007,
We visit The Ford Centenary Tour at Elstree Studios with iconic film cars like James Bond’s Ford Mondeo & Thunderbirds' FAB1, Harry Potter’s flying Anglia
A while back we were fortunate enough to be invited along to the legendary Elstree Studios to celebrate a 100 years of Ford Motor’s in the UK with the opportunity to get up close 5 iconic Ford cars from film, exhibited as part of the part of The Ford Centenary Tour.Not only was it a thrill being on Elstree Studios’s George Lucas Stage (home of Star Wars in the UK) but I got a one time only close up look at some of the most iconic cars from cinema including; James Bond’s Ford Mondeo from Casino Royale, Jack Regan’s Consul GT (Ford Granada) from The Sweeney, A replica of Dr Who's SIVA Edwardian - Bessie, a replica of the Ford Anglia used in Harry Potter and most impressive of all Lady Penelope's modified Ford Thunderbird Fab1 fromThunderbirds .
The Establishing Shot: Ford Centenary Tour at Elstree Studios on The George Lucas Stage |
James Bond’s Ford Mondeo seen in Casino Royale In 2006’s Casino Royale we are re-introduced to James Bond played by Daniel Craig. James Bond is younger, leaner and hungrier he is also car - less. Later in the film he wins arguably the most famous car ever featured in a film - his trademark Silver Aston Martin DB5 from Dimitrios in a game of Texas Hold'em Poker at the The One & Only Ocean Club in the Bahamas. But before Bond earns his wheels, and on his arrival in the Bahamas he his given a 2007 Ford Mondeo rental car. Which he drives to The One & Only Ocean Club on Paradise Island.
Video: Casino Royale (2006) Ford Mondeo and James Bond
This is the first car we see the new James Bond drive and the first time the public got to see new Ford Mondeo body shape which was released a year after Casino Royale was released.
Video: 2007 Ford Mondeo in Casino Royale Advert
But as this is James Bond's Ford Mondeo - this particular model is a one-off prototype with a hand built sports body fabricated at Ford’s Design Studio in Cologne and featured special Tonic blue paintwork. James Bond’s Ford Mondeo can be seen at the Bond in Motion Exhibition at the Beaulieu National Motor Museum: http://www.beaulieu.co.uk/attractions/bond-in-motion and James Bond will be back in Sam Mendes’ Skyfall this October. |
Arthur Weasley's flying Ford Anglia from Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets Possibly the most recognised car of this generation is Arthur Weasley's blue 1963 Ford Anglia 105E Deluxe as seen in JK Rowling’s Harry Potter films this one came complete with Hedwig. The turquoise 105E featured prominently in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets when Harry turnrd Arthur Weasley's car invisible and gave it the ability to fly.
Video: Harry Potter Beach Boys Mashup - Fun Fun Fun
Ron later crashes the Anglia into the Whomping Willow attempting, along with Harry, to reach Hogwarts on time after missing the Hogwarts Express. Harry sees the Anglia later on running wild in the Forbidden Forest. The Ford Anglia is a British car designed and manufactured by Ford in the United Kingdom. It is related to the Ford Prefect and the later Ford Popular. The Ford Anglia name was applied to four models of car between 1939 and 1967. Unfortunately the original Angliaa was stolen but there are many replicas around and you can get up and close, very close to one on The Warner Bros. Studio Tour London - The Making of Harry Potter Tour - http://www.wbstudiotour.co.uk/ |
Lady Penelope's FAB1 as seen in the Thunderbirds movie Easily the most spectacular car of the day was Lady Penelope's 6 wheeled FAB1. A show piece of Ford engineering FAB1 is a fully functional, completely road-legal heavily modified Ford Thunderbird.
Video: Thunderbirds: Lady Penelope's Pink World
Featured in the live-action film Thunderbirds the pink, six wheeled FAB1 had a number of useful modifications including: The boot panels could open to expose the gas turbine engine before flight and wings would extend from the undercarriage. During flight, the rear set of wheels folds into the vehicle's body completely. This prevents them from creating unnecessary drag and so slowing the aircraft down. Skis for going over heavy snow are also added to the vehicle. The bullet-proof, run-flat tires are fitted with studs in order to give extra traction. The central passenger compartment of FAB1 doubles as an emergency life raft in the event of an emergency at sea. Buoyancy tanks hidden in the body panelling ensure that the compartment remains afloat after it has broken away from the rest of the vehicle. Lady Penelope's FAB1 can now be seen at the Heritage Motor Centre - http://www.heritage-motor-centre.co.uk |
The Ford Centenary Tour went on to visit 20 locations across the UK in 31 days, including Ford plants and dealers, allowing Ford customers, employees and enthusiasts to engage with special and unique cars from Ford’s portfolio.
THE ESTABLISHING SHOT: WE VISIT THE FORD CENTENARY TOUR AT ELSTREE STUDIOS WITH ICONIC FILM CARS LIKE JAMES BOND’S FORD MONDEO & THUNDERBIRDS' FAB1, HARRY POTTER’S FLYING ANGLIA
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