007 auction in aid of refugees

To mark the 60th anniversary of the James Bond films, storied auction house Christie’s, alongside EON Productions, are holding a two-part official charity sale, ‘Sixty Years of James Bond’. 

With 60 lots – one for each year of the franchise – and profits being donated to over 45 charities, the event is set to raise considerable sums for important causes, including UK for UNHCR’s Ukraine Emergency Appeal. 

EON Productions and Christie’s will kindly donate proceeds from the sale of the iconic Aston Martin V8 used in the latest James Bond film, No Time To Die (2021), to support UNHCR relief efforts for refugees. This 1981 Aston Martin V8 is one of just three modified specifically for the film and is one of the cars driven by Daniel Craig as James Bond. 

With teams across Ukraine and in neighbouring countries, UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is providing protection and humanitarian assistance, including emergency shelters, repairs for homes damaged by shelling, as well as emergency cash assistance and protection such as psychological support. UNHCR’s work heavily relies on voluntary donations, such as this generous support. 

“We are incredibly grateful to EON Productions and Christie’s for this solidarity with refugees – the sale of this much-loved British film icon will translate into direct aid on the ground. As UNHCR prepares for winter operations, relief needs across Ukraine and neighbouring countries will become even more acute, making support like this vital for people who have lost their homes to this devastating war,” explained UK for UNHCR’s CEO Emma Cherniavsky. 

Aston Martin has been associated with the James Bond franchise for over 50 years, featuring in 13 films to date. The 1981 Aston Martin V8 being auctioned was exclusively modified for No Time To Die and was filmed on location in Norway, Italy, London, Scotland and Windsor. The legendary vehicle, which was dubbed ‘Britain’s first true supercar’, comes in classic Cumberland Grey with 5-speed manual transmission, and is guaranteed to turn heads.  

© Photographer Max Earey

Cary Fukunaga, Director of No Time To Die said, “The V8 is a car I have always loved. Aston Martin’s cars are beautiful works of art and have become a quintessential part of a Bond film.” 

The vehicle is estimated to sell for between £500,000 and £700,000, with all proceeds going to UK for UNHCR’s Ukraine Emergency Appeal, supporting the UN Refugee Agency’s ongoing life-saving work for people displaced by the conflict in Ukraine. Christie’s is a generous supporter of UK for UNHCR, having been among the first companies in the UK to step forward to support UNHCR’s Ukraine response earlier this year. 

The auction will feature instantly recognisable James Bond memorabilia, including vehicles, watches, costumes, props and posters, and experiences – a must-have for any James Bond fan. 

Bond’s @astonmartin V8 is part of the @ChristiesInc auction to celebrate #60YearsofBond, with proceeds benefiting @UNRefugeesUK.https://t.co/lTy9EXGrvu pic.twitter.com/DVP4zS3eY1

— James Bond (@007) August 19, 2022

The 1981 Aston Martin V8, along with other memorabilia is available to view online via the Christie’s website, or in person at Christie’s headquarters in London. The online sale begins on 15th September and will be open until Global James Bond Day on 5th October. The live invitation-only auction will be held on 28th September at Christie’s London.  

Head over to the Christie’s website today to browse the lots, place your bid and make a real difference to the lives of refugees.