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James Bond's Aston Martin DB10 sells for $3.5 million

We expect the person that just paid 2,434,500 pounds ($3.48 million at current exchange rates) for James Bond's Aston Martin DB10 from Spectre enjoyed a stiff martini after writing the check to Christies. The sale price shattered the original estimate of at least $1.4 million. The proceeds from the coupe's auction went to Medecins sans Frontieres, and the movie's memorabilia brought a total of 2,785,500 pounds ($3.98 million) for charities. Aston Martin made just 10 examples of the DB10 to shoot Spectre, but the crew modified most of them to film the movie's stunts. This was one of two that the production left untouched. It's also the first DB10 available for sale to the public, and actor Daniel Craig signed the car. The DB10 features a carbon-fiber body that's perfect for the world's best known secret agent, and underneath the beautiful design, these cars have the platform, 4.7-liter V8, and six-speed manual gearbox from a V8 Vantage. Even though they use production-based parts, Aston Martin doesn't certify the DB10s for public roads. However, we presume the new owner has a sprawling estate to enjoy his or her purchase. Related Video:

Watch Prodrive build an Aston Martin race car in 60 seconds

It's always fascinating to watch a racecar's production whether the construction is out of Lego blocks or a cutting-edge mix of aluminum and carbon fiber. This time-lapse clip offers a glimpse of the latter as Prodrive creates an Aston Martin V8 Vantage GTE in just 60 seconds. The process took nearly three weeks in real time. Starting from just a bare shell, you first notice bits of wiring, suspension, and brakes appear on the chassis. Then the engine eventually arrives, but there's still a lot of work to do. The builders keep adding body panels and do lots of other wrenching. The process reminds us of building a plastic model kit but with much more expensive consequences if parts go missing. The #98 Vantage GTE will compete in the GTE Am class this season in the FIA World Endurance Championship. Drivers Paul Dalla Lana, Pedro Lamy, and Mathias Lauda are the lucky folks who get to pilot this beauty.

Aston Martin Vantage and DBS Superleggera 007 Editions are shaken and stirred

We're 25 movies into the James Bond franchise at this point and it's well established that 007 has developed an unhealthy taste for Aston Martins. To wit, the upcoming film "No Time To Die", says the British motoring company, "will be released around the world in November 2020 and will feature no fewer than four iconic Aston Martin sports cars: the iconic DB5; the classic Aston Martin V8; the brand’s latest super GT,  DBS Superleggera; and the exceptional Aston Martin Valhalla." To herald the occasion, Aston Martin has rolled out two new 007 Editions. We'll start with the Vantage 007 Edition, which is inspired by the Aston Martin V8 from 1987's "The Living Daylights." Cumberland Grey paint joins a unique mesh grille with chrome bezel, a dashed yellow diffuser that the automaker says is "inspired by the hazard stripes on the film carÂ’s rockets" and sun visors with an embroidered radio station frequency of 96.60 FM, which will make sense to diehard Bond fans. A series of optional mock weapons, ski racks, and faux bullet holes round out the package. Aston Martin's flagship DBS Superleggera also gets a 007 Edition. Only 25 will be produced, each in Ceramic Grey highlighted by a black carbon fiber roof, mirror caps, splitter, diffuser and rear Aeroblade. Bond-specific emblems join unique 21-inch wheels and an interior finished in black leather with red accents. Want one? Aston Martin is currently taking orders, with deliveries expected in the first quarter of 2021. Related Video: