The James Bond actor who never drove an Aston Martin during his tenure as 007 was Sir Roger Moore.
Sir Roger Moore, who portrayed James Bond in seven feature films, uniquely never got behind the wheel of an Aston Martin throughout his extensive run as the iconic secret agent. This sets him apart from every other actor who has officially played James Bond.
Roger Moore's Stint as 007 and His Iconic Rides
Roger Moore's portrayal of James Bond, spanning from 1973's Live and Let Die to 1985's A View to a Kill, featured a diverse array of vehicles, often showcasing cutting-edge gadgets and dramatic stunts. While his tenure introduced many memorable cars and modes of transport, an Aston Martin was conspicuously absent from his garage.
Instead of the classic British marque, Moore's Bond was famously associated with other distinctive vehicles, including:
- The Lotus Esprit S1 (famously transforming into a submarine) in The Spy Who Loved Me.
- A Bell 206 JetRanger helicopter in For Your Eyes Only.
- The AMC Hornet X in The Man with the Golden Gun.
- Various other cars, boats, and even a space shuttle, but no Aston Martin.
Aston Martin: A Core Element of the Bond Legacy
The Aston Martin is arguably the most iconic car associated with James Bond, first appearing with Sean Connery's Bond in Goldfinger (1964) with the legendary DB5. It quickly became synonymous with Bond's sophistication, power, and high-tech capabilities.
Here's a quick look at how other Bond actors have embraced the Aston Martin legacy:
| Actor | First Aston Martin Model Driven | Notable Films Featuring Aston Martins |
|---|---|---|
| Sean Connery | DB5 | Goldfinger, Thunderball |
| George Lazenby | DBS | On Her Majesty's Secret Service |
| Roger Moore | N/A | Never drove an Aston Martin during his 7 films. |
| Timothy Dalton | V8 Vantage | The Living Daylights |
| Pierce Brosnan | DB5, Vanquish | GoldenEye, Tomorrow Never Dies, Die Another Day |
| Daniel Craig | DBS V12, DB10, Valhalla | Casino Royale, Quantum of Solace, Spectre, No Time To Die |
The Enduring Appeal of Bond Vehicles
While the Aston Martin holds a special place, the James Bond franchise is known for showcasing a wide range of incredible vehicles, each contributing to the films' action and allure. Beyond the Astons, other notable vehicles include:
- BMW Z3, 750iL, Z8: Featured during Pierce Brosnan's era.
- Lotus Esprit: As driven by Roger Moore.
- Wetbikes and other custom-built gadgets: Enhancing the unique appeal of Bond's transport.
The choice of vehicles often reflects the era and the specific tone of each Bond film, but the Aston Martin remains a powerful symbol of 007's enduring legacy, making Roger Moore's detachment from the marque a curious and distinctive part of his Bond history.
