Why David Walliams wants James Bond’s Aston Martin
The comedian, best-selling author and 007 fan picks his five favourite lots from James Bond Spectre: The Auction, a special charity sale celebrating the 24th film in the franchise
‘An instantly iconic opening sequence’
James Bond’s ‘Day of the Dead’ costume worn by Daniel Craig. This is one of three Day of the Dead costumes worn by Daniel Craig (the other two are retained by EON) in the pre-title sequence of the film. Estimate: £12,000-18,000. This lot is offered in James Bond Spectre: The Auction on 18 February at Christie’s London
David Walliams: The pre-title sequence in Spectre was instantly iconic, and one of the absolute best in the series. One of the things that made that sequence so electrifying was Bond’s ‘Day of the Dead’ costume. Having Bond wear the mask at the start of the film was a breathtakingly original way to re-introduce the character. The mask and cane are beautiful and macabre, highlighting the film series’ obsessions with sex and death. They are artworks in their own right and are reminiscent of another classic Bond film, Live and Let Die.
‘A truly classy piece of Bond memorabilia’
Oberhauser’s Spectre gold ring worn by Christoph Waltz. 9 carat yellow gold, with 7 tentacle octopus logo rendered in distressed black, some marks on back of ring. This is one of only two gold rings made for the film, the other is retained by EON. This lot is offered in James Bond Spectre: The Auction on 18 February at Christie’s London
David Walliams: The great Christoph Waltz was a magnificent Blofeld, resurrecting a role previously played by such diverse talents as Donald Pleasance, Telly Savalas (my personal favourite) and Charles Gray. The Spectre Octopus insignia ring worn by Christoph in the film is a truly classy piece of Bond memorabilia, harking back to the classic From Russia With Love. It is simple and discreet, and if you wear it out anyone in the know will realise you are part of the world’s most deadly criminal organisation. Which would be cool.
‘Some of the best Bond art out there’
Rankin framed set of character art. Estimate: £6,000-£8,000. This lot is offered in James Bond Spectre: The Auction on 18 February at Christie’s London
David Walliams: One of the world’s best photographers captures the greatest cast ever assembled for a Bond film. I particularly love Rankin’s shot of Lea Seydoux. Lea might just be the most beautiful Bond girl of all time, and certainly one of the most talented actresses to appear in the film series. Rankin also captures Daniel Craig’s Bond magnificently, the brooding melancholy killer. All the shots are unexpected, especially the one of the normally serious Ralph Fiennes laughing, and a world away from the usual promotional photographs. This is some of the best Bond art out there.
‘A mind-blowing, once in a lifetime opportunity’
Spectre Aston Martin DB10. Vin/Reg: ‘SCFEABEL2FPX88010. 6 speed manual. Colour: Spectre Silver. Engine: 4.7-litre V8 petrol. Estimate: £1,000,000-£1,500,000. This lot is offered in James Bond Spectre: The Auction on 18 February at Christie’s London
David Walliams: Never before has such a priceless piece of Bond history been released by EON for auction. This is a mind-blowing, once in a lifetime opportunity — a chance to own not only Bond’s car but also one of only ten Aston Martin DB10s ever made. It is a truly beautiful machine, signed by Daniel Craig, and will rightly sell for millions. There is so much excitement about this lot from car collectors and Bond enthusiasts all over the world. I just wish someone would be kind enough to buy it for me.
‘Simple, elegant, masculine’
Tom Ford ‘Snowdon’ sunglasses worn by Daniel Craig as James Bond. Bond wore these sunglasses for Sciarra’s funeral scene. They are one of four pairs Daniel Craig wore when filming on location in Rome. Estimate: £4,000-6,000. This lot is offered in James Bond Spectre: The Auction online only sale, 16-23 February
David Walliams: Tom Ford has been dressing Bond since Quantum of Solace. This is a designer who understands that Bond’s best clothes must be simple, elegant and masculine. Daniel’s wardrobe in Spectre was his most stylish ever; the outfits all had an edge but felt classic. These sunglasses worn by Bond in the funeral scene have a definite 1960s feel, but on Daniel looked completely modern. The conundrum faced by the person fortunate enough to win them at auction will be whether to wear the sunglasses and pretend to be James Bond or lock them away forever as if they were a holy artifact.
Main image: David Walliams (right) interviews director Sam Mendes on stage at the premiere of Spectre. SPECTRE © 2015 Danjaq, MGM, CPII. SPECTRE, 007 and related James Bond Trademarks, TM Danjaq. © 2016 Danjaq and MGM. All Rights Reserved. All proceeds from the auction will benefit Médecins sans Frontières (MSF), other charitable organisations, and the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS).
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