James Bond's Aston Martin up for sale

[Mitsuhide Akechi]

James Bond's Aston Martin up for sale
Posted: 03 June 2010 0835 hrs
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Aston Martin DB5 from 'Goldfinger'. </td> </tr> <tr> <td></td> <td class="update"></td> </tr> <tr> <td></td> <td>
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LONDON : James Bond's famous Aston Martin car from the films "Goldfinger" and "Thunderball" is expected to raise more than five million dollars when it goes on sale, auctioneers said Wednesday.

The 1964 Aston Martin DB5 was driven by Sean Connery when he played the fictional British spy.

The customised car, which had the original British registration number FMP 7B, is one of two and the sole remaining DB5 featured in "Goldfinger" (1964) and "Thunderball" (1965).

It is expected to raise more than 3.5 million pounds (5.1 million dollars, 4.2 million euros) when it is sold by RM Auctions in London on October 27.

Bond's motor has around 30,000 miles (50,000 kilometres) on the clock.

"This authentic Bond movie car is factory-fitted with the full complement of operational 'Q-Branch' gadgets," RM said.

They include machine guns, a bullet-proof shield, revolving number plates, a tracking device, a removable roof panel, an oil slick sprayer, a nail spreader and a smoke screen.

The gadgets are controlled by "toggles and switches hidden in the centre arm-rest".

Its US owner, Pennsylvania broadcaster Jerry Lee, bought the car for 12,000 dollars in 1969 and hopes the sale will raise money for his charitable foundation.

"The James Bond car has brought me much enjoyment for some 40 years," he said.

"The car will continue to give me great pleasure as it furthers the mission of the foundation to do good around the world."

- AFP/il