with a Silver Birch Speedform model and for something truly unique, a section of the iconic Furka Pass scene in Goldfinger in 35mm film. A 1/60 golden limited edition Aston Martin magazine will also be gifted to the new owners of the DB12 Goldfinger Edition. This selection of bespoke gifts will be presented in a Globe-Trotter attaché case, which replicates the design of the car; a Silver Birch body and a Prince of Wales check interior.

Owners can also enjoy a magnum of 2007 vintage Champagne Bollinger, individually numbered, with four exclusive Bollinger 007 glasses, elegantly presented in a bespoke Globe-Trotter Air Cabin Case.

Q by Aston Martin
DB12 Goldfinger Edition has been created by the marques in-house design experts at Q by Aston Martin; a personalisation and bespoke service – much like ‘Q Branch’ in the Bond films, that delivers endless possibilities. By accessing the skills of Q by Aston Martin’s designers and craftspeople, customers are invited to take a unique personal commissioning journey; one that encompasses everything from a single small distinguishing detail to full-scale engineering and production of entirely bespoke components. Nothing is out of reach with the design team with endless possibilities to make their car a true one of a kind.

“The relationship between Aston Martin and the James Bond franchise is something that is always treasured”, said Marco Mattiacci, Global Chief Brand and Commercial Officer. “It is an incredible occasion to be able to recognise six decades of this partnership with an extraordinary special edition, and pay homage to the very first – and perhaps most famous Aston Martin Bond car. Incorporating these subtle but impactful touches, developed by our own ‘Q’ department has created a very unique offering; one that will be adored by Bond fans across the world.

“Q by Aston Martin allows us to create truly unique vehicles, often initiated by the imaginations of our esteemed customers and I am delighted that we are able to support these ideas, not matter how big or small”.

The Ultimate Super Tourer meets 007
The Aston Martin DB12 delivers a sublime blend of performance, ultra-luxury and style, pushing the renowned DB bloodline to new heights. Powered by a formidable 4.0-litre V8 Twin-Turbo engine, producing a best-in-class power output of 680PS/800Nm with an advanced suspension system, DB12 ensures a thrilling yet refined driving experience.

DB12 was the first of Aston Martin’s next generation of sports cars to showcase the marques new infotainment system, designed and developed in-house using state-of-the-art technology. Offering the perfect balance between touchscreen controls and tactile physical switches, this is the first infotainment system built in-house at Aston Martin, which has allowed the brand to provide a uniquely bespoke system for entertainment and navigation. When driving a Bond inspired DB12, occupants need a soundtrack to match and as such, the Goldfinger Edition also comes with the Bowers & Wilkins halo audio system as standard

The Aston Martin DB12 was the first of the next generation of sportscars from Aston Martin. Since its 2023 debut, the super tourer has been joined by the new Vantage, DBX707 and the newly-unveiled Vanquish. First deliveries of this unique offering will commence in Q2 2025.

Aston Martin Celebrates 60th Anniversary Of Goldfinger

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The House of Q, a new pop-up experience by Aston Martin inside London’s prestigious Burlington Arcade, has been created to celebrate 60 years of Aston Martin’s long-running association with the 007 film franchise. The relationship began with the 1964 release of Goldfinger, the film which introduced James Bond to the now iconic DB5.

Launched alongside V57, a special James Bond anniversary edition of Aston Martin’s luxury lifestyle magazine, the House of Q by Aston Martin is accessed through a secret door within what appears to be a magazine newsstand inside House 12-13 Burlington Arcade, off Piccadilly in London’s Mayfair. V57 features a specially designed illustration on the cover as well as editorial detailing the relationship between Aston Martin and 007.

Covert messages will lead guests through a secret door. Visiting agents will then discover a speakeasy bar serving Champagne Bollinger. The bar is adorned with technical drawings and parts from the original DB5 with sketches, diagrams and schematics from the archives of both Aston Martin and EON Productions. On display is a top-secret Q flight case, along with hints at a future Aston Martin model, for those able to uncover it.

Often described as “the most famous car in the world”, the DB5 is the car that established Aston Martin as one of Britain’s most desirable luxury brands, quickly becoming the ultimate status symbol of the Swinging Sixties. First launched in September 1963, DB5 had a potent 4.0-litre engine and a top speed exceeding 150mph. Its styling, courtesy of Italian coachbuilder Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera, created a sophisticated design, which when matched with its performance produced a car that people dreamed of owning. When DB5 was chosen to be in Goldfinger, laden with gadgets to help Bond fight his arch-enemy Auric Goldfinger, its iconic status was sealed forever.

Marco Mattiacci, Global Chief Brand and Commercial Officer of Aston Martin, said: “Aston Martin and James Bond are two British icons, forever linked. We are delighted to be celebrating this important 60th anniversary throughout 2024, marking the continuation of what is cinema’s longest running and most successful product placement.

“The House of Q by Aston Martin provides something very special for our community of Aston Martin customers, enthusiasts, and fans of 007 to enjoy. We encourage everyone to join us on an immersive entry into the world of Bond and Aston Martin, celebrating our unique history with the films, spanning back to Goldfinger.”

The Bond theme is carried into every detail at the House of Q by Aston Martin where guests will see the original Goldfinger script, film posters and set photography. Sound is delivered by the stunning audio of Bowers & Wilkins, a brand with an enduring relationship with the music of Bond.

Guests may also head upstairs where they will discover the Configurator Lab. This will provide the opportunity for customers to work with Aston Martin design experts to configure their perfect Aston Martin.

The House of Q will host daily events, including design workshops hosted by the Aston Martin design and engineering teams.

From Burlington Arcade’s inception in 1819, it has positioned itself as an exclusive shopping destination for luxury brands. The prime location of the Arcade is parallel to Bond Street and has an entry via Piccadilly. Today the arcade is home to 47 brands specialising in accessories focused on watches, jewellery. leather goods, shoes and cashmere.

Trupti Shah, Commercial Director Burlington Arcade commented: ‘’Burlington Arcade is thrilled to be jointly celebrating this milestone year for James Bond and Aston Martin. The continued partnership between our brands is extremely exciting and we are honoured to be the landmark destination capturing this iconic moment in cinema history.’’

The House of Q by Aston Martin opens to the public on Thursday 18 July and can be found at House 12-13, Burlington Arcade, 51 Piccadilly, London W1J 0QJ. It will remain in Burlington Arcade until Sunday 4 August.