Indeed, there is a huge Morgan community in Germany. However, I'd not compare it with Morgan in any perspective. In nature, the Wiesmann is a very contemporary car (and has been introduced long before the Morgan Aero existed) and yes, much better made and better BMW engines.
I had never encountered the Wiesmann before your post Bondtoys, but I have to thank you for bringing my attention to a stunning looking motor car.
Now if I can just swing the Euro Lottery I will have a serious shopping list to start researching.
Always forgive your enemies; nothing annoys them so much.
Oscar Wilde
Ah, I can see it now - Bond downs a can of Stella on the street corner, pulls up his hoody and gets into his Sierra Cosworth, spins the wheels and powers right into his council estate...
I think you are missing the meaning of three words; "real life" and "Cosworth".
The question was: what car would Bond use in real life. I think he would use a very fast car, but not one that stood out a mile away as being a luxury sportscar. In real life spies need a car that's inconspicious - that is, until you press the accelerator to the floor!
This is where the word "Cosworth" is important. Cosworth customizes stock cars like the Sierra into racing car standard. The Ford Sierra Cosworth has an engine that delivers 224 hp.
Could it be that I have found a man who knows less about cars than I do? :v
I think you'll have to look a lot harder and further to find someone who knows less than yourself, if there is anyone, that is... :v
I admire Cosworth for some of their projects, definately the MkIII Escort Cosworth, but never the Sierra. Infact, Cosworth's work with Mercedes is more distinctive. Besides, they haven't done anything of notable worth for many years.
I understand a spy's need for a plain car, but come on... Bond is nothing like a real spy. I worked with 14 int comp in Northern Ireland for two tours so I have a fair understanding as to what is needed for real undercover work, and just how important it is to stay inconspicuous when there are people on every street corner who would delight in making a call to have you shot . Bond is fantasy and I'm sorry, but my fantasies don't involve driving a £500 rusty chav mobile that hasn't been made for sixteen years. And 224 bhp may sound impressive to some, but even my wife's car makes more than that. )
Amazon #1 Bestselling Author. If you enjoy crime, espionage, action and fast-moving thrillers follow this link:
As I see it, there are two opposing influences in deciding a car for James Bond in a real life scenario. One would be the need to remain incognito while working overseas, the other to match the standard James Bond cover of a well to do man on holiday. In some countries, a flashy luxury car doesn't stand out. When I was on overseas assignment in Qatar as a member of the Iraq Survey Group, I had to use either an SUV or a Peugeot when going into town. Trust me even if I was driving a Ferrari it wouldn't have attracted the least bit of attention in that well to do country. I would have liked to have my Jaguar shipped over for use, but the cost wasn't really justified.
As I see it, there are two opposing influences in deciding a car for James Bond in a real life scenario. One would be the need to remain incognito while working overseas, the other to match the standard James Bond cover of a well to do man on holiday. In some countries, a flashy luxury car doesn't stand out. When I was on overseas assignment in Qatar as a member of the Iraq Survey Group, I had to use either an SUV or a Peugeot when going into town. Trust me even if I was driving a Ferrari it wouldn't have attracted the least bit of attention in that well to do country. I would have liked to have my Jaguar shipped over for use, but the cost wasn't really justified.
I've worked in the mid-east as well. It is simply crazy how many supercars are in Dubai. Perhaps the old addage of
Horses for Courses
should apply to this thread. Perhaps it would depend on where Bond was, as to how suitable his car would be. But I still think the essence of Bond is in his Aston Martins or Bentleys, and perhaps he should simply make do with the company cars...
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well, the thread title reads: "What car would James Bond drive in real"
Maybe, but the initial thread also had a few points to consider. Which I also addressed with a couple of ideas - taking in the initial criteria. More so than, Saab for instance...
