Unusual Aston Martin DB9: A Tribute to 007 with a Corvette Engine
For decades, James Bond has driven a wide variety of cars. He has driven Bentleys, BMWs, Toyotas, and even Triumphs. However, no brand is as closely associated with him as Aston Martin. But even the modifications Q made to these cars were not as real and crazy as what we have here. This is a real, driving DB9 with a V8 engine from a Corvette and real flamethrowers in the grille.
From British Grand Tourer to Movie Attraction
Built by Conquer Custom workshop in Tampa, Florida, this 2006 DB9 started its life as a fairly traditional British grand tourer. But somewhere along the way, someone decided that ‘tradition’ was simply not enough. It’s unclear whether this happened before or after the accident that turned this Aston Martin into a ‘total loss,’ but in any case, the workshop turned it into a true tribute to 007. The final result looks like Bond’s service car spent too much time on car forums.
The Heart of the Car: LS3 V8 Instead of V12
The biggest change hides under the hood. The original naturally aspirated 5.9-liter V12 from Aston Martin is gone. It has been replaced by a 6.2-liter LS3 V8 with a mild camshaft, special intake, long-tube headers, and Holley electronics. Power is sent back through a four-speed 4L65E automatic transmission from a Corvette. Purists will undoubtedly have strong feelings about that sentence. But let’s be realistic, nobody here is too worried about the transmission. After all, if it had three pedals, the driver wouldn’t have a free hand for tricks.
Real Flamethrowers and Other ‘Gadgets’
Behind the grille, a linear actuator tilts the front panel forward, revealing twin mini-gun-like constructs. They are not weapons, of course, but they run on propane and oxygen from tanks mounted in the trunk and shoot real flames. You might assume that an Aston Martin with an LS engine would be enough. The owner obviously did not think so, and yes, there are even more devices here.
Interior and Other Features
The car is also equipped with smoke bombs mounted at the rear for dramatic escapes, a special digital display with 007 graphics, and a switch panel in the cabin that looks more like a movie prop than factory equipment. The interior is upholstered in black Alcantara, a Bluetooth audio system has been added, and the original climate controls remain, although the air conditioning compressor now operates via a separate manual toggle switch.
This is not the only oddity. The windshield wipers no longer work, the horn is activated from the dashboard, and the seller notes that fuel must be poured in slowly. Again, this is a salvaged car. It is far from perfect, but also extremely unique. At the time of writing, someone has already agreed to spend at least $38,250 on it. Would you dare?
This project demonstrates how far enthusiasts can go in turning a damaged car into a true work of art, combining cinematic heritage with modern technical solutions. While many may criticize the loss of the original V12 engine, it is these unconventional approaches that create cars that are remembered for a long time. It is worth noting that such conversions often spark controversy among collectors, but they also push the boundaries of what can be done with a classic car, transforming it into something completely new and exciting.