For decades, James Bond films have delivered unforgettable action scenes — and equally unforgettable cars that became cinematic icons themselves.
Nearly everyone recognizes the name James Bond. The long-running spy franchise based on the novels of Ian Fleming has remained a global phenomenon for generations. But alongside the gadgets, villains, and exotic locations, Bond’s cars have always played a starring role. Some became just as famous as the movies themselves.
Here are 10 of the coolest vehicles ever driven by Agent 007.
The first two Bond films fully adapted from Fleming’s novels were Dr. No and From Russia with Love. released in 1962 and 1963. Sean Connery introduced audiences to Bond, often behind the wheel of the stylish Sunbeam Alpine Convertible.
The seventh Bond movie, Diamonds Are Forever. remains one of the franchise’s most entertaining entries. In one memorable chase scene, Bond escapes pursuers in a first-generation Mustang, even balancing the car on two wheels through a narrow alleyway.
In The Man with the Golden Gun. Bond steals an AMC Hornet straight from a dealership showroom. The car later performs one of the franchise’s most famous practical stunts: a corkscrew bridge jump executed entirely without CGI.
One of Bond’s most legendary vehicles appeared in The Spy Who Loved Me. Equipped by MI6, the Lotus Esprit came loaded with spy tech — including the unforgettable ability to transform into a submarine.
Bond returned to an Aston Martin in The Living Daylights. The V8 Volante retained many of the classic spy gadgets while adding some unusual new features, including retractable skis for snowy escapes.
Released in 1995, GoldenEye marked the beginning of Bond’s BMW era. Although the film opens with Bond in an Aston Martin, he soon switches to a BMW Z3. The German automaker would continue supplying cars for several more Bond adventures.
In Die Another Day. Bond drove the futuristic Aston Martin Vanquish V12 packed with spy gadgets. Its wildest feature? An adaptive camouflage system that effectively made the car invisible.
Bond’s sleek BMW Z8 appeared in The World Is Not Enough. Unfortunately, the gorgeous roadster didn’t last long onscreen before being dramatically destroyed and dumped into the sea.
Casino Royale rebooted the franchise and adapted Fleming’s very first Bond novel. The Aston Martin DBS featured heavily throughout the movie and was famously wrecked during a spectacular practical stunt sequence filmed without computer-generated effects.
In Skyfall, Bond uses several vehicles during the story, including a rugged Land Rover Defender pickup. Reports from the production claimed that nearly 10 Defenders were destroyed while filming one of the movie’s major chase scenes.
From submarine sports cars to gadget-filled grand tourers, Bond’s vehicles have become an essential part of the franchise’s identity. In many cases, the cars were every bit as memorable as the spy behind the wheel.