Are they using real DB5s?

Dirty PunkerDirty Punker ...Your Eyes Only, darling."Posts: 2,587MI6 Agent
I was just wondering, for the stunts and such it'd be odd to me to use a rare multi million dollar car though of course the budget surely would allow for it...but then again, this isn't the Italian Job and we're most certainly not living in the 60s. There's a finite amount of DB5s though that never stopped anyone from reducing the amount of classics that are around for entertainment purposes.

Considering they were willing to fab up an AWD, small block V8 Vanquish for Die Another Day and successfully managed to replicate a DB5 for Skyfall, my question to someone more knowledgeable is are actual DB5s being hooned around?
a reasonable rate of return

Comments

  • JTMJTM Posts: 3,027MI6 Agent
    Well yes, they’re “real” DB5’s built by AM in the film, but of course they’re not throwing around actual rare DB5 models from the 60’s. See the picture below—they built a number of DB5’s from the ground up for the movie, both “hero” and stunt models. While they look like vintage models, they feature modern parts under the frame that allow the vehicle to perform what is required of them, and survive what is thrown at them, during production. Take the DB5 on the left of the picture with the whole front section removed, that engine certainly doesn’t look like one you’d find in a vehicle from 1965. The stunt models are obviously built with additional safety features such as roll cages and harnesses to protect the drivers performing the movies chases and other vehicle related stunts. The hero models, ones that often feature interior shots, are designed to look like they’re straight out of the lot in the 60’s (buttons in the centre console and all gadgets, interior and exterior, aside). Now if the vehicle is in a special scene where there’s absolutely no chance of damage, such as a stationary shot or one with a few seconds of driving (Spectre end scene for example), production may use an actual vintage model. I may be mistaken but I don’t believe NTTD has any of that though.

    images?q=tbn%3AANd9GcT3O_9uvzG-hUX4rcoHX0YYhLvD-uMyOXrwg3ttqwAgjfjvjAE0

    I’m sure there’s a number of members on here significantly more knowledgeable than me about this and can go into a lot more detail, but I hope I answered your question anyway DP.
  • emtiememtiem SurreyPosts: 5,686MI6 Agent
    That makes them not real DB5s! :)
    They’ve got BMW engines, possibly BM running gear too. Craig seemed to say they have carbon fibre bodywork but I don’t know if that’s true.
  • Asp9mmAsp9mm Over the Hills and Far Away.Posts: 7,483MI6 Agent
    They’re not real DB5s.
    ..................Asp9mmSIG-1-2.jpg...............
  • HowardBHowardB USAPosts: 2,736MI6 Agent
    I would agree, they are not "real" DB5's but it makes complete sense on multiple levels why they are using purpose built, working "mock-ups". With regards to the film, I wonder if there will be any discussion/explanation of where Bond's latest DB5 came from?
  • Asp9mmAsp9mm Over the Hills and Far Away.Posts: 7,483MI6 Agent
    HowardB wrote:
    I would agree, they are not "real" DB5's but it makes complete sense on multiple levels why they are using purpose built, working "mock-ups". With regards to the film, I wonder if there will be any discussion/explanation of where Bond's latest DB5 came from?

    He drove off in it at the end of the last film.
    ..................Asp9mmSIG-1-2.jpg...............
  • HowardBHowardB USAPosts: 2,736MI6 Agent
    Asp9mm wrote:
    HowardB wrote:
    I would agree, they are not "real" DB5's but it makes complete sense on multiple levels why they are using purpose built, working "mock-ups". With regards to the film, I wonder if there will be any discussion/explanation of where Bond's latest DB5 came from?

    He drove off in it at the end of the last film.

    So that would make the NTTD DB5 his third (the CR DB5 was left hand drive) and the SF DB5 was destroyed. Of course there is also the V8 Vantage which appears to be stashed in a London garage. The man loves his Astons.
  • Matt SMatt S Oh Cult Voodoo ShopPosts: 6,596MI6 Agent
    HowardB wrote:
    Asp9mm wrote:
    HowardB wrote:
    I would agree, they are not "real" DB5's but it makes complete sense on multiple levels why they are using purpose built, working "mock-ups". With regards to the film, I wonder if there will be any discussion/explanation of where Bond's latest DB5 came from?

    He drove off in it at the end of the last film.

    So that would make the NTTD DB5 his third (the CR DB5 was left hand drive) and the SF DB5 was destroyed. Of course there is also the V8 Vantage which appears to be stashed in a London garage. The man loves his Astons.

