On Her Majesty’s Secret Service James Bond Mercury Cougar For Sale At Bonhams
One of the 1967 Mercury Cougar XR7 convertibles used in the filming of the James Bond On Her Majesty’s Secret Service film is for sale. Available at auction for the first time. Bonhams have secured the lot for the somewhat appropriate upcoming Bond Street Sale on the 16 December 2020.
The car has been subject to a complete nut and bolt restoration. The car wasn’t in very good condition when bought by its current owner in the late 1980s. The car was advertised in Exchange and Mart and was bought for its engine. But, when the owner discovered its rather illustrious past, he did the right thing and subjected the car to a its extensive 30 year restoration. The results speak for themselves as the car is in fabulous concours condition.
In the film the car is driven by the late Dame Diana Rigg’s character Contessa Teresa (Tracy) di Vicenzo. Driven at high speeds and in an ice race as part of the chase scene the car received a bit of a battering. However, original owners EON studios bought three of them. Each one in an identical specification from Ford’s luxury division Mercury. This particular car thanks to early research suggests it featured in the barn scene when Lazenby and Rigg are sheltering from a blizzard.
One of the 1967 Mercury Cougar XR7 convertibles used in the filming of the James Bond On Her Majesty’s Secret Service film is for sale. Available at auction for the first time. Bonhams have secured the lot for the somewhat appropriate upcoming Bond Street Sale on the 16 December 2020.
The car has been subject to a complete nut and bolt restoration. The car wasn’t in very good condition when bought by its current owner in the late 1980s. The car was advertised in Exchange and Mart and was bought for its engine. But, when the owner discovered its rather illustrious past, he did the right thing and subjected the car to a its extensive 30 year restoration. The results speak for themselves as the car is in fabulous concours condition.
In the film the car is driven by the late Dame Diana Rigg’s character Contessa Teresa (Tracy) di Vicenzo. Driven at high speeds and in an ice race as part of the chase scene the car received a bit of a battering. However, original owners EON studios bought three of them. Each one in an identical specification from Ford’s luxury division Mercury. This particular car thanks to early research suggests it featured in the barn scene when Lazenby and Rigg are sheltering from a blizzard.
This Cougar was built on the 6 February 1969, and was a special order registered in the UK only a week later. It is one of only 127 XR7 convertibles built in 1969 with the desirable Jet Ram V8 engine. Finished in red paintwork with matching red leather interior and steel wheels. And of course, fitted with skis. Kneissl skis were the most desirable brand at the time.
In the film the car wore red temporary French visitor registration plates and obligatory F sticker on the boot lid.
If you’ve got the estimated £100,000 to 150,000 estimate you could own a rather nice screen icon.
Scroll to the bottom for some great movie images from www.007magazine.co.uk.
This Cougar was built on the 6 February 1969, and was a special order registered in the UK only a week later. It is one of only 127 XR7 convertibles built in 1969 with the desirable Jet Ram V8 engine. Finished in red paintwork with matching red leather interior and steel wheels. And of course, fitted with skis. Kneissl skis were the most desirable brand at the time.
In the film the car wore red temporary French visitor registration plates and obligatory F sticker on the boot lid.
If you’ve got the estimated £100,000 to 150,000 estimate you could own a rather nice screen icon.
Scroll to the bottom for some great movie images from www.007magazine.co.uk.
The Kneissl skis on their rack. There is a bit of a theme with Bond cars and ski racks.
Tim Schofield, Head of Department, Bonhams Motor Cars UK, said: “We’re delighted to offer this unique Cougar which is not only an important piece of film history but also a stunning example of a 1960s muscle car. We are sure it will leave the saleroom stirred if not shaken.”
The sale will start on Wednesday 16 December, automobilia at 5pm followed by the cars.
The plan is to have a standard live sale with all current restrictions being observed. Numbers in the sale room will have to be limited, but there will be a worldwide broadcast on the Bonhams platform. All remote, telephone and absentee bids will be accepted.
To view the car, an appointment will need to be made, where it will be possible between Thursday 3 December and the day of the auction. All cars are at Classic Car Storage in Petersfield, Hampshire.
For those who cannot attend in person, virtual, real-time condition reports will be available via Bonhams Preview and all lots will be fully catalogued in print and online.
To view or bid on the car you can register with bonhams here; www.bonhams.com.
Thanks to Bonhams and 007 Magazine for the use of the superb images.
Simon