The Best And Worst Cars In 007 History

James Bond’s cars are as legendary as his gadgets, suits, and one-liners. Over the decades, 007 has driven some of the most iconic vehicles ever put on screen, sleek sports cars, armored sedans, and even an amphibious Lotus. But not every Bond car was a winner. Some were forgettable, impractical, or just plain bizarre. Here’s a look at the best and worst cars in James Bond history.

The Best

Aston Martin DB5 – Goldfinger (1964)

The DB5 isn’t just the most famous Bond car, it’s one of the most famous cars in cinema history. Outfitted with machine guns, ejector seats, and revolving license plates, it set the standard for every Bond car to follow. While it debuted in Goldfinger, the DB5 made return appearances in Thunderball, GoldenEye, Skyfall, and No Time to Die, proving that true legends never fade.

Lotus Esprit S1 – The Spy Who Loved Me (1977)

Few cars have ever made an entrance like the Lotus Esprit S1, which famously transformed into a submarine. Nicknamed “Wet Nellie,” this sleek wedge-shaped sports car cemented its place in Bond history with an underwater chase scene unlike anything seen before. While it may not have the timeless appeal of an Aston Martin, it remains one of the most imaginative Bond cars ever.

Aston Martin V8 Vantage – The Living Daylights (1987)

Timothy Dalton’s Bond brought a darker, grittier tone to the franchise, and his Aston Martin V8 Vantage matched that energy. Packed with gadgets like tire spikes, lasers, and rocket boosters, it was the perfect mix of classic Aston Martin style and high-tech spy gear. The V8 Vantage made a triumphant return in No Time to Die, proving its enduring appeal.

BMW Z8 – The World is Not Enough (1999)

While Bond’s brief partnership with BMW was controversial, the Z8 was a standout. With its retro modern styling, powerful V8, and sleek design, it fit Bond’s persona perfectly. Unfortunately, its time on screen was cut short when it was sliced in half by a helicopter-mounted buzzsaw. Even in its brief appearance, the Z8 remains one of the franchise’s most stunning cars.

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Aston Martin DBS – Casino Royale (2006)

Daniel Craig’s Bond needed a car that matched his brutal, no-nonsense approach, and the Aston Martin DBS delivered. This muscular grand tourer was raw, aggressive, and deadly fast. Its most memorable moment came in Casino Royale, when Bond swerved to avoid Vesper Lynd, causing the DBS to roll a record-breaking seven times. A perfect blend of power and style, the DBS was a modern Bond classic.

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Toyota 2000GT – You Only Live Twice (1967)

This rare Japanese sports car was one of the most stylish vehicles Bond ever drove. With its sleek design and high-revving inline-six engine, it was a perfect fit for Sean Connery’s 007. However, due to Connery’s height, the coupe version was modified into a convertible, making it an even more unique Bond car. Though it wasn’t filled with gadgets, its beauty alone earns it a spot on this list.

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The Worst

AMC Hornet – The Man with the Golden Gun (1974)

A Bond car should be stylish, powerful, and sophisticated, the AMC Hornet was none of those things. Essentially a budget-friendly economy car, it felt completely out of place in Bond’s world. While it did perform a spectacular 360 degree barrel roll over a river, the car itself was forgettable and uninspired.

Ford Mustang Mach 1 – Diamonds Are Forever (1971)

While the Mustang Mach 1 is an iconic muscle car, its use in Diamonds Are Forever was underwhelming. The film’s infamous alleyway stunt, in which the car somehow switches from driving on its right side wheels to its left side wheels mid-scene, became one of the franchise’s most notorious editing mistakes. A great car, but a wasted opportunity.

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Renault 11 Taxi – A View to a Kill (1985)

Bond driving a battered Renault taxi through Paris sounds more like a commuter’s nightmare than a high stakes spy chase. The car loses its roof after squeezing under a truck, yet miraculously keeps going, turning a daring escape into an almost comedic spectacle. While the scene had its charm, the car itself felt painfully unworthy of 007’s usual sleek and sophisticated rides.

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Ford LTD – A View to a Kill (1985)

Another A View to a Kill misstep, the Ford LTD was a dull, boxy sedan that made Bond seem more like a middle manager than a world class spy. Lacking style, power, or any real gadgetry, it felt painfully out of place in 007’s garage. Compared to the sleek Astons and Lotus models of previous films, this uninspired choice was a clear downgrade.

Citroën 2CV – For Your Eyes Only (1981)

After losing his Lotus Esprit, Bond is forced to flee in a bright yellow Citroën 2CV, an underpowered, flimsy, and comically small economy car. While the chase through the countryside is entertaining, the sight of 007 struggling to outrun henchmen in faster vehicles feels absurd. Charming in its own way, but hardly fitting for the world’s most sophisticated spy.

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Mercury Cougar XR-7 – On Her Majesty’s Secret Service (1969)

Technically, this car belonged to Bond’s love interest, Tracy, but it was used in one of the film’s major action sequences. While the Cougar was a respectable muscle car, it lacked the sophistication and gadgetry expected from a Bond vehicle. Its inclusion felt more like product placement than an intentional choice for a world-class spy.

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James Bond’s cars are just as iconic as his gadgets, suits, and signature martinis. Some became legends, defining the spy thriller aesthetic, while others felt more suited for a rental lot than a high stakes mission. Whether sleek and sophisticated or downright forgettable, each car left its mark on 007’s history. Which Bond car stands out to you as the ultimate classic, or the biggest misfire?

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.

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