Amazon #1 Bestselling Author. If you enjoy crime, espionage, action and fast-moving thrillers follow this link:
Ah, I can see it now - Bond downs a can of Stella on the street corner, pulls up his hoody and gets into his Sierra Cosworth, spins the wheels and powers right into his council estate...
I think you are missing the meaning of three words; "real life" and "Cosworth".
The question was: what car would Bond use in real life. I think he would use a very fast car, but not one that stood out a mile away as being a luxury sportscar. In real life spies need a car that's inconspicious - that is, until you press the accelerator to the floor!
This is where the word "Cosworth" is important. Cosworth customizes stock cars like the Sierra into racing car standard. The Ford Sierra Cosworth has an engine that delivers 224 hp.
Could it be that I have found a man who knows less about cars than I do? :v
I think you'll have to look a lot harder and further to find someone who knows less than yourself, if there is anyone, that is... :v
I admire Cosworth for some of their projects, definately the MkIII Escort Cosworth, but never the Sierra. Infact, Cosworth's work with Mercedes is more distinctive. Besides, they haven't done anything of notable worth for many years.
I understand a spy's need for a plain car, but come on... Bond is nothing like a real spy. I worked with 14 int comp in Northern Ireland for two tours so I have a fair understanding as to what is needed for real undercover work, and just how important it is to stay inconspicuous when there are people on every street corner who would delight in making a call to have you shot . Bond is fantasy and I'm sorry, but my fantasies don't involve driving a £500 rusty chav mobile that hasn't been made for sixteen years. And 224 bhp may sound impressive to some, but even my wife's car makes more than that. )
Oh, darn! I'm still hoping for some tribes in the Amazon who knows less about cars than me, because you were my last hope in the western world. It may also be consievable that you know more about inteligence work than I do ...... Dang!
I think you are missing the meaning of three words; "real life" and "Cosworth".
The question was: what car would Bond use in real life. I think he would use a very fast car, but not one that stood out a mile away as being a luxury sportscar. In real life spies need a car that's inconspicious - that is, until you press the accelerator to the floor!
This is where the word "Cosworth" is important. Cosworth customizes stock cars like the Sierra into racing car standard. The Ford Sierra Cosworth has an engine that delivers 224 hp.
Could it be that I have found a man who knows less about cars than I do? :v
I think you'll have to look a lot harder and further to find someone who knows less than yourself, if there is anyone, that is... :v
I admire Cosworth for some of their projects, definately the MkIII Escort Cosworth, but never the Sierra. Infact, Cosworth's work with Mercedes is more distinctive. Besides, they haven't done anything of notable worth for many years.
I understand a spy's need for a plain car, but come on... Bond is nothing like a real spy. I worked with 14 int comp in Northern Ireland for two tours so I have a fair understanding as to what is needed for real undercover work, and just how important it is to stay inconspicuous when there are people on every street corner who would delight in making a call to have you shot . Bond is fantasy and I'm sorry, but my fantasies don't involve driving a £500 rusty chav mobile that hasn't been made for sixteen years. And 224 bhp may sound impressive to some, but even my wife's car makes more than that. )
Oh, darn! I'm still hoping for some tribes in the Amazon who knows less about cars than me, because you were my last hope in the western world. It may also be consievable that you know more about inteligence work than I do ...... Dang!
Not to worry, I hope your search continues. You are the man to lead it, without a doubt...
Amazon #1 Bestselling Author. If you enjoy crime, espionage, action and fast-moving thrillers follow this link:
I think what I was going for is what car bond would purchase and use for personal use.
I imagine when he is on official government business he would rarely drive his own car, mostly working with inconspicuous rentals or cars supplied by the Government suited to the particular assignment.
I think for a private car for personal use/pleasure (and after all we all know the pleasure Bond got from driving) it would'nt have to be that low key. Saying that I still could'nt see him driving anything as flashy as a Morgan or a Weissman.......cars like Jags may be stylish but they also blend in.