    The NTTD DB5 is supposed to be the SF car. We see it destroyed in SP and by the end Q had fixed it!
    Visit my blog, Bond Suits
  • HowardBHowardB USAPosts: 2,736MI6 Agent
    edited December 2019
    Matt S wrote:
    HowardB wrote:
    Asp9mm wrote:

    He drove off in it at the end of the last film.

    So that would make the NTTD DB5 his third (the CR DB5 was left hand drive) and the SF DB5 was destroyed. Of course there is also the V8 Vantage which appears to be stashed in a London garage. The man loves his Astons.

    The NTTD DB5 is supposed to be the SF car. We see it destroyed in SP and by the end Q had fixed it!

    Talk about movie magic.......looked to be a burnt out hulk to me. Must have done it on his laptop and finished before his second cup of Earl Grey :) -{ That's a pretty sweet deal 007 has w/ MI6, free customized classic cars along w/ maintenance and full restoration services. -{
  • Matt SMatt S Oh Cult Voodoo ShopPosts: 6,596MI6 Agent
    HowardB wrote:
    Matt S wrote:
    HowardB wrote:

    So that would make the NTTD DB5 his third (the CR DB5 was left hand drive) and the SF DB5 was destroyed. Of course there is also the V8 Vantage which appears to be stashed in a London garage. The man loves his Astons.

    The NTTD DB5 is supposed to be the SF car. We see it destroyed in SP and by the end Q had fixed it!

    Talk about movie magic.......looked to be a burnt out hulk to me. Must have done it on his laptop and finished before his second cup of Earl Grey :) -{

    Yeah, that's exactly what happened. So NTTD with be this car's third appearance! But no, it will be its fourth. We're also supposed to consider this car the same one that's in CR. Being RHD vs LHD is only a technicality...
    Visit my blog, Bond Suits
  • HowardBHowardB USAPosts: 2,736MI6 Agent
    Matt S wrote:
    HowardB wrote:
    Matt S wrote:

    The NTTD DB5 is supposed to be the SF car. We see it destroyed in SP and by the end Q had fixed it!

    Talk about movie magic.......looked to be a burnt out hulk to me. Must have done it on his laptop and finished before his second cup of Earl Grey :) -{

    Yeah, that's exactly what happened. So NTTD with be this car's third appearance! But no, it will be its fourth. We're also supposed to consider this car the same one that's in CR. Being RHD vs LHD is only a technicality...

    Was the CR car considered his own property since he won it or is it technically the property of MI6 because it was "on the firm's time"? Regarding the left hand drive v right hand drive....if Q branch could rebuild the DB5 after what happened in SF, converting the CR car to RHD would be a piece of cake.
  • Matt SMatt S Oh Cult Voodoo ShopPosts: 6,596MI6 Agent
    HowardB wrote:
    Matt S wrote:
    HowardB wrote:

    Talk about movie magic.......looked to be a burnt out hulk to me. Must have done it on his laptop and finished before his second cup of Earl Grey :) -{

    Yeah, that's exactly what happened. So NTTD with be this car's third appearance! But no, it will be its fourth. We're also supposed to consider this car the same one that's in CR. Being RHD vs LHD is only a technicality...

    Was the CR car considered his own property since he won it or is it technically the property of MI6 because it was "on the firm's time"? Regarding the left hand drive v right hand drive....if Q branch could rebuild the DB5 after what happened in SF, converting the CR car to RHD would be a piece of cake.

    They probably never considered if the car belongs to Bond or to MI6. I always considered it to be Bond's, since he won it and he kept it in storage in SF.
    Visit my blog, Bond Suits
  • KladdaghKladdagh FrancePosts: 117MI6 Agent
    edited December 2019
    If the DB5 won in CR was his personal car, and kept in storage, from where are the gadgets and plating hull ???
    Has Bond asked some upgrades at MI6 for his personal use ?? Could be expensive :))
    ~Never Let Them See You Bleed~
  • HowardBHowardB USAPosts: 2,736MI6 Agent
    Kladdagh wrote:
    If the DB5 won in CR was his personal car, and kept in storage, from where are the gadgets and plating hull ???
    Has Bond asked some upgrades at MI6 for his personal use ?? Could be expensive :))

