In the early avant-garde Sean Connery days of 007, before BMW had it’s brief marketing director “boy hood fantasy dream explosion” as the automotive brand of choice for her majesty’s best, iconic British car manufacturer, Aston Martin, traditionally provided Bonds’ wheels. Goldfinger (1964) introduced a secret agent spec DB5 that would set a lasting precedent for theoretical automobile engineering. Currently recognized internationally by its registration number, FMP-7B, this 1964 Aston is the single remaining Bond DB5 in the world.

“Originally loaned to EON Productions for the filming of the two Bond movies, the DB5 was returned to the Aston Martin Lagonda factory and then, in 1969, sold to Mr. Jerry Lee, an American radio broadcaster based in Philadelphia, for $12,000…It has remained in his possession and has rarely been seen publicly over the past 40+ years.”

On June 26, 2010, the car’s premier 21st century appearance took place at the Bond-themed Midsummer Classic/Thunderball concours and black-tie reception at Stoke Park Club, near London; FMP-7B surely made a compelling showcase to prospective buyers. Car enthusiasts are speculated to bid up to $5m at  the annual Sotheby’s ‘Automobiles of London’ event at the Battersea Evolution venue on October 27, 2010. Mr. Lee will use the proceeds from the sale of FMP-7B to support his multi-national poverty and crime prevention charity, The Jerry Lee Foundation. Who would’ve thought that a series of wild theoretical automotive evasive-defense tools would ever amount to such a charitable donation?

As if the beautiful design, and engaging stock mechanics of an Aston Martin weren’t enough, Mi6 engineer, “Q”, cleverly fashioned an emergency ejector passenger seat for undesirable passengers, bullet-proof shield, oil slick sprayer, nail-spreader, smoke screen, tracker map, machine guns, tire shredder for pursuing vehicles, and a revolving license plate for the suspecting authorities. All of this was controlled from factory installed toggles and switches hidden in the center arm-rest. For years, this was too fanciful for real life automotive integration. That is, until a determined Russian-American venture capitalist came to the doors of Brabus with an idea for what became known as the Brabus 6.1.

A 2002 S-Class Mercedes-Benz sporting 730-hp by way of a bi-turbo V12 power train was designed for individuals demanding luxury transportation with enhanced performance, and tactical features. For example, defensive evasive and preemptive danger-containment subsystems for unexpected emergencies such as attempted armed carjacking, high-speed chases, random violence, natural disasters, surveillance and counter-surveillance. Sean Connery may be having a cheese and wine picnic with an Eastern European KGB super model while enjoying the curb appeal of his 1964 Aston in the grass hills of Northern Scotland, and Jason Statham may be Hollywood road-side wandering in his A8 W-12. However, others like Larry King, and Arnold Schwarzenegger commonly use the 6.1 for secure transport to the production studio, and California State Capitol Building.

The 6.1 takes the innovation of FMP-7B to a whole new level. It will effectively neutralize any wireless signal up to 50 meters away that renders all electronic eavesdropping or remote explosive detonation devices entirely useless. In addition to disrupting the WIFI of every business in sight, sensors detect and warn of magnetic fields indicating the presence of any bomb that might be placed near the vehicle. Also, warnings will be issued if the doors, or trunk have been opened since the vehicle was parked. This is all before you’ve even touched the accelerator.

While driving, anti laser technology enables the 6.1 to drive electronically invisible with blacked-out exterior lighting and a Raytheon night vision system integrating front and rear-mounted cameras that allow for “stealth mode” driving. Finally, as if this weren’t sufficient enough, the rear window mounted high intensity flashing strobe lights discourage uninvited pursuers; while oil slick sprayers, and smoke screen dispensers poke out beneath the rear bumper (setting the stage for a slippery pursuit around any stretch of road). The pace car styled red, white, and blue flashing strobes and a traffic-light preemption system contribute to safe getaways assisted with a PA system, and sirens. Body panels are reinforced with military helicopter-grade armor padding (protection equivalent to steel armor), and bullet proof glass (capable of resisting the round of a .44 caliber Magnum). Considering that for $5m, you might sneak away with the classic Aston, or for $325,000.00 you would otherwise be looking at a stock Phantom, this all sounds pretty cool for the gentleman with too much to lose.

Getaway clean, gents.
A.M.C.