This may be a case for Bond, James Bond. A 1965 Aston Martin DB5 Vantage has been stolen in broad daylight in Wilmslow, England, about 30 minutes south of Manchester. The car went missing July 18.
The silver car is synonymous with James Bond films, having been driving by Sean Connery in the 1964 movie “Goldfinger”, among other Bond films. It’s so popular with enthusiasts that Aston Martin recently began producing the DB5 Continuation Car based on the one in the film. The luxury automaker is also releasing a new Bond-themed Vantage and DBS Superleggera.
The missing car was registered with a “HJB 753C” numberplate.Photo courtesy of AX
Anti-fraud and theft specialist AX has launched an appeal for the safe return of the missing DB5 to its rightful owner.
There are currently only a few hundred DB5s left in the world. Seeing one is a rarity. The public is being encouraged to report any sightings of the vehicle, which went missing when parked on Hawthorn Lane in the Wilmslow area of Cheshire. Anyone with information which leads to the safe recovery of the vehicle could receive a reward of £1,000.
The owner of the Aston Martin has given the DB5 a unique appearance. In addition to its usual kit, it has a yellow-tinted front fog light and “vintage” badging on its side panels.
Director of Investigative Services at AX, Neil Thomas, said: “This is a highly unusual theft in broad daylight and one we felt is of national significance. Old and young people alike have an affiliation with this classic motor which will forever be synonymous with James Bond.
The model has a unique yellow fog light.Photo courtesy of AX
“This vehicle certainly stands out and we are keen to preserve a little piece of British history and hope for its safe return. The DB5’s official chassis number, DB5/2058/R, is specific to the vehicle and we want to hear from anyone who has knowledge of its location. That is why we launched this appeal to help find this iconic car. You may even know the person who took the vehicle – we ask that you do the right thing and get in touch.
“Our AX Protect service advises all clients to install covert security devices. Unfortunately this vehicle did not have one, but we also rely on our many years of experience and expertise to trace and recover vehicles, and this time we are calling on the British public to lend their support and find this national treasure DB5.”
Members of the public who have any information about the suspected theft can click here. That could include CCTV or dashcam footage, photographs of the vehicle, or even a simple sighting of the DB5. A reward is being offered for verified information leading to its safe return.
