In the 007: First Light reveal trailer, James Bond barrels down narrow mountain roads in a bright yellow Aston Martin, chasing a red Jaguar through dense forests, twisting curves, stone walls, tunnels, and even crashing through fences. The chase is intense and cinematic — full of near-misses and breakneck turns as Bond closes in on his target.
The location? Most likely Slovakia, based on road signs visible in the footage.
The mission? Still unclear — but here’s a theory: Bond might be pursuing 009, the rogue agent mentioned in the trailer, whom he previously tracked while infiltrating a European castle disguised as a butler. That same castle appears to host the Carpathian Invitations, a high-profile chess event glimpsed earlier in the trailer.
Given the direction and urgency of the chase, it seems likely that 009 is heading for a nearby airport, trying to escape before Bond can catch up.
But beyond the intensity of the moment, there’s something else that caught fans’ eyes — something unusual for Bond. The car.
Yellow, and Never Subtle
The bright yellow paintwork adds another layer of uniqueness. Yellow was not a standard factory color for the DBS in the late 1960s or early ’70s. However, one car made the shade iconic: a custom-painted DBS in “Bahama Yellow”, built specifically for The Persuaders! — flashy, unmistakable, and unlike anything else Aston Martin typically offered at the time.
From Lord Sinclair to 007
Photo: Goddard Automotive / Alamy Stock Photo
That particular DBS was driven by Lord Brett Sinclair, a suave British aristocrat in a cream suit and a velvet lifestyle — played by Roger Moore in the 1971 TV series The Persuaders!, just a few years before he took on the role of James Bond in Live and Let Die.
The car used in The Persuaders! was based on an early DBS, likely retrofitted with a V8 look — much like the yellow vehicle seen in the First Light trailer.
Under the Hood: What Made It Special
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 4.0 L inline-six (280–325 hp) |
| Transmission | 5-speed ZF manual |
| Brakes | Ventilated discs, power-assisted |
| Wheels | GKN alloy (V8-style) |
| Weight | ~1,700 kg |
| 0–100 km/h | Approx. 7.1 seconds |
| Top Speed | Approx. 225 km/h (140 mph) |
| Paint | Custom “Bahama Yellow” |
| License Plate | BS 1 (Brett Sinclair) |
The Persuaders! model has a well-documented backstory. It wasn’t a true V8, but visually represented one — with all the exterior flair of the engine it didn’t house. Restored meticulously, it remains one of Aston Martin’s most iconic single-use heritage cars.
Hidden Tech?
No gadgets have been revealed for the yellow DBS – yet. But Aston Martins in the Bond universe are rarely just cars. Over the years, they’ve featured an iconic array of spy tech, including:
- Ejector seat (Goldfinger, DB5)
- Tire spikes and rear-facing machine guns (The Living Daylights, V8 Vantage)
- Remote control driving (Tomorrow Never Dies, BMW 750iL – okay, not an Aston, but still impressive)
- Camouflage mode (Die Another Day, Vanquish)
- Miniguns behind headlights (No Time To Die, DB5)
- Missile launchers and EMP devices (No Time To Die, DBS Superleggera)
Whether the yellow DBS in First Light comes equipped with anything similar remains to be seen – but history certainly sets the bar high.
Why It Matters
007: First Light doesn’t just put Bond in a flashy car for show. This DBS is packed with meaning.
More than 50 years ago, a bright yellow Aston Martin DBS became famous on British television — driven by Lord Brett Sinclair, portrayed by Roger Moore, who would go on to become James Bond.
Now, decades later, Patrick Gibson’s Bond is behind the wheel — on the road to becoming 007.
Two men. Same car. Same moment in their journey.
Not the Bond car you expected. But then again, this isn’t the Bond you know — not yet.
One for the Future?
For those who prefer their Aston Martins a little more modern, there may be something in store. In the trailer, one scene shows a covered car inside Q’s lab — and while most of it is hidden, a glimpse of the unmistakable Aston Martin badge is visible on the front.
The silhouette suggests something sleek, aggressive, and futuristic — perhaps even reminiscent of the Aston Martin Valhalla, the marque’s mid-engine hybrid supercar first revealed in 2019. Could this be Bond’s next ride once he earns his 00-status?
Whatever lies under that cover, it’s clear that 007: First Light is playing with contrasts — past and future, heritage and innovation.
