Should you be seeking to make a big impression this Christmas on the ‘smaller’ members of your family, then how about an opportunity to own one of the most famous cars in the world which, for the first time, is becoming available as a Junior version?
Legendary luxury car brand Aston Martin has announced that it is collaborating with The Little Car Company – world leader in producing exceptional junior cars in partnership with the most elite car manufacturers – to create the Aston Martin DB5 Junior, an unparalleled electric two-thirds scale version of the brand’s most iconic car.
With only 1059 vehicles being built, there will be exactly the same number of DB5 Juniors as there were of the original DB5 which, when it launched in 1963, became an instant international hit, winning critical acclaim and propelling Aston Martin onto the global stage like never before.
By far the most famous of the original owners was none other than the world’s best-know secret agent, James Bond, who first drove the car in the 1964 film, Goldfinger. Since this time, 007 has become inextricably linked with the brand and, to celebrate the relationship, earlier this year Aston Martin unveiled the inaugural DB5 Goldfinger Continuation car, a limited run of 25 customer cars featuring working gadgets familiar to fans of the film that would make Q proud!
As for the DB5 Junior, at 3 metres long and 1.1 metres wide it has been designed to easily accommodate an adult and child side by side, and has a top speed of 30 mph. The Aston Martin wings, shield and DB5 badges are the same as the original 1963 model, and the same Smiths clock sits proudly in front of the passenger seat. Other Smiths instruments have been updated for the modern era, such as the fuel gauge which here is a battery meter.
In true DB5 style, the Junior comes in the famous Silver Birch colour as standard, with a full black leather interior and carpet – although, as one would expect, owners are invited to customise their cars with a range of exterior and interior colours from both the heritage and contemporary palettes.
Two versions are available, the DB5 Junior and the elite DB5 Vantage Junior. Echoing the Vantage version of the original DB5, this model offers a performance upgrade, taking the pace up a level with a fourth driving mode. The Vantage also features a lightweight carbon fibre body and second battery pack.
Every DB5 Junior owner will receive automatic membership of the respected Aston Martin Owners Club, and three complete registers of the individual specification of all 1059 vehicles will be created for future provenance and authenticity. One copy will be held at Aston Martin’s Gaydon Headquarters, one at Aston Martin Works in Newport Pagnell (where the original DB5s were built) and one at The Little Car Company’s headquarters.
In addition, owners will receive complimentary membership of The Little Car Club allowing them to take part in exclusive events where they, their children and grandchildren can drive their DB5 Juniors on the most prestigious racetracks.
Pricing for the DB5 Junior begins at £35,000 (plus local taxes) and for the DB5 Vantage Junior £45,000 (plus local taxes).
Prospective buyers are invited to request a build slotand will be contacted by The Little Car Company with availability. A fully refundable deposit is required. Existing Aston Martin DB5 owners will be given first refusal on their DB5 Junior chassis number to match their full size car. Production commences in the UK next year.