James Bond has driven some of the most iconic cars in film history, from Aston Martins to BMWs. But did you know there’s a Bond car that never made it to the big screen? This vehicle, a Bentley referred to as “The Locomotive,” only existed in Ian Fleming’s books until now. Thanks to car designer and James Bond enthusiast Troy Hunter, this fictional car has finally become a reality.
The Real-Life Creation of Bond’s Bentley
The Bentley driven by Agent 007 in the novels Thunderball (1961), The Living Daylights (1962), and On Her Majesty’s Secret Service (1963) was described as the ultimate spy car. However, it never physically existed until Troy Hunter took it upon himself to build one.
Hunter designed the car with Bond’s needs in mind, incorporating special features such as machine gun buttons, hidden compartments, and a smokescreen switch. He wanted to capture the essence of a true spy vehicle while maintaining classic Bentley elegance.
Why Didn’t This Bentley Appear in the Movies?
Many Bond fans wonder why this impressive Bentley never made it to the films. One of the main reasons is that it never existed in real life—until now. Filmmakers often opted for more modern vehicles with sleek designs and cutting-edge technology, which led to the preference for Aston Martins and other sports cars over the Bentley.
Hunter speculated on what Bond might have wanted in his car, ensuring that the build stayed true to Fleming’s original vision while adding modern touches.
The Unique Design of Bond’s Bentley
Fleming’s description of Bond’s Bentley was a mix between a Bentley Continental and a Ford Thunderbird. Although the author called it “ugly,” Hunter ignored that opinion and instead created a sleek, aerodynamic design that still had a hint of ruggedness.
The build started with a Bentley Type R chassis, onto which Hunter designed a custom aluminum body. The car features bonnet louvers as a nod to other Bond Bentleys, twin fuel fillers inspired by the books, and a host of spy-worthy gadgets.
Special Features and Hidden Gadgets
A true James Bond car wouldn’t be complete without hidden features. Hunter incorporated several spy-worthy elements into the vehicle:
- Secret compartments: The car has multiple hidden compartments, perfect for storing classified items.
- Classic RAF bomber phone: A vintage phone taken from a Royal Air Force bomber is integrated into the console. It can be connected to a modern mobile device.
- Smokescreen and oil spray: While non-functional, switches for deploying smokescreen and oil slick defenses are present for authenticity.
- Fake machine gun controls: The console includes buttons labeled for left and right machine guns, though they are purely decorative.
- Goggles in glove box: In case of a windshield being destroyed, a pair of goggles is stored in the glove box.
- Brandy and stamina pills: One of the compartments holds a bottle of brandy and stamina pills, just like in the books.
Performance and Engine Power
Under the hood, the Bentley features a six-cylinder engine producing around 180 horsepower. While this is respectable, Bond’s taste for speed might demand more power. Hunter has hinted at the possibility of adding a supercharger, a fitting addition considering that the Bentley in the books was supercharged.
This would bring the car closer to the performance expectations of a Bond vehicle, making it not just a showpiece but a real contender on the road.
