License to Make a Killing: Aston Martin Announces DB12 Goldfinger
Aston Martin is hoping it has the Midas touch as it launches a run of 60 Goldfinger edition DB12s to mark 60 years since the 007 movie first hit theaters.
Back in 1964 it was a gadget-laden DB5 that Q handed Bond the keys to. “Ejector seat? You’re joking!” quipped 007. “I never joke about my work, 007,” replied the taciturn technician. Fast forward six decades and the latest limited edition DB12 has been equipped by Aston Martin’s in-house Q branch to include 21-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels, black brake calipers, gold side strakes and a special black and silver badge. A unique chrome Q badge completes the exterior treatment.
Moving inside the leather Sports Plus seats have a DB5-like fluted trim with a Prince of Wales check pattern, which also features on the door panels and head liner. A sill plaque features a Goldfinger 60th anniversary logo and there’s an eight of hearts embroidered into the driver’s sun visor as an extra Easter Egg for Bond fans.
There’s gold galore, of course, with 18k plating for the drive mode selector, roller controls and notched gear selector which is modeled on the tracking device used by 007. Finally, there’s also a golden weave in the carbon fiber trim. Auric Goldfinger would surely approve. “This is gold, Mr. Bond. All my life I’ve been in love with its color… its brilliance, its divine heaviness,” he said.
DB12 Goldfinger Edition buyers will also receive a selection of special accessories including a custom car cover and key presentation box, plus a silver birch speedform model. In addition each car will come with a section of the iconic Furka Pass scene in Goldfinger in 35mm film, and a golden limited edition Aston Martin magazine, presented in a Globe-Trotter attaché case.
Mechanically nothing changes but the four-liter twin-turbo 680-hp V-8 still has more than enough performance for a decent car chase. Although considerably more affordable than Aston’s $4.3M DB5 Goldfinger continuation cars, if all 60 editions sell for an estimated $300,000 apiece than it’ll still be quite the gold rush for the British sports car maker.
As both a Bond fan and appreciator of the DB5, I look at this and say, “Meh”. Give me a good DB5 any day (with a proper gearbox and selector, please).
Agreed. I’d rather have a DB5. Goldfinger edition would properly be only a DB5.
From a marketing standpoint I have to question Astons decision to produce a gold car with a Q badge. Seems like asking for trouble unless they don’t intend to offer them in the states.
It’s just another avenue to cash in on A-M’s Bond connection.
Their cars have always been overpriced, and now, with another “frills” edition, it shows that they’re on the wrong path to financial profitability.
I’d rather be with the Bond Girls!
Malcolm Novar……. Ditto!
Ummm, have you guys considered that those ladies are now mostly in their geriatric years? Not that there’s anything wrong with that! 😁
Dub – Yes but, we all assume that is when they were all in their prime. As for me I’m not that greedy. Instead of a tacky gold Aston make it a more subdued and tasteful copper colored…Moneypenny