I think the main considerations would be price, performance (not just engine grunt but the whole package) and design (i.e. something sophisticated and stylish without being flash, ostentatious or so unique it draws unnecessary attention).
I am recycling this topic to say, and forgive me because I am sure I know less about both cars and James Bond than most posters, but I feel as if everyone missed the point in answering this question.
Bond drove a car that was the product of a car crash with a re-built passenger compartment that accomodated only 2 people rather than the previous four (I assume). This is a heavily customized vehicle, not some flashy new vehicle that a rich person might buy.
He acquired and built the car in a different time, when there were shops that built the coach portion, separate from the automobile manufacturers. I have always wondered about what vehicle might compare in modern times, and I think the question is very difficult.
Yes, that is why I posted. I think that I am simply incapable of coming up with decent solutions that capture the spirit of what Fleming was getting at. But it is not new flashy cars. Those would be for the villains.
Then something like the TVR Cerbera, Griffith or Chimera may suit. Or an older Jag XK8/XKR. Or a Vantage spec Aston Martin DB7. A Marcos Mantara or TSO. Or a classic re-worked Jaguar E-type (soft-top, six cylinder of course). Possibly a custom-built Cobra - Bond's mechanic could breath a little life into one of those. A friend of mine used to own one with a seven litre V8 and 450+ BHP, with it's light weight it was Bugatti Veryon rivaling horsepower per tonne... A few suggestions to be getting on with.
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Then something like the TVR Cerbera, Griffith or Chimera may suit. Or an older Jag XK8/XKR. Or a Vantage spec Aston Martin DB7. A Marcos Mantara or TSO. Or a classic re-worked Jaguar E-type (soft-top, six cylinder of course). Possibly a custom-built Cobra - Bond's mechanic could breath a little life into one of those. A friend of mine used to own one with a seven litre V8 and 450+ BHP, with it's light weight it was Bugatti Veryon rivaling horsepower per tonne... A few suggestions to be getting on with.
A TVR seems a bit tweedy for Bond and a Cobra is too Jay Leno/midlife crisis but I can get behind a subtly hot-rodded Aston or E-type. Such a car might compare nicely with the Bentley's in the books.
Seriously though, I think it would be an Audi - perhaps a Q7 - not that indiscreet, but enough to be stylish, practical and utilitarian, as in, very functional, and that, (unlike in the movies.... ) is it's primary function.
I really don't think he would choose a sports car - far too 'head turning', and as for a classic style choice, well, again for that same reason. And he would get sick of it being vandalised anyway )
She's worth whatever chaos she brings to the table and you know it. ~ Mark Anthony
Seriously though, I think it would be an Audi - perhaps a Q7 - not that indiscreet, but enough to be stylish, practical and utilitarian, as in, very functional, and that, (unlike in the movies.... ) is it's primary function.
I really don't think he would choose a sports car - far too 'head turning', and as for a classic style choice, well, again for that same reason. And he would get sick of it being vandalised anyway )
Hey lexi.... I Tgt it was going to be u and I in the cygnet?
Okay, the reason everyone has missed the point on this question is that there is a culture and industry that is extinct, and translating that into modern motoring is not obvious.
Bond drove a Bentley. I am not clear how many. But at least one was the product of a crash and then had its coachwork re-done by Mulliner. We don't do that now. The closest example I can think of would be Alpina for BMW, not he same thng I know.
Good point battistini, as Some other have said. Today Bond would get his car after some Chinnless wonder had wrapped it around a lamp post, having it fixed and restored, Meaning like in the novels he'd have something he wouldn't of normally been able to afford. and of course it would have to be British, or these days given the state of the British Car Industry, One at least Made in Britain. And I like the idea of putting him back in a Bently.
"I've been informed that there ARE a couple of QAnon supporters who are fairly regular posters in AJB."
I'm pretty sure Aston Martin's Works Service will do custom jobs. They did one with a DB9.
