Ok so it’s 2015 already and this year is going to get busy with new cars being launched plus the release of the new James Bond movie-Spectre. Everyone loves a Bond movie and have done since the first one was made back in the 1960’s. Who would have thought they’d be still making them now.
We have seen several actors play the James Bond character on screen and I know they’re all cool, sophisticated and good looking men and these specially trained secret service men can only drive one vehicle. A sleek, sexy & powerful car.
Aston Martin has been the popular choice for Bond himself and the first one to be used was the Aston DB5 in the 1964 film Goldfinger, starring the cool Scotsman Sean Connery. The film makers have gone on to use other sports cars throughout the years from Alfa Romeo’s, a Lincoln Continental, a Ford Mondeo (yes that’s correct, Casino Royale), Land Rover, Lotus plus a few others, but the recent movies with the brilliant Daniel Craig, an Aston Martin has been the choice each time. We can’t blame them as the car is perfect for the Bond character. You can’t imagine this sophisticated, cool, hard man driving a Vauxhall or a Volvo, can you?
Now enough about Bond himself. Lets look at the DB 10. The car is a modern day interpretation of the DB 5 that was originally seen in the Goldfinger film but has obviously had 50 years of modernisation to re-vamp it from its grille which is smoother and less pronounced-but still has that total aggression when you see it approaching-all the way to its 4.7 litre V8 engine with the expected Aston roar. We love this new Aston, but then again we don’t think Aston have ever failed (apart from the Cygnet, and that’s not really counted in the Aston range..Sorry Aston), they seem to get it right every time. Aston Martin we salute you.
Aston Martin DB10 Overview
The Aston Martin DB10 is a one-of-a-kind vehicle created exclusively for the 2015 James Bond film, Spectre. While not officially available to the public, the DB10 represents a significant chapter in Aston Martin’s design evolution, previewing the future direction of the brand’s styling and engineering. Produced in limited numbers, the DB10 was a rare showcase of bespoke craftsmanship and high-performance capabilities, serving as a visual and technological inspiration for future Aston Martin models, particularly the DB11.
Design and Development
The Aston Martin DB10 was designed by Marek Reichman, Aston Martin’s Chief Creative Officer, with the goal of creating a car fit for the world’s most famous secret agent. The DB10 featured sleek, aggressive lines, embodying Aston Martin’s signature combination of elegance and performance. With only 10 units produced, it was built exclusively for the film, making it a collector’s dream. Its design is characterised by its wide stance, low profile, and muscular wheel arches, which give the car a powerful, predatory look.
Chassis and Drivetrain
While the DB10 is visually unique, it shares its underpinnings with the V8 Vantage, utilising the same platform and mechanical components. It is powered by a 4.7-litre naturally aspirated V8 engine, producing around 430 horsepower. This engine is paired with a six-speed manual gearbox, which allows for an engaging driving experience, maintaining Aston Martin’s reputation for building driver-focused grand tourers.
The DB10’s handling is refined and precise, owing to its lightweight construction and finely-tuned suspension system. The car’s chassis is composed of bonded aluminium, which provides strength and rigidity without adding excessive weight, contributing to its dynamic on-road performance.
Performance
Though designed primarily for cinematic use, the DB10 still delivers exceptional performance. With its 4.7-litre V8 engine, the DB10 can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in around 4.3 seconds, with a top speed of approximately 190 mph. The combination of a powerful V8 engine and rear-wheel-drive layout ensures that the DB10 offers the exhilarating driving experience that Aston Martin is known for.
Driving Experience
While no DB10 was sold to the public, reports from those who drove the car indicated that it provides an exciting and immersive driving experience. The manual transmission, coupled with the naturally aspirated V8, offers a more analogue, visceral connection to the car. Its balanced chassis, low centre of gravity, and sophisticated suspension system enable precise cornering and confident handling, making it both fun to drive on twisty roads and stable at high speeds.
Interior and Features
The interior of the DB10, much like its exterior, was tailored for James Bond. The cabin features premium materials, such as leather and carbon fibre, with a focus on simplicity and elegance. It has a minimalistic, driver-focused design, in line with the no-nonsense nature of a spy vehicle. The instrument cluster and controls are laid out to maximise ease of use, with a clear emphasis on performance.
As the DB10 was built for film use, some of the cars were equipped with special effects gadgets for action scenes in Spectre. However, the core design of the interior followed traditional Aston Martin craftsmanship, blending luxury and sportiness.
Legacy
The Aston Martin DB10 holds a special place in the brand’s history, not only because of its association with James Bond but also due to its influence on subsequent models. The DB10 served as a precursor to the DB11, Aston Martin’s next production grand tourer, which adopted much of the DB10’s design language, including its sharper, more aggressive lines and futuristic aesthetic.
In addition to its role in shaping the future of Aston Martin design, the DB10 is a rare collector’s item. Only two of the 10 cars produced were sold to the public through charity auctions, with one fetching over £2.4 million. The remaining cars are either retained by Aston Martin or were used in the making of Spectre.
The Aston Martin DB10 is a unique and important vehicle in Aston Martin’s lineage. Although not available for mass production, its design, performance, and exclusive status as a Bond car have made it an iconic symbol of the brand’s enduring appeal. The DB10 was more than just a movie car; it was a statement of intent, previewing the future of Aston Martin’s design philosophy while celebrating its past.
Despite being created primarily for the silver screen, the DB10 has left a lasting legacy, influencing subsequent models and remaining a significant piece of automotive history.
Aston DB Number plates
Aston Martin is to release the new DB 10 this year in time for the new movie, Spectre, and we are very much looking forward to this. Daniel Craig is by far the best Bond. He has it all. The toughness you’d expect from a Secret service man. He’s cool, suave and good looking to boot, which makes him very easy on the eye for all the ladies.
See our selected range of DB Registration Numbers for sale at The Private Plate Company