James Bond has an enviable garage of vehicles that he’s used as a company car – sometimes without permission. A host of gadget-laden Aston Martins, BMWs with a few special optional extras, his Lotus that certainly wasn’t afraid of water and even a civilian’s Citroen 2CV. An eclectic mix, but what about the cars 007 didn’t get the keys to?
In an alternative universe somewhere, James Bond might be driving around in a Vauxhall Corsa – but we doubt it! Here’s 10 alternative universe Bond cars.
Bentley Contiental GT
James Bond traditionally drives an Aston Martin, right? Well, he does these days, but his car of choice was once a Bentley. In the first three 007 novels by Ian Fleming, Bond’s supercharged Bentley is described as his one true pleasure in life. The Bentley featured in three books before being replaced by an Aston Martin DB Mark III. Maybe it’s time for the world’s most famous spy to return to a Bentley company car?
Where better to start than the latest Continental GT? Equally at home in Monaco’s Casino Square as it is crossing continents at speed, this GT is arguably one of the best cars in its class. With the choice of a V8 or mighty W12, this rapid coupe could have 007 on location in a hurry. Bentley have also stolen a march on Q-branch by fitting its own gadgetry. A revolving console reveals a set of analog gauges or a modern infotainment system.
Rolls-Royce Wraith
A Rolls-Royce was famously the favoured mode of transport for Mr Midas himself, Auric Goldfinger. But what if 007 decided to travel in style with the Spirit of Ecstasy leading the way? While a Phantom would hark back to Goldfinger, we think the most appropriate model would actually be the more ‘sporting’ Wraith – with sporting being a relative term here.
Let’s be honest, a day as James Bond is a busy time of assassination, daring stunts and saving the day. Why shouldn’t he enjoy returning home via an effortless 6.6-litre V12? It also possesses 624bhp should 007 need to deploy it.
Ariel Nomad
You can’t be the world’s greatest secret agent without pulling off a daring escape or two, and so a versatile vehicle can be a real asset. Something designed to go off road might be the ideal way to evade pursuers, but traditional 4x4s lack the true pace to get away from bad guys. Introducing the Ariel Nomad.
Effectively an Ariel Atom with hardier under pinnings, a cage and knobbly tyres, the Nomad covers ground quickly. Being light helps it skip across almost any surface, and the rally raid grade suspension helps it soak up the punishment. Something else that can take a beating punishment is the VTEC petrol engine from Honda that lives behind the driver. It produces 235bhp and can get this off-roader from 0-62mph in just 3.4 seconds. Combine this rabid acceleration with all-terrain capabilities and you’ve got a vehicle henchmen will struggle to match.
Toyota Supra
James Bond hasn’t been in a Toyota since his ‘You Only Live Twice’ mission where a beautiful bespoke 2000GT convertible was used. The new Supra takes some styling tips from that iconic model, and while not a convertible, it might make for the perfect Japanese vehicle during an operation.
BMW and Toyota’s joint sports car effort should also provide the reliability and durability required for tough missions.
Mini Cooper S
If James Bond needs to blend in, a shiny new Aston Martin might not be the best choice. Going for something more mainstream such as a new Mini could be the best option. These characterful little cars are everywhere, making it the perfect camouflage in a crowded city.
A JCW would be the most tempting choice, but a well-specified Cooper S would blend performance with subtlety.
McLaren Senna
Stealth is not what the Senna was created for, but what if Bond had to pose as a wealthy track-day enthusiast at Estoril in Portugal? The overtly styled McLaren Senna would not only fit his cover, but also equip 007 with the necessary downforce to climb the leaderboard.
We also think the Senna would be a dream for Q-branch with those huge intakes being ideal mounts for heat-seeking missiles.
Porsche 911
It’s an obvious choice for many sports car owners who want it all, but 007 has never been given a Porsche 911 by MI6. Practical and capable, a Carrera S would be our recommendation. In terms of performance cars, a 911 might also be common enough to blend in.
A Turbo S is the other 641bhp all-wheel drive end of the spectrum, and something 007 might value when chasing down a villain in the Alps.
Aston Martin DB7
It’s the Aston Martin that never got its time in the sun, and while it is the car that saved the British marque, it lacks the 007 association of its siblings. BMW swooped in to woo Bond creators and oust Aston Martin, something that resulted in three Bond films starring German cars instead.
The DB7 is everything a traditional Bond car should be, a true four-wheel reflection of the spy himself. Maybe it’s time the DB7 got its chance?
Lotus Evija
The automotive world is a rapidly changing place, and should 007 decide to go back to Lotus, an electric future may await him. The spectacular Lotus Evija packs a 1,972bhp punch and 1,700Nm of instant torque thanks to being a pure EV. A 0-60mph getaway is said to take less than three seconds.
How would it look in a copper finish with gold wheels and skis on the roof?
Volkswagen California
It’s fair to say that 007 has spent many an evening in the company of beautiful ladies, so we’re guessing that he might have a fair few secret children to worry about in-between missions. Providing childcare as a secret agent can’t be easy, so this VW California is perfect for gathering them all up in the same spacious vehicle.
The Grand California might be an even better choice as it can transform into a proper camper van at weekends.
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Keyword: 10 best alternative universe James Bond cars