James Bond’s Aston Martin breaks down at public display in Buckinghamshire

A classic 1964 Aston Martin made famous by its role in the James Bond film of the same year, Goldfinger, failed to dazzle during its public display last weekend after it broke down during the event in Buckinghamshire.

The vintage vehicle was making its first public appearance in 10 years when disaster struck, and the worn out clutch gave way. One onlooker watching the display described seeing the classic car consumed in a cloud of smoke, and hearing the engine spluttering.

Hundreds of car enthusiasts gathered at the Midsummer Event at Stoke Park, Bucks, to see the Aston Martin in its full glory. The iconic car is one of the most recognisable vehicles from the James Bond films and was one of two driven by James Bond, played by Sean Connery, in Goldfinger and 1965 blockbuster, Thunderball.

The sport car’s presence at the Stoke Park show was particularly apt as filming for Goldfinger took place at the Park. The OO7 spy filmed a showdown moment with arch nemesis Avric Goldfinger and his henchman, the hat-throwing assassin Oddjob, at Stoke Park back in the 60’s.

Following its early exit from the Midsummer Classic Car event, Bond’s Aston Martin was taken in by specialist mechanics to undergo repairs. The car needs to be in prime condition by October as it is due to go up for auction. Motoring experts predict the iconic ride will fetch £3.5 million when it goes under the hammer later this year.

Welsh council spent £91,000 on chauffeurs and cars in one year

An enquiry made using the Freedom of Information Act revealed that the Welsh council of Blaenau Gwent spent £91,000 on chauffeur driven in the space of 12 months.

Other expenses which were uncovered by the enquiry included the cost of running the cars used for chauffeuring the councillors, also the chauffeur’s salary, the type of vehicle, and its cost.

The longest journey undertaken by one of the official cars and chauffeur from the council was 328 miles from Blaenau Gwent to London.

A spokesperson for the council explained the reason for the expenditure on chauffeur driven cars saying that the council had a duty to subsidise or provide transport for senior figures and those in elected positions.

The spokesperson went on to describe the dual role of the civic car service. The vehicles are used to transport councillors while on official duty, and also to deliver important documents to council members quickly and securely. Blaenau Gwent is the only council in Wales to utilise its civic car service in this way.

It was also stressed by the council spokesperson that a chauffeur driven car is vital for many of the highest ranking officials at the council to perform their role effectively. The cars are used by councillors, the Mayor and deputies while on officials visits to the community, and to transport these figures to charity events and fundraisers.

Government ministers to lose their chauffeur driven cars

The perk of the chauffeur driven car for government ministers is set to become a thing of the past after the new coalition government unveiled plans for a radical shake-up of the system.

The new Prime Minister, David Cameron, is vowing that ministers in his government will be ditching the chauffeur and heading to the tube in an attempt to cut spending.

The new measures were announced by treasury member David Laws. He estimates that by slashing the use of chauffeur driven cars for ministers £2.8 million will be saved from the £8.3 million which is currently being spent on car services for the government.

With the introduction of these tighter rules on ministerial cars usage, government officials will only have the use of a car and chauffeur in exceptional circumstances.

However these rules will not apply to the highest ranking government officials such as the Prime Minister, the Foreign Secretary and several others who will continue to be chauffeured while on official duty for security reasons.

There’s been a delay in the arrival of the Prime Minister’s new car. Earlier this week it emerged that the Jaguar XJ which has been custom designed for the David Cameron was not yet available, as the Met Police hadn’t completed their security tests on it.