by Tabitha Hergest

Created on: August 07, 2008   Last Updated: November 07, 2008

Firstly, let's define terms.

We all know what a classic car is - that is, it's safe to assume that all those driven to view this particular scribble do. For those who just popped by hoping for an exposition on Joyce Grenfell, a classic can be broadly defined as a car - usually no-longer in production - for which there is a sizeable body of affection. That could be just about any car in any film over, say, about twenty years old - but to this I add another definition for the purposes of this piece: in order for it to be considered, it has to have been a classic at the time the film was released. This cuts the field down considerably, for while, say, the Ford Mustang and Dodge Charger might safely be considered classics today, when Bullitt was released, they were still both production models, even if they were considered sexy and desirable by those who bought them. Also, if we widen the concept of "movie" to include television programmes, whilst only concentrating on cars which had a fairly central role rather than being automotive extras, then we have set out our stall for consideration.

In the Bergerac series, starring John Nettles, the Jersey-based detective had as his transport a rather lovely 1948 Triumph Roadster. With its maroon paintwork glinting in the Jersey sun, it looked a picture of sheer bliss, in contrast to the work with which the sleuth had to deal. It's difficult, too, to reconcile the sporty, rather louche bodywork with the austere times of post-war Britain, whose manufacturers famously had to "export or die" in order to service a debt accrued to the United States for services rendered during the conflict. It was a two-seater open sports car, essentially, with two occasional "dickey" seats set between the rear wheel arches. With its vaguely pre-war looks and classic British styling, it was in many ways the perfect car for the maverick Jim Bergerac, and a perfect complement for Nettles.

In various Bond films, the Aston Martin DB5 has been wheeled out as if to remind people of the good old days of Goldfinger and that Scottish chappie. Of course, when Goldfinger came out, the DB4 had not been long in production (indeed, the principle car of that film was the DB5 prototype) But later films - Goldeneye and the latest film, Casino Royale - have brought out its siblings as a hook. There are some who would argue that it's more fromage than homage, but it is nevertheless good to see proper Astons on display, even if - as in the case of Casino Royale -

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