Several "hero" cars were used during production, those that need to be seen in one piece, sans bullet holes. They're also used for scenes shot from the inside, where Bond is being filmed in the interior of the car. At least one of them was rigged for multiple camera use, and another was beaten up pretty good along the way. Another DBS (likely a prototype destined for the crusher) was converted into a giant film rig, complete with a large chassis beneath it, and a separate driver in back, a la hook-and-ladder.
Did this Bond wannabe spend his time cruising Italy's lakes, in search of a Vesper-like lady? Heck no. Like a carnival worker with a pony, I gave rides: friends, my nephew and niece, whoever; the line formed here. Several women just wanted to park their behinds in a driver's seat that was once occupied by Daniel Craig.
Movie provenance aside, this is a wonderful machine to drive. The chesty exhaust and manual trans allowed me to play the 6.0-liter V-12 like a torque-laden pipe organ. The sport seats have a fixed back with no rake adjustment. They're not luxurious, but really pin you in when you're flogging the DBS, dodging imaginary gunfire. Sunglasses not withstanding, even the most sight-impaired person wouldn't mistake me for Craig. But a day in his wheels gave me a hint at what it might be like to be the world's most famous spy.
Where's the next Vesper?