The iconic 1963 Aston Martin DB5, which agent 007 famously piloted in Goldfinger and Thunderball, was stolen from a secure hangar at Boca Raton airport in Florida in 1997.
The theft sent shockwaves through the Bond and automotive communities. The stolen car was valued at millