As any true James Bond aficionado will happily testify, rather than titillating moviegoers with wanton violence or low-cut cleavages, the truly pornographic content of the 007 franchise comes in the form of its sleek, sexed-up supercars, vehicles that give a whole new meaning to auto erotica. Of late, the most car-horny of these sultry saloons has been the bespoke, midnight-blue Aston Martin 2014 Centenary Edition Vanquish currently owned by Daniel Craig, the premium Bond du jours.
Imagine then the erotic frisson occasioned among fans when this particular Bond buggy was announced as the centrepiece of Exception, a unique, one-off auction event staged by Christie’s New York earlier this year. With its inevitable ‘007’ number plate and the added bonus of a Craig-signed plaque, the road-ready ‘mint condition’ car was initially tipped to go for US$400,000 but, in the end, the winning bid – courtesy of an anonymous buyer topped US$468,500.
Upping the vehicle’s coveted quotient even higher is the fact that the ‘Centenary Edition’ is strictly limited to only a 100 cars, with each boasting a unique graduated paint finish and sterling silver Aston Martin wings. This particular Aston Martin Centenary Edition Vanquish was further customised based on Daniel Craig’s personal preferences; hence, the deep-blue, hand-stitched leather interiors – keeping in mind the actor’s favourite colours, a leather box of accessories, including Bang & Olufsen earphones in leather pouch, silver Aston Martin cufflinks and a silver roller-ball pen.
All proceeds went to The Opportunity Network, a charity dedicated giving a fresh chance to disadvantaged youngsters across the US, an initiative supported by both Craig and Rachel Weisz, his British-born actress wife.
Text: Suchetana Mukhopadhyay