While the iconic silver Aston Martin DB5 is cemented in history as 007’s signature vehicle, many are surprised to learn it wasn’t his first. If you’ve ever wondered what car James Bond drives in Dr. No, you’re asking the right question to uncover a key piece of cinematic history. This guide will definitively answer that query, explore the thrilling chase scene it starred in, and reveal the fascinating behind-the-scenes story of its selection.

In the 1962 film Dr. No, James Bond’s first car is a Lake Blue Sunbeam Alpine Series II Sports Tourer convertible. He hires this stylish British vehicle upon arriving in Kingston, Jamaica, to use for his assignment.

Leveraging a deep analysis of the film’s production details and authoritative Bond archives, this article unpacks the full story of 007’s original on-screen ride. We’ll detail its specifications, its crucial role in the film’s most memorable action sequence, and clear up common confusion with other vehicles. Prepare to become an expert on the very first James Bond car.

Contents

Key Facts

The First, Not The Most Famous: The Sunbeam Alpine Series II from Dr. No is the first car James Bond drives in the film series, predating the more famous Aston Martin DB5 which debuted two films later in Goldfinger.
A Budget-Friendly Choice: The production team saved significant costs by borrowing the car from a local resident in Jamaica, Jennifer Jackson, for a fee of just £10 per day, as confirmed by Bond production archives.
An Improvised Stunt: The legendary scene where Bond drives the Alpine under an angledozer was not in the original script. This iconic stunt was incorporated after the film crew encountered a real Warner-Swasey excavator blocking a road during location scouting.
Designed for the Spotlight: The choice of an open-top convertible wasn’t just for style; it was a strategic decision by the filmmakers to better showcase the new James Bond, Sean Connery, in his debut role.
A Slight Book-to-Film Update: In Ian Fleming’s 1958 novel, a Sunbeam Alpine Series I is mentioned. The film updated the vehicle to the newer Series II model to appear more contemporary for its 1962 release.

The Definitive Answer: James Bond’s First Car in Dr. No

Quick Fact: While the Aston Martin DB5 is iconic, it wasn’t Bond’s first set of wheels on the big screen. That honor belongs to a stylish British convertible. The direct answer to what car does James Bond drive in Dr. No? is the Sunbeam Alpine Series II. He hires this vehicle upon arriving in Kingston, Jamaica, marking the first time audiences see 007 take the wheel of his own mission-specific car.

A Lake Blue Sunbeam Alpine Series II, representing the answer to what car does James Bond drive in dr no

This vehicle set the precedent for a long line of iconic Bond cars. As documented by official sources like 007.com, the specific car used in the film was a testament to the resourcefulness of the early Bond productions. Here are the key details of 007’s inaugural ride:

Full Vehicle Name: Sunbeam Alpine Series II Sports Tourer
Appearance: Lake Blue exterior with matching upholstery
Distinctive Features: Optional wire-spoke wheels with classic white-wall tires
Role in Film: Bond’s personal hired car for his mission in Jamaica
Significance: The very first car driven by James Bond in the official EON film series

The Sunbeam Alpine in Action: 007’s First Car Chase

The Sunbeam Alpine wasn’t just for show; it was central to the film’s main action sequence. Bond uses the Sunbeam Alpine’s agility to evade assassins in a hearse on a mountain road, culminating in a famous stunt where he drives the convertible under an angledozer to escape. This scene established Bond’s reputation as a skilled and resourceful driver from his very first cinematic outing.

How did Bond use the Alpine’s low profile to turn the tables on his pursuers? The chase is a masterclass in tension and clever maneuvering, showcasing both the car’s capabilities and Bond’s cool-headedness under pressure. The sequence was so effective that it became a template for future Bond car chases. Here is a breakdown of that iconic scene:

The Setup: After arriving in Jamaica, Bond hires the Sunbeam Alpine to drive to the home of Miss Taro in the scenic but treacherous Blue Mountains.
The Pursuit Begins: On a winding cliffside road, Bond notices he is being tailed by a black hearse carrying Dr. No’s assassins, the “Three Blind Mice.”
Evasive Maneuvers: The hearse aggressively tries to run the smaller, more nimble Alpine off the road. Bond expertly uses the car’s handling to navigate the tight turns and maintain his lead.
The Roadblock: Bond comes around a corner to find a large Warner-Swasey angledozer (an excavator) blocking the path with its shovel-arm extended across the road.
The Stunt: In a moment of brilliance, Bond ducks and drives the low-profile Sunbeam directly under the excavator’s arm, clearing the obstacle.
The Climax: The larger, bulkier hearse cannot follow. The driver swerves to avoid the angledozer, loses control, and plunges down the mountainside in a fiery explosion.

