Bond's Aston Martin DBS: Fact or Fiction?

The enduring image of James Bond, suave and sophisticated, is inextricably linked with his choice of automotive transport. For many, the quintessential Bond car is the Aston Martin. In the 1969 film On Her Majesty's Secret Service, Agent 007 is seen at the wheel of a striking 1968 Aston Martin DBS, bearing the distinctive British registration plate GKX 8G. This particular model, with its sleek lines and powerful presence, has become a subject of fascination for both Bond aficionados and car enthusiasts alike. But was the car that graced the silver screen truly a 1968 Aston Martin DBS as we understand it today, and what were the specific details that made these vehicles so special for their cinematic role?

The DBS Debuts with Bond

The Aston Martin DBS made its debut in the Aston Martin line-up in 1967, succeeding the DB6. It was envisioned as a more modern and powerful GT car, featuring a new V8 engine that was in development. However, for the production of On Her Majesty's Secret Service, Aston Martin supplied not one, but two DBS models to the film production company. These vehicles were crucial for capturing the necessary on-screen action, from dramatic chases to intimate close-ups.

The Two Stars: Chassis Numbers and Their Roles

The two Aston Martin DBS cars lent to Eon Productions for the filming were identified by their chassis numbers: DBS/5109/R and DBS/5234/R. These numbers are significant for understanding how the cars were utilised in the film.

DBS/5109/R was primarily used for studio scenes and interior close-ups. This allowed the filmmakers to capture the intricate details of the car's interior, the dashboard, and Bond's interactions within the cabin. It's the car you'd see during dialogue-heavy scenes or when the focus was on Bond's reactions and the car's amenities.

DBS/5234/R, on the other hand, was the workhorse for the exterior shots and the more demanding action sequences. This included the memorable scenes of Bond driving through snowy landscapes and the car's dramatic crash. These shots required a vehicle that could perform physically and withstand the rigours of filming on location.

Engine Specifications: The Six-Cylinder Mystery

A key detail that often sparks discussion among enthusiasts is the engine specification of the Bond DBS. The cars used in the film were six-cylinder models. This is noteworthy because Aston Martin was transitioning to its new V8 engine, and the DBS was intended to be the V8's debut platform. However, the V8 engine was not ready in sufficient numbers for the film's production timeline. Therefore, the film cars were equipped with the familiar 4.0-litre straight-six engine, the same unit found in the DB6.

These six-cylinder engines were reportedly fitted with high-spec tunes. While not officially designated as 'Vantage' specification – a term typically reserved for the more powerful, carburetted versions of Aston Martin engines – they were certainly enhanced. This is further evidenced by the absence of the distinctive black Vantage badges on the side vents, a hallmark of factory-tuned Vantage models. The aim was to give the car a more potent on-screen persona, befitting the James Bond character.

The DBS vs. The DB5: A Tale of Two Icons

It's impossible to discuss Bond's cars without mentioning the legendary Aston Martin DB5, which set the benchmark for automotive gadgetry and style in previous films like Goldfinger. While the DB5 was packed with Q Branch modifications, the DBS in On Her Majesty's Secret Service, while a formidable car in its own right, was less of a gadget-laden mobile fortress and more of a stylish, powerful grand tourer. This shift reflected a slight evolution in the portrayal of Bond and his vehicle, focusing more on the car's inherent capabilities and Bond's driving prowess.

The Unfortunate Fate of DBS/5234/R

The film is also remembered for the dramatic crash scene involving the DBS. In the movie, the car famously rolls over multiple times after a confrontation with Ernst Stavro Blofeld's henchmen. This particular stunt was performed by the DBS with chassis number DBS/5234/R. The car was fitted with a roll cage and other safety modifications for the stunt. Unfortunately, the extensive damage sustained during the filming meant that this particular DBS was not repairable and was subsequently scrapped. It's a testament to the car's robust construction, and perhaps a little bit of cinematic drama, that it could endure such a spectacular, albeit destructive, sequence.

Legacy and Availability

Today, the 1968 Aston Martin DBS is a highly sought-after classic car, appreciated for its sophisticated design and its connection to the James Bond cinematic universe. While the film used six-cylinder models, the production of the road-going DBS saw the introduction of the V8 engine in later models, which became the more powerful and iconic iteration for many. The cars used in the film, particularly DBS/5109/R which survived the production, are now rare and valuable collector's items.

Frequently Asked Questions

Was the 1968 Aston Martin DBS driven by James Bond in 'On Her Majesty's Secret Service' a V8 model?

No, the two Aston Martin DBS models used in the film were equipped with the 4.0-litre straight-six engine, not the V8. The V8 engine was still in development and not ready for production at the time of filming.

What was the registration plate of Bond's DBS?

The British registration plate displayed on the Aston Martin DBS in the film was GKX 8G.

Did the car have any special gadgets?

Unlike some of the more famously gadget-laden Bond cars, such as the DB5, the DBS in 'On Her Majesty's Secret Service' featured minimal or no special Q Branch gadgets. The focus was more on the car's inherent performance and styling.

What happened to the DBS used in the film?

One of the two DBS cars used, chassis number DBS/5234/R, was destroyed during the filming of a crash sequence and scrapped. The other, DBS/5109/R, survived production and is now a valuable collector's item.

In conclusion, the 1968 Aston Martin DBS driven by James Bond in On Her Majesty's Secret Service was indeed a real Aston Martin DBS, albeit one fitted with the six-cylinder engine as a pragmatic choice for the film's production. These cars, chassis numbers DBS/5109/R and DBS/5234/R, played a crucial role in bringing George Lazenby's solitary outing as Bond to life, cementing the DBS's place in cinematic automotive history.