5 James Bond Cars You Can Afford in 2023 Will Have You Feeling Like a Superspy
James Bond films feature opulence, excitement, and luxury cars aplenty. However, most of the wild rides the British superspy piloted over the years are utterly unobtainable on an average pay scale. Don’t fret, Bond fans. Let’s check out five James Bond cars that won’t break the bank, like the 1996 BMW Z3 and 1964 ½ Ford Mustang.
How many James Bond cars are there?
There are 25 films in the “Eon” series of Bond films. And, as you would expect, each movie sported a flashy, eye-catching collection of cars. They’re no boring lot, either. Bond has driven everything from classic DB5s to the ultra-sleek DB10.
Still, not every car in Bond’s repertoire has to be a bank-buster. Some vehicles, like the commonplace BMW Z3, are as wallet-friendly as they were screen-ready.
- 1996 BMW Z3
- 1964 ½ Ford Mustang
- 1997 BMW 740iL
- 2002 Ford Thunderbird
- 2007 Aston Martin DBS
Which James Bond drove a BMW Z3?
Pierce Brosnan drove a 1996 BMW Z3 in the movie, “Goldeneye.” While the little BMW roadster might seem underwhelming for the jet-setting superspy, the Z3 represents one of the most affordable ways for fans to get a James Bond car.
That’s right; the base roadster has a fair purchase price of around $6,441. What’s better, it’s a fraction of what you would spend on a Z8 or classic Aston Martin.
Was the 1964 ½ Ford Mustang a James Bond car?
The 1964 ½ Ford Mustang Convertible appeared in the 1964 film, “Goldfinger.” While Sean Connery didn’t himself drive the Mustang, the white pony car was a sight to see racing around Alpine roads alongside James Bond’s 1964 Aston Martin DB5.
Better yet, the sheer volume of Mustangs that Ford built in its first year of production means the average price of a 1964 ½ Coupe is around $29,688, much less than a comparable first-generation Fastback or rarer classic car.
Pierce Brosnan drove a BMW 740iL in ‘Tomorrow Never Dies,’ and you can, too
You read that right; the supposed 750iL in “Tomorrow Never Dies” is a rebadged 1997 BMW 740iL, per Bond Lifestyle. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, though. The 740iL might not pack the 750iL’s V12, but the long-wheelbase luxury car’s 4.4L V8 is no slouch.
Moreover, the wheels of time have sent the 740iL to the depreciation station. According to Kelley Blue Book, a 1997 BMW 740iL has a fair value of around $3,402 with average mileage. Still, a model with about 50,000 miles has a value of closer to $5,109, quite the bargain. Just make sure you budget for maintenance.
How much is a 2002 Ford Thunderbird?
The 2002 Ford Thunderbird has a fair purchase price of $11,609. However, that value reflects the market average mileage of 109,053, probably more than you’ll want in your drop-top cruiser. A lower mileage example can easily exceed $20,000.
Better yet, Halle Berry’s character Jinx drives up to an Icelandic palace in a Thunderbird in the 2002 film, “Die Another Day.” As a result, Bond fans can get their hands on a movie-famous car for much less than the Aston Martin Vanquish from the film. Still, the Thunderbird’s lazy 3.9L V8 and unimpressive interior are a point of contention for car enthusiasts. Of course, the Thunderbird isn’t a muscle car; it’s a bold boulevard cruiser.
An Aston Martin DBS could be more affordable than you think
Ah, the car just about any James Bond fan would want: an Aston Martin. Well, the Aston Martin Vanquish or DB5 from legacy 007 films might be unobtainable, but the DBS from “Casino Royale” isn’t that crippling.
Specifically, the DBS has a typical listing price of about $42,327, much less than the quirky Z8 from “The World Is Not Enough.” Of course, keeping the taut, V12-powered GT car on the road won’t have Ford Mustang maintenance costs.
Would you take any of these film cars home? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
