Aston Martin introduced the DB5, which became James Bond’s featured car in the 1964 film Goldfinger.
The DB5 was launched in 1963 as an evolution of the DB4 Series 5. It used a 4.0-litre straight-six engine designed by Tadek Marek, paired with rear-wheel drive. The standard car was offered as a grand tourer with two doors, while convertible and shooting-brake versions were also produced in limited numbers.
The model became internationally famous after appearing as Bond’s car in Goldfinger. Film modifications included fictional defensive equipment such as machine guns, an ejector seat, and revolving number plates. These gadgets were storytelling devices rather than standard production equipment.
The DB5’s Bond connection continued in later films and media, making it one of the most recognizable cars in popular culture. It is sometimes incorrectly called the first Bond car; earlier Bond films had used other vehicles, including the Sunbeam Alpine in Dr. No.