I don't like the idea of what would Bond drive in "real life" (or our life I guess) so much because Bond's world is slightly skewed so Bond can exist in it. Just like how Crockett and Tubbs can drive a Ferrari, Batman the Batmobile, etc. So, I think the DB5, Lotus Esprit, and DBS are perfect for Bond's world.
I think Fleming's description of Bond's car was an attempt at verisimilitude, in that there had to be a device for a civil servant's affording a high-end car. I really think there is nothing in common between his car and the examples from Miami Vice, Batman, etc, because those scenarios included no credible explanation, or a fantastic one.
This is why I was so dissatisfied with the discussion. Don't get me wrong, I get that you are discussing a hypothetical about an already fictional character. But the literary James Bond's automobile, like many of his possessions, is an interesting marker for his time and place, akin to his nylon underwear (sic?, I seem to recall this) or Hoffritz razor.
I had the impression that people were selecting automobiles for the cinematic James Bond, in my eyes a much less interesting and more cartoonish character.
I'm pretty sure Aston Martin's Works Service will do custom jobs. They did one with a DB9.
I don't like the idea of what would Bond drive in "real life" (or our life I guess) so much because Bond's world is slightly skewed so Bond can exist in it. Just like how Crockett and Tubbs can drive a Ferrari, Batman the Batmobile, etc. So, I think the DB5, Lotus Esprit, and DBS are perfect for Bond's world.
I agree.....
battistini - you posed the question - "What would Bond drive in real life" - well that in it's self is an oxymoron.
Bond is fictional - so I'm not sure what you mean by 'real life'?
Also, you are dissatisfied with the discussion? What, so we shouldn't have bothered trying to work our your question? I wasn't selecting a automobile for the cinematic Bond - I gave an example I think a real life Mi6 officer would drive (and I've met a few....)
I'm still unclear as to what you want our answers to be?
She's worth whatever chaos she brings to the table and you know it. ~ Mark Anthony
Real life is so boring. I drove and protected MI5 officers in Northern Ireland and it was all Ford escorts and mondeos, or Vauxhall cavaliers, or .... Ford Transit vans... Actually we favoured anything two litre and above, with manual gears and front wheel drive. This was always the best format for J turns, handbrake turns or bootleg starts. I imagine Bond's DBS would be useless in an evasive scenario. I have a lot of experience with fast rear-drive performance cars and own one myself, but if I had to throw something around and get out of trouble I'd choose something entirely different. In all honesty Bond's Ford Mondeo (CR) would fit the bill perfectly.
Amazon #1 Bestselling Author. If you enjoy crime, espionage, action and fast-moving thrillers follow this link:
Comments
I had never encountered the Wiesmann before your post Bondtoys, but I have to thank you for bringing my attention to a stunning looking motor car.
Now if I can just swing the Euro Lottery I will have a serious shopping list to start researching.
Oscar Wilde
Dalton - the weak and weepy Bond!
I think you'll have to look a lot harder and further to find someone who knows less than yourself, if there is anyone, that is... :v
I admire Cosworth for some of their projects, definately the MkIII Escort Cosworth, but never the Sierra. Infact, Cosworth's work with Mercedes is more distinctive. Besides, they haven't done anything of notable worth for many years.
I understand a spy's need for a plain car, but come on... Bond is nothing like a real spy. I worked with 14 int comp in Northern Ireland for two tours so I have a fair understanding as to what is needed for real undercover work, and just how important it is to stay inconspicuous when there are people on every street corner who would delight in making a call to have you shot . Bond is fantasy and I'm sorry, but my fantasies don't involve driving a £500 rusty chav mobile that hasn't been made for sixteen years. And 224 bhp may sound impressive to some, but even my wife's car makes more than that.
http://apbateman.com
Dalton - the weak and weepy Bond!