This entire sequence was a practical effect, with stuntman Bob Simmons reportedly driving the Alpine at 45 mph for the angledozer stunt. Interestingly, this stunt was incorporated into the script after the crew encountered a real excavator blocking the road during filming, a perfect example of on-set improvisation becoming cinematic history.

The Sunbeam Alpine during the chase scene in Dr. No, showing what car does James bond drive in dr no

The Pursuit in the Blue Mountains

The tension of the first-ever Bond car chase builds masterfully. The chase begins as Bond drives the Alpine to Miss Taro’s house, with Dr. No’s assassins pursuing him in a black hearse along a treacherous cliffside road. The contrast between the sleek, open-top sports car and the menacing, lumbering hearse immediately establishes the stakes. As they navigate the dusty, unpaved roads of the Blue Mountains, the pursuit becomes a deadly dance between Bond’s precision driving and the brute force of his enemies, the “Three Blind Mice“. Every turn could be his last, making the Alpine’s performance critical to his survival.

The Legendary Angledozer Stunt

The chase ends when Bond drives the low-profile Sunbeam Alpine under an excavator’s arm, causing the pursuing hearse to crash and explode. This moment is the spectacular finale to the entire sequence and a highlight of the film. It perfectly demonstrates Bond’s ability to think on his feet and use his environment—and his vehicle’s attributes—to his advantage.

This stunt was incorporated into the script after the crew encountered a real Warner-Swasey excavator blocking the road during filming.

Pro Tip: This moment of on-set improvisation became one of the first film’s most memorable scenes. The clever maneuver, performed by stuntman Bob Simmons at a speed of 45 mph, not only outsmarted the villains but also cemented a key character trait for Bond: he doesn’t just overpower his enemies, he out-thinks them.

Clearing the Confusion: What About the 1957 Chevy Bel Air?

Ever wondered why some fans mention a Chevy? Here’s the simple breakdown. Although a 1957 Chevy Bel Air appears in Dr. No, it is driven by an enemy agent. The Sunbeam Alpine is the first car James Bond personally drives and uses in a chase sequence in the film series. The Chevy appears earlier when Bond is picked up from the airport by a chauffeur who is secretly working for Dr. No. This distinction is crucial for fans wanting to know what car does James Bond drive in Dr. No?—he is merely a passenger in the Chevy, whereas he is in complete control of the Sunbeam.

To make the difference perfectly clear, here is a simple comparison of the two vehicles’ roles in the film:

Feature	Sunbeam Alpine	1957 Chevy Bel Air
Driver	James Bond	Enemy Agent
Role in Film	Bond’s hired vehicle for mission	Enemy transport
Key Scene	Mountain chase scene	Airport pickup

A classic 1957 Chevy Bel Air, another car seen in Dr. No, helping clarify what car does james bond drive in dr no

Behind the Scenes: Why a Sunbeam Alpine?

The Sunbeam Alpine was chosen for Dr. No primarily to save costs by borrowing a car locally in Jamaica. Its open-top design also helped showcase Sean Connery in his debut as James Bond, allowing for clear shots of the new actor behind the wheel. Unlike the gadget-laden cars of later films, the choice of the Sunbeam was a practical one, rooted in the modest budget of the first Bond movie.

Quick Fact: The choice of an open-top convertible wasn’t just for style; it was a strategic decision to better showcase the new James Bond, Sean Connery. This decision helped solidify his image as the suave and capable agent from the very first frame he was seen driving. The story behind this car reveals the ingenuity of the early Bond filmmakers.

