The Allure of Bond's Bentley: A Deep Dive into the 'Locomotive'
From the moment Ian Fleming introduced James Bond's Bentley in Thunderball, it became symbolic of the character's sophistication and suave nature. This luxurious vehicle drove with a grace reminiscent of a bird, while also exuding raw power akin to a bomb. Most fans, however, often associate Bond with the iconic Aston Martin DB5 or the Lotus Esprit, sidelining his true love—the Bentley. Surprisingly, this classic car, which became Bond’s personal ride in the novels, never made its way to the big screen because it didn’t actually exist… until now.
Meet the “Locomotive,” the manifestation of Bond’s beloved vehicle brought to life by car designer Tony Hunter. Having spent years working with prominent automotive manufacturers and holding the position of head of interior design at Tata Motors, Hunter took it upon himself to recreate what Bond’s Bentley might have looked like, based on Fleming's vague descriptions.
The vehicle debuted in Thunderball, with appearances in On Her Majesty's Secret Service and The Living Daylights. The story goes that its original owner famously crashed it into a lamppost. Bond restored the damaged chassis, resulting in the elegant yet powerful new version Hunter has constructed.
Hunter’s design process involved starting from scratch with everything from the chassis to the body and interior, all custom-made to fit the vision he held since childhood. His love for Bond ignited when he first read the character's novels at eight years old. Captivated by the classic Bentley convertibles featured in Fleming's stories, he found no existing model suited his imaginative concept—thus, he embarked on the endeavor to build it himself.
Crafted from handmade aluminum, the Locomotive aims to capture the spirit of Bond’s adventures while integrating modern automotive design considerations. Hunter’s dedication to detail is evident in every facet of the car, right down to its distinct exhaust growl, designed to reflect Fleming's specification.
As Hunter expertly navigates the roads, the authenticity of the Locomotive begins to impress. Its ignition comes alive with a unique roar, a distinct departure from what one might expect from a typical Bentley engine. Significant modifications have made the car's engine more potent, increasing its power from 120 to around 180 brake horsepower. The driving experience is visceral, with a heavier steering feel that lightens as the car picks up speed—a characteristic echoing the traditional Bentley charm while adapting to modern standards.
Every design choice reflects a careful consideration of what Bond himself would have desired, right down to the missing Bentley mascot—replaced by an octagonal bolt, inspired by the book's narrative. A nod to his past experiences, the car also integrates twin fuel fillers reminiscent of Bond's dabblings with motor racing.
The interior is not simply luxurious but functional as well, featuring crafted wooden fascia—made by Hunter himself from American Walnut for a touch of 1950s flair. Throughout the cabin, elements inspired by the Bond stories emerge: a functional armrest with a vintage handset from an RAF bomber, and toggle switches—a cheeky nod to Bond’s typical gadgetry. There’s even a secret compartment stocked with the choice spirits of the spy world, including vodka and the controversial benzidine tablets, meant to keep him alert.
The conversation around the authenticity of this vehicle leads to an enlightening discussion about the existence of the “Mark 2 Continental.” Fleming may have envisioned a model that didn’t actually exist at the time of writing, but Hunter reveals that—as it turns out— halfway during production of the Continental, models based on a different chassis were indeed built. This realization suggests that, by pure coincidence, Fleming's imaginative foray into engineering did actually reflect a reality, heightening the gravity of the design.
Driving the Locomotive calls for patience and respect, marrying tradition with customized updates that cater to the modern driver. While challenges arise due to its age—such as drum brakes—the exhilarating ride manifests the character of Bond as envisioned by Fleming.
As the drive concludes, Hunter’s passion for Bond’s mythology and engineering shines through. Not only does he revive a cherished piece of fictional history, but he also directly connects enthusiasts with the spirit of the original stories. Now, both Bond fans and car aficionados alike can experience the joy—the thrill—of what it's like to be behind the wheel of a car originally intended for a legendary spy. In Hunter’s hands, the Locomotive is not just a car; it's a story, an experience, and a legacy embodied in a stunning machine.