I've worked in the mid-east as well. It is simply crazy how many supercars are in Dubai. Perhaps the old addage of should apply to this thread. Perhaps it would depend on where Bond was, as to how suitable his car would be. But I still think the essence of Bond is in his Aston Martins or Bentleys, and perhaps he should simply make do with the company cars...
http://apbateman.com
Maybe, but the initial thread also had a few points to consider. Which I also addressed with a couple of ideas - taking in the initial criteria. More so than, Saab for instance...
http://apbateman.com
Oh, darn! I'm still hoping for some tribes in the Amazon who knows less about cars than me, because you were my last hope in the western world. It may also be consievable that you know more about inteligence work than I do ...... Dang!
He'd look out of place in anything else, I'm sure.
http://apbateman.com
Not to worry, I hope your search continues. You are the man to lead it, without a doubt...
http://apbateman.com
I imagine when he is on official government business he would rarely drive his own car, mostly working with inconspicuous rentals or cars supplied by the Government suited to the particular assignment.
I think for a private car for personal use/pleasure (and after all we all know the pleasure Bond got from driving) it would'nt have to be that low key. Saying that I still could'nt see him driving anything as flashy as a Morgan or a Weissman.......cars like Jags may be stylish but they also blend in.
I think the main considerations would be price, performance (not just engine grunt but the whole package) and design (i.e. something sophisticated and stylish without being flash, ostentatious or so unique it draws unnecessary attention).
Oh and Bond would never drive an electric car. :v
Oscar Wilde
Oscar Wilde
Bond drove a car that was the product of a car crash with a re-built passenger compartment that accomodated only 2 people rather than the previous four (I assume). This is a heavily customized vehicle, not some flashy new vehicle that a rich person might buy.
He acquired and built the car in a different time, when there were shops that built the coach portion, separate from the automobile manufacturers. I have always wondered about what vehicle might compare in modern times, and I think the question is very difficult.
http://apbateman.com
http://apbateman.com
A TVR seems a bit tweedy for Bond and a Cobra is too Jay Leno/midlife crisis but I can get behind a subtly hot-rodded Aston or E-type. Such a car might compare nicely with the Bentley's in the books.
Seriously though, I think it would be an Audi - perhaps a Q7 - not that indiscreet, but enough to be stylish, practical and utilitarian, as in, very functional, and that, (unlike in the movies....
I really don't think he would choose a sports car - far too 'head turning', and as for a classic style choice, well, again for that same reason. And he would get sick of it being vandalised anyway
Hey lexi.... I Tgt it was going to be u and I in the cygnet?
:007)
Bond drove a Bentley. I am not clear how many. But at least one was the product of a crash and then had its coachwork re-done by Mulliner. We don't do that now. The closest example I can think of would be Alpina for BMW, not he same thng I know.
He would not drive a new car or exotic.
I don't like the idea of what would Bond drive in "real life" (or our life I guess) so much because Bond's world is slightly skewed so Bond can exist in it. Just like how Crockett and Tubbs can drive a Ferrari, Batman the Batmobile, etc. So, I think the DB5, Lotus Esprit, and DBS are perfect for Bond's world.
This is why I was so dissatisfied with the discussion. Don't get me wrong, I get that you are discussing a hypothetical about an already fictional character. But the literary James Bond's automobile, like many of his possessions, is an interesting marker for his time and place, akin to his nylon underwear (sic?, I seem to recall this) or Hoffritz razor.
I had the impression that people were selecting automobiles for the cinematic James Bond, in my eyes a much less interesting and more cartoonish character.
I agree.....
battistini - you posed the question - "What would Bond drive in real life" - well that in it's self is an oxymoron.
Bond is fictional - so I'm not sure what you mean by 'real life'?
Also, you are dissatisfied with the discussion? What, so we shouldn't have bothered trying to work our your question? I wasn't selecting a automobile for the cinematic Bond - I gave an example I think a real life Mi6 officer would drive (and I've met a few....)
I'm still unclear as to what you want our answers to be?
http://apbateman.com