Vehicle Specifications:
* Model: Sunbeam Alpine Series II (launched in 1960)
* Engine: An enlarged 1.6-liter engine
* Power Output: 80 brake horsepower (bhp)
* Chassis: Featured a revised rear suspension compared to the Series I
* Number Plate: Z 8301

Production Facts:
* Cost-Saving Measure: The production avoided the high cost and logistical challenge of importing a vehicle for filming.
* Local Sourcing: The car was borrowed from a local Jamaica resident named Jennifer Jackson.
* Rental Fee: The reported fee for using the car was a modest £10 per day.
* Book vs. Film: The choice was a slight update from Ian Fleming’s novel, which featured a Sunbeam Alpine Series I driven by another character, Commander Strangways. The filmmakers gave the newer Series II model to Bond himself, elevating the car’s importance.

For enthusiasts looking to own a piece of this cinematic history, collecting a model of the Sunbeam Alpine is a great way to celebrate 007’s first on-screen car.

FAQs About James Bond’s Car in Dr. No

What kind of car is a Sunbeam Alpine?

The Sunbeam Alpine Series II, featured in Dr. No, was a British two-seater sports tourer convertible. It was known for its stylish lines and sporty performance for the era. The model in the film had an enlarged 1.6-liter engine producing 80 bhp and featured optional wire-spoke wheels, which added to its classic roadster appeal.

So the Aston Martin DB5 wasn’t his first car?

Correct. While the Aston Martin DB5 is arguably the most famous James Bond car, it first appeared in the third film, Goldfinger (1964). The Sunbeam Alpine from Dr. No (1962) holds the distinction of being the very first car driven by Bond in the film series, setting the stage for all the iconic vehicles that would follow.

What car does Dr. No himself drive?

The provided information focuses on the cars James Bond drives or encounters. The primary vehicle associated with the villain’s henchmen in the film’s chase scene is the black hearse. In Ian Fleming’s novel, Dr. No’s facility on Crab Key uses a specialized “marsh buggy” for transport, but this vehicle is not prominently featured as Dr. No’s personal car in the film.

Was the car in the movie the same as the one in the book?

Almost. In Ian Fleming’s 1958 novel, the character Commander Strangways drives a Sunbeam Alpine Series I. The 1962 film updated this to the newer Sunbeam Alpine Series II for James Bond to drive himself. This change put Bond directly in the driver’s seat of a contemporary British sports car, a theme that would continue throughout the franchise.

Who owned the actual car used in the film?

The Sunbeam Alpine used in Dr. No was not owned by the studio. It was borrowed from a local resident in Jamaica named Jennifer Jackson. This was a practical, cost-saving decision made by the production team to avoid the high expense of importing a specific vehicle to the filming location for a relatively small part of the movie.

Final Summary: The Sunbeam Alpine, 007’s Original Ride

While the legend of James Bond is now inseparable from the image of a gadget-filled Aston Martin, the story truly began with a humble, yet stylish, British convertible on the dusty roads of Jamaica. The Sunbeam Alpine Series II in Dr. No was not just a prop; it was the vehicle that introduced the world to a new kind of action hero—one who was as skilled behind the wheel as he was with a Walther PPK. It established the car chase as a staple of the franchise and did so with a practical elegance that defined the early days of 007.

By definitively answering what car does James Bond drive in Dr. No?, we uncover the critical first chapter in a rich automotive legacy. The Sunbeam Alpine’s role proves that a Bond car is defined not by its gadgets, but by the man driving it.

The First Bond Car: The Lake Blue Sunbeam Alpine Series II is the first car driven by James Bond in the film franchise.
Iconic Chase Scene: It was featured in the series’ first major car chase, culminating in the legendary angledozer stunt.
A Practical Choice: The car was borrowed locally in Jamaica, reflecting the modest budget of the first Bond film.
Setting the Stage: Its inclusion helped establish Bond’s character as a cool, capable driver and set the template for all future Bond vehicles.

Next time you watch Dr. No, pay close attention to the mountain chase—you’ll now know the full story behind 007’s very first on-screen car

Last update on 2025-10-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

What Car Does James Bond Drive in Dr. No? Uncover It!

The Definitive Answer: James Bond’s First Car in Dr. No