If we were the type to indulge in bad puns, we’d make more than a few stating that Bond’s BMW 750iL from Tomorrow Never Dies is the ultimate Q-ship. After all, it was built by a man named Q, and like the World War II ships that inspired the term, it’s rather dignified exterior hides a massive amount of firepower. Modifications include a cutting cable mounted behind the front emblem and a caltrop dispenser in the rear, but the highlight of this Beemer is the assortment of missiles mounted in the car’s sunroof.

Bond Cars

Toyota 2000GT

Japan’s first true exotic car established itself on the world stage thanks to its appearance in You Only Live Twice. Toyota’s 2000GT remains a highly sought-after collectable thanks to its tactile lines, technologically advanced powertrain and incredibly limited production run. The 2000GT seen in the Bond film is even more of a collectable -- and not just because of its gadget list.

The 2000GT was only offered as a hardtop coupe, but Toyota created two convertible versions of the 2000GT just for the film. While Bond didn’t actually drive the car himself (he was chauffeured by Bond girl Aki), this Toyota can be considered a car custom-built for the man: The only reason Toyota chopped off the roof was because Bond actor Sean Connery couldn’t fit in the standard coupe.

“Vanish” might be a more accurate name for this Aston Martin. Seen in Die Another Day, this British machine packs a cloaking device seemingly ripped right off a Klingon Bird of Prey. And if that reference makes the car seem too nerdy, the car’s V12 engine, grille-mounted missiles and fender-mounted machine guns instantly remind all that this Aston Martin is one dangerous ride.

Bond Cars

Aston Martin Vanquish

Lotus Esprit

Should you point out an Aston Martin DB5 to the casual observer, you’ll likely get a response along the lines of, “Oh, that’s nice.” Point out a Lotus Esprit, on the other hand, and the first thing you’ll hear is, “That’s the car that turned into a submarine!” So while the DB5 may be quintessential classic Bond car, it’s the wedge-shaped Esprit from The Spy Who Loved Me that is arguably one of the most famous and iconic of all of James Bond’s rides.

Bond Cars

Though we associate the man with European rides, one of the greatest Bond vehicles ever is the AMC Hornet from The Man With the Golden Gun. No missiles, rocket boosters or ejector seats in this piece of American iron, just 360 cubic inches of pure muscle.

Bond Cars

Much like the man himself, the modern Bond car abandons gadgetry in favor of focused, athletic performance. 007’s current car, the Aston Martin DBS, is the mechanical machination of elegantly brutal performance. With its gunmetal skin and carbon fiber trim, this ride conveys both refinement and intelligent strength, and it does so without the need to resort to laser-guided missiles.

While this DBS may lack the toys that made the old Bond cars fun, it certainly is no slouch. This is a capable machine that can tackle a twisty Alpine road just as confidently as it can tour grandly through Europe. The car’s 510 horsepower V12 also gives it the ability to give unwanted company the slip in less time than it takes for a glitchy cloaking device to activate.