Part 1/9:
The Allure of Bond's Bentley: A Deep Dive into the 'Locomotive'
From the moment Ian Fleming introduced James Bond's Bentley in Thunderball, it became symbolic of the character's sophistication and suave nature. This luxurious vehicle drove with a grace reminiscent of a bird, while also exuding raw power akin to a bomb. Most fans, however, often associate Bond with the iconic Aston Martin DB5 or the Lotus Esprit, sidelining his true love—the Bentley. Surprisingly, this classic car, which became Bond’s personal ride in the novels, never made its way to the big screen because it didn’t actually exist… until now.
The Birth of the Locomotive
Part 2/9:
Meet the “Locomotive,” the manifestation of Bond’s beloved vehicle brought to life by car designer Tony Hunter. Having spent years working with prominent automotive manufacturers and holding the position of head of interior design at Tata Motors, Hunter took it upon himself to recreate what Bond’s Bentley might have looked like, based on Fleming's vague descriptions.
The vehicle debuted in Thunderball, with appearances in On Her Majesty's Secret Service and The Living Daylights. The story goes that its original owner famously crashed it into a lamppost. Bond restored the damaged chassis, resulting in the elegant yet powerful new version Hunter has constructed.
A Unique Design and Engineering Journey
Part 3/9:
Hunter’s design process involved starting from scratch with everything from the chassis to the body and interior, all custom-made to fit the vision he held since childhood. His love for Bond ignited when he first read the character's novels at eight years old. Captivated by the classic Bentley convertibles featured in Fleming's stories, he found no existing model suited his imaginative concept—thus, he embarked on the endeavor to build it himself.
Crafted from handmade aluminum, the Locomotive aims to capture the spirit of Bond’s adventures while integrating modern automotive design considerations. Hunter’s dedication to detail is evident in every facet of the car, right down to its distinct exhaust growl, designed to reflect Fleming's specification.
A Drive Like No Other
Part 4/9:
As Hunter expertly navigates the roads, the authenticity of the Locomotive begins to impress. Its ignition comes alive with a unique roar, a distinct departure from what one might expect from a typical Bentley engine. Significant modifications have made the car's engine more potent, increasing its power from 120 to around 180 brake horsepower. The driving experience is visceral, with a heavier steering feel that lightens as the car picks up speed—a characteristic echoing the traditional Bentley charm while adapting to modern standards.
Part 5/9:
Every design choice reflects a careful consideration of what Bond himself would have desired, right down to the missing Bentley mascot—replaced by an octagonal bolt, inspired by the book's narrative. A nod to his past experiences, the car also integrates twin fuel fillers reminiscent of Bond's dabblings with motor racing.
A Nod to the Source Material
Part 6/9:
The interior is not simply luxurious but functional as well, featuring crafted wooden fascia—made by Hunter himself from American Walnut for a touch of 1950s flair. Throughout the cabin, elements inspired by the Bond stories emerge: a functional armrest with a vintage handset from an RAF bomber, and toggle switches—a cheeky nod to Bond’s typical gadgetry. There’s even a secret compartment stocked with the choice spirits of the spy world, including vodka and the controversial benzidine tablets, meant to keep him alert.
A Happy Accident in Bond History
Part 7/9:
The conversation around the authenticity of this vehicle leads to an enlightening discussion about the existence of the “Mark 2 Continental.” Fleming may have envisioned a model that didn’t actually exist at the time of writing, but Hunter reveals that—as it turns out— halfway during production of the Continental, models based on a different chassis were indeed built. This realization suggests that, by pure coincidence, Fleming's imaginative foray into engineering did actually reflect a reality, heightening the gravity of the design.
The Final Ride
Part 8/9:
Driving the Locomotive calls for patience and respect, marrying tradition with customized updates that cater to the modern driver. While challenges arise due to its age—such as drum brakes—the exhilarating ride manifests the character of Bond as envisioned by Fleming.
Part 9/9:
As the drive concludes, Hunter’s passion for Bond’s mythology and engineering shines through. Not only does he revive a cherished piece of fictional history, but he also directly connects enthusiasts with the spirit of the original stories. Now, both Bond fans and car aficionados alike can experience the joy—the thrill—of what it's like to be behind the wheel of a car originally intended for a legendary spy. In Hunter’s hands, the Locomotive is not just a car; it's a story, an experience, and a legacy embodied in a stunning machine.