Thursday 21st August 2014

James Bond's new car: PH Blog

Having read some new Bond and driven some candidates, Matt picks out 007's next wheels

---

'Solo' by William Boyd is the latest Fleming-style Bond novel written on a more traditional 007. Set in the 60s he doesn't use gadgets and gizmos to achieve his aims; it's a tale of old-fashioned, simple espionage, and a thoroughly enjoyable story it is too.

Bond needs something newer, right?

In the book Bond drives a Jensen Interceptor, an inspired choice from Boyd. Fast, luxurious, understated yet desirable it's the perfect choice for a Chelsea-based Bond. He tries an FF too and is taken aback at the ability of a 4WD sports car. PH thumbs up for attention to detail.

The more classic 007 has been incorporated into Daniel Craig's Bond with great success. There isn't a new film close yet but, having read the book and driven a few cars that could be Bond vehicles it seemed like an opportune moment to begin the discussion.

For me the Bond car criteria are quite simple. He must have something fast enough to get away from the bad guys, beautiful enough to arrive anywhere, luxurious enough to impress his latest girl and big enough for Q branch to strap an Uzi or three to it. It also has to be British. That's why Astons have worked so well previously.

Hmm, a bit predictable?

Having driven the V8 N430 that would be perfect for James were it not a little, well, old. The DBS he has been using is looking past it and he really needs something fresh and interesting. I'd wager the average cinema goer wouldn't be able to tell much difference between a new Vanquish and a DBS either.

The Bentley Continental GT Speed is out too. Of course Bond has previous with an old Blower Bentley in the early Fleming novels but the modern cars are very different prospects. The noise isn't dramatic enough, it won't power oversteer like an Aston and, for me, it doesn't have that suave appeal required of a Bond car. The V8 S is a more worthy contender but still not quite there.

The idea of a Morgan is very appealing. It does fast and cool with the best of them but I would be concerned nobody really knows what it is. It would be great to see Bond back in a white Lotus, an Evora S to be specific, just so I could waffle on to everyone about how brilliant they are. However it's another car that's not especially new, or a classic yet, plus imagine having to show the new Bond girl that tragic Alpine infotainment system. Not cool. A Caterham? The rainforest would be felled (or something 21st century like that) before he'd found where the key goes in.

Et voila! Maybe a coupe though

All of which leads to the Jaguar F-Type coupe. Gorgeous, fast, loud and desirable, it surely has everything it needs for the perfect 007 wheels. I can't imagine JLR would tell the producers to jog on in the same way William Lyons told Albert Broccoli back in the 60s either.

There is, yet again though, one more problem. For a man accustomed to driving a £150K+ Aston, is an £80K Jaguar not a slight downgrade? Ergo I have a solution, one that would prevent Bond having to run a classic and modern vehicle also. An Eagle E-Type. The car the producers always wanted Bond to have, modernised and (dare I say it) improved for the 21st century. There's nowhere that would turn you away in it, 300hp per ton or so would dispose of all the bad guys and reassuringly costly. Q can deal with the practical stuff.

What do you reckon? All other submissions gratefully welcomed...

 

[gpb1]

Got to be British, expensive, bespoke and fast - only one answer I think...... Bloodhound SSC

Cars don't come faster than that. Imagine Bond climbing out of the cockpit in a perfectly pressed tuxedo.