    Actually, Mike Brewer and Edd China from Wheeler Dealers did the upgrades. :))
  • KladdaghKladdagh FrancePosts: 117MI6 Agent
    HowardB wrote:
    Kladdagh wrote:
    If the DB5 won in CR was his personal car, and kept in storage, from where are the gadgets and plating hull ???
    Has Bond asked some upgrades at MI6 for his personal use ?? Could be expensive :))

    Actually, Mike Brewer and Edd China from Wheeler Dealers did the upgrades. :))

    You should be right and get the point :))
    ~Never Let Them See You Bleed~
  • Dirty PunkerDirty Punker ...Your Eyes Only, darling."Posts: 2,587MI6 Agent
    JTM wrote:
    I’m sure there’s a number of members on here significantly more knowledgeable than me about this and can go into a lot more detail, but I hope I answered your question anyway DP.
    That reminded me that Aston Martin are making continuation models of the DB5 for an obscene amount of money, it clicked it all together.
    -{ :007)

    I find it interesting how whenever they're backing it up in the filming shots we've seen, they always get the door open.
    Probably because of no A/C cuz racecar
    a reasonable rate of return
  • HowardBHowardB USAPosts: 2,736MI6 Agent
    From the Driven website, The Cars of James Bond:
    "The Aston Martin DB5 was a refinement of the DB4. The two cars are nearly indistinguishable from one another visually. The real differences are the mechanical improvements, along with some creature comforts. The DB5 received the larger, more powerful 4.0 liter inline six from the Lagonda Rapide, replacing the DB4’s 3.7 liter unit. Other refinements included Girling disc brakes, and a new five-speed gearbox provided by ZF. Power improved by 22hp over the DB4, pushing the DB5’s peak to 242hp. Evolving from the more Spartan trim of early DB4s to a more refined grand tourer, the DB5 was replete with leather interior, Wilton wool carpets, power windows, and air conditioning. This increased weight from 2,900 lbs to 3,233 lbs. Despite the additional heft, the new
    engine could still push the DB5 to a 7.1 second sprint to 60mph, and top out at a very respectable 143mph terminal velocity."

    So it appears that the '65 DB5 actually came with air conditioning. The DB5 was actually very well appointed for that era.
  • JTMJTM Posts: 3,027MI6 Agent
    HowardB wrote:
    From the Driven website, The Cars of James Bond:
    "The Aston Martin DB5 was a refinement of the DB4. The two cars are nearly indistinguishable from one another visually. The real differences are the mechanical improvements, along with some creature comforts. The DB5 received the larger, more powerful 4.0 liter inline six from the Lagonda Rapide, replacing the DB4’s 3.7 liter unit. Other refinements included Girling disc brakes, and a new five-speed gearbox provided by ZF. Power improved by 22hp over the DB4, pushing the DB5’s peak to 242hp. Evolving from the more Spartan trim of early DB4s to a more refined grand tourer, the DB5 was replete with leather interior, Wilton wool carpets, power windows, and air conditioning. This increased weight from 2,900 lbs to 3,233 lbs. Despite the additional heft, the new
    engine could still push the DB5 to a 7.1 second sprint to 60mph, and top out at a very respectable 143mph terminal velocity."

    So it appears that the '65 DB5 actually came with air conditioning. The DB5 was actually very well appointed for that era.

    I believe DP was referring to the DB5's that were built for NTTD filming, not the real DB5's of the 60's. I may be wrong but I don't think the vehicles built purely for filming would have air conditioning, it seems like it would be a waste of space. The room the AC takes up could be used for a larger engine or additional safety systems for the stunt drivers.
  • emtiememtiem SurreyPosts: 5,686MI6 Agent
    JTM wrote:
    HowardB wrote:
    From the Driven website, The Cars of James Bond:
    "The Aston Martin DB5 was a refinement of the DB4. The two cars are nearly indistinguishable from one another visually. The real differences are the mechanical improvements, along with some creature comforts. The DB5 received the larger, more powerful 4.0 liter inline six from the Lagonda Rapide, replacing the DB4’s 3.7 liter unit. Other refinements included Girling disc brakes, and a new five-speed gearbox provided by ZF. Power improved by 22hp over the DB4, pushing the DB5’s peak to 242hp. Evolving from the more Spartan trim of early DB4s to a more refined grand tourer, the DB5 was replete with leather interior, Wilton wool carpets, power windows, and air conditioning. This increased weight from 2,900 lbs to 3,233 lbs. Despite the additional heft, the new
    engine could still push the DB5 to a 7.1 second sprint to 60mph, and top out at a very respectable 143mph terminal velocity."

