This year is an exciting one for James Bond enthusiasts and car aficionados alike. It celebrates the 60th anniversary of the iconic film Goldfinger, which prominently featured two legendary British cars: the Rolls-Royce Phantom III, used by the villain for his gold smuggling scheme, and 007’s Aston Martin DB5, now one of the world’s most famous vehicles.
Aston Martin, well aware of this milestone, is marking it with a special 60-unit release of the DB12 Goldfinger Edition.
True to its heritage, the DB12 Goldfinger Edition is painted in the classic Silver Birch, mirroring the DB5. Naturally, gold accents play a role in the design, embellishing the side strakes and various interior details (more on those below).
While Aston Martin didn’t go for fully gold wheels, the 21-inch rims have a refined silver-plated, multi-spoke design reminiscent of the DB5’s wheels – minus any tire shredders. Additional touches include “enameled script badges” that honor the original Goldfinger DB5’s iconic branding.
Inside the car, there are both understated and bold nods to Goldfinger. Unique tread plates commemorate the film’s 60th anniversary, designed with a Prince of Wales pattern – a subtle tribute to Sean Connery’s gray three-piece suit from the movie.
The same pattern is perforated into the fluted seats, along with details on the door panels and headliner that evoke the DB5’s classic styling.
Aston Martin didn’t stop there; one of the most intricate references is an embroidered eight of hearts on the driver’s sun visor.
For those who may need a refresher, this card played a key role in Goldfinger, appearing in a game of gin rummy that Goldfinger’s opponent played while being observed by Jill Masterson, Goldfinger’s assistant, through binoculars.
Additional gold accents are strategically incorporated throughout the cabin. The precious metal is woven into the 2×2 Twill Carbon Fiber trim and applied to the roller controllers for various car functions, as well as the rotary drive mode dial.
It also graces the etched gear lever for the ZF eight-speed automatic transmission, which is paired with the DB12’s robust 670-horsepower 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8.
Aston Martin has taken an obscure nod here too – designing the lever to resemble the magnetic tracking device that 007 planted on Goldfinger’s Rolls-Royce.
For dedicated fans, Aston Martin has added several collector’s items with each DB12 Goldfinger Edition, including a “rare piece of Goldfinger celluloid film, a custom car cover, a luxury key box with Silver Birch Speed Form, and one of 60 limited-edition golden magazines.”
Buyers also receive a bespoke Silver Birch Globetrotter GT suitcase with a Prince of Wales check fabric lining, containing a limited-edition bottle of Bollinger Champagne.
And while there’s no word on whether the DB12 Goldfinger Edition will feature a working ejector seat, one can only imagine Aston Martin’s response: “Shocking. Positively shocking.”
