[Movie cars] A list of 8 iconic James Bond cars

The James Bond franchise is known for amazing action, sleek scenes -- and awesome cars. Here’s a rundown of memorable rides. With all its fantastic fighting scenes, outlandish locations, and attractive women, who would not get caught up with a James Bond movie?

It is pretty obvious that once in a man’s life, he had envisioned himself being in James Bond’s shoes performing his sensational antics and driving his expensive cars.

James Bond has been a staple among action movie enthusiasts since its introduction in the film industry in 1962. A signature of the franchise is its showcase of various iconic cars. Here is a list of James Bond cars that have made a significant impact on his adventures as Agent 007 (and our imagination). Let's go back in time with Philkotse.com for more!

1. Sunbeam Alpine, “Dr. No,” 1962 

Model - Series II, 1962

This is actually James Bond’s first car in the series which had a rich lake blue color. James Bond was invited by an enemy spy, Miss Taro, to an apartment situated on a mountain. Consequently, Bond drove the Sunbeam Alpine through a dusty road and into a trap.

Later in the scene, he was pursued by a huge hearse that had tried to knock him off a sharp cliff’s edge. But with his exceptional (of course) skills, Bond soon managed to escape his pursuers. The hearse went skidding off the huge mountain -- meeting a fiery end.

Sunbeam Alpine is actually James Bond’s first car

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2. Bentley Mark IV, “From Russia with Love,” 1963 

Model - Drophead 3.5 Liter

The car looks a little bit unusual for the series since it was already a 35-year-model when it made its appearance in the movie. James Bond drove the car when he went out for a date with the beautiful Sylvia Trench.

Agent 007 was shown having a good time, enjoying his picnic near a river with Miss Trench. They have just decided to enjoy a bottle of champagne when Bond received a call from the headquarters and he was being summoned by HQ back home.

He boarded his Bentley Mark IV and called Moneypenny through the car’s phone. But before he hit the road to M16, he had the convertible roof closed to give him and Sylvia some private moments together.

Bentley Mark IV looks a little bit unusual for the series since it was already a 35-year-old model

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3. Aston Martin DB5, “Goldfinger,” 1964, and “Thunderball,” 1965 

Model - DB5 (1963)

This is probably the most iconic and the most recognizable among James Bond’s cars that has become the face of the movie. Ask any fan of the movie of which car model they typically associate the movie with, this will always be the top choice.

When it comes to popularity, no one can deny the number of movies in the history of cinema that this model was featured in. But James Bond’s version is just an extraordinary one. His was furnished with different gadgets -- machine guns, tire slashers, ejection seat, and smokescreen.

The Aston Martin DB5 is probably the most iconic and most recognizable among James Bond’s cars

4. Toyota 2000 GT, “You Only Live Twice,” 1967

Model - 2000 GT

Since the Toyota 2000 GT was Japan’s first supercar, it is only fair that this Bond movie featuring that car was primarily shot in Japan. This version of Toyota is rare, with only 351 produced -- making it a more precious than the Aston Martin DB5.

This version of Toyota has a removable hardtop. The low roof, however, too cramped for  Sean Connery who played James Bond in the movie. His height made him too uncomfortable inside the car, as a result, Toyota customized a special version of the car which had an open-top just for the film.

This version of the Toyota 2000 GT has a removable hardtop

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5. Aston Martin DBS, “On Her Majesty's Secret Service,” 1969

Model - DBS (1968)

During this time, Sean Connery went on hiatus and was replaced by George Lazenby to play James Bond in the movie. The DBS did justice to him and played a very crucial role in both the introduction of the new leading actor and the scandalous end of the film.

In the first part, Bond was shown driving the sophisticated Aston Martin DBS along a snaky Portugal highway and his face was hidden in a shadow giving it an aesthetic and dramatic introduction. In the last part of the film, his wife was killed through the car’s windshield.

The DBS had played a very crucial role in both the introduction of a new leading actor and the scandalous end of the film

6. Mercury Cougar, “On Her Majesty's Secret Service,” 1969

Model - Cougar XR-7

When James Bond was trying to elude his pursuers without his Aston at hand, he had to put his faith in his lover Tracy Di Vicenzo and her Mercury Cougar. Because of the Mercury’s efficient rally studs combined with Tracy’s great driving skills, they managed to negotiate the treacherous icy roads and get onto a stock car race track. Eventually, they escaped their pursuers.

7. Ford Mustang, “Diamonds Are Forever,” 1971

Model - Mustang Mach 1

Sean Connery made a comeback on the big screen as he took the role of James Bond once again. Bond was pounding the road using Tiffany Case’s Ford Mustang when he went through a crazy chase with police officers in Las Vegas. With his superb driving skills, Bond was able to pull off some tricks that had made the police officers crash into each other.

Fascinatingly, when the chase scene was taped, the Las Vegas strip was very busy that a dense crowd could be seen lining the street, witnessing the live-action.

Bond was pounding the road using Tiffany Case’s Ford Mustang when being chased by police officers

Another interesting fact is, virtually all of the vehicles that have been destroyed in the shoot were actually Fords. That’s because Ford promised to offer as many cars needed in the filming just to have the brand become one of the cars driven by Bond.

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8. AMC Hornet, “The Man with the Golden Gun,” 1974

Model - Hornet X Hatchback

A novice field agent named Mary Goodnight was kidnapped by Francisco Scaramanga, forcing Bond to come to the rescue. Upon finding that his car key was in Miss Goodnight’s possession, he ends up driving a stolen AMC from a dealership -- driving it out through the showroom’s window.