    So it appears that the '65 DB5 actually came with air conditioning. The DB5 was actually very well appointed for that era.

    I believe DP was referring to the DB5's that were built for NTTD filming, not the real DB5's of the 60's. I may be wrong but I don't think the vehicles built purely for filming would have air conditioning, it seems like it would be a waste of space. The room the AC takes up could be used for a larger engine or additional safety systems for the stunt drivers.

    I think it’s just one more component to add which takes a fair bit of engineering to do. As they’re replicas built to look good on screen they might not even have opening windows even. Although the AM folk who built them do appear to have gone to the trouble of fitting little 007 limited edition engraved plaques inside their doors, so who knows! :)
    We saw photos of the ‘DB5’ stunt cars with their windows covered and portable AC units with their hoses stuck inside the cars while they were parked up, so the stunt folk were certainly suffering in there! I bet the driver was cursing Bond’s choice to wear a jacket :)
  • Matt SMatt S Oh Cult Voodoo ShopPosts: 6,596MI6 Agent
    emtiem wrote:
    We saw photos of the ‘DB5’ stunt cars with their windows covered and portable AC units with their hoses stuck inside the cars while they were parked up, so the stunt folk were certainly suffering in there! I bet the driver was cursing Bond’s choice to wear a jacket :)

    At least the drivers don't need to wear the trousers
    Visit my blog, Bond Suits
  • emtiememtiem SurreyPosts: 5,686MI6 Agent
    Matt S wrote:
    emtiem wrote:
    We saw photos of the ‘DB5’ stunt cars with their windows covered and portable AC units with their hoses stuck inside the cars while they were parked up, so the stunt folk were certainly suffering in there! I bet the driver was cursing Bond’s choice to wear a jacket :)

    At least the drivers don't need to wear the trousers

    I was thinking that but I don’t know: they might be expected to wear some sort of safety gear. No idea! :)
  • Matt SMatt S Oh Cult Voodoo ShopPosts: 6,596MI6 Agent
    emtiem wrote:
    Matt S wrote:
    emtiem wrote:
    We saw photos of the ‘DB5’ stunt cars with their windows covered and portable AC units with their hoses stuck inside the cars while they were parked up, so the stunt folk were certainly suffering in there! I bet the driver was cursing Bond’s choice to wear a jacket :)

    At least the drivers don't need to wear the trousers

    I was thinking that but I don’t know: they might be expected to wear some sort of safety gear. No idea! :)

    Like a cup? :p

    I recall seeing photos of a driver in shorts.
    Visit my blog, Bond Suits
  • emtiememtiem SurreyPosts: 5,686MI6 Agent
    Ah did you? I didn’t see that. I certainly hope they could!
  • Matt SMatt S Oh Cult Voodoo ShopPosts: 6,596MI6 Agent
    emtiem wrote:
    Ah did you? I didn’t see that. I certainly hope they could!
    I just found it again: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-7456175/James-Bond-star-Daniel-Craig-continues-film-No-Time-Die-star-L-Seydoux-Italy.html

    The stunt driver clearly has no sense of style :007)
    Visit my blog, Bond Suits
  • emtiememtiem SurreyPosts: 5,686MI6 Agent
    Matt S wrote:
    emtiem wrote:
    Ah did you? I didn’t see that. I certainly hope they could!
    I just found it again: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-7456175/James-Bond-star-Daniel-Craig-continues-film-No-Time-Die-star-L-Seydoux-Italy.html

    The stunt driver clearly has no sense of style :007)
    Wow! Good eyes :)
  • Dirty PunkerDirty Punker ...Your Eyes Only, darling."Posts: 2,587MI6 Agent
    That is hideous, my word.

    I mean, safety gear if they were to wear some would fire suits but they're shooting a movie -{

    Also, HowardB they were Grand Tourer cars. I'd expect nothing less. Seriously cool.
    a reasonable rate of return
  • emtiememtiem SurreyPosts: 5,686MI6 Agent
    That is hideous, my word.

    I mean, safety gear if they were to wear some would fire suits but they're shooting a movie -{
    Well they’re in racing seats which you can clearly see in the first couple of shots in the trailer!

    Someone on twitter has spotted that there’s a very quick shot of the minigun shells being ejected through the side strake vents of the DB5 as it’s firing, which is a wonderfully fun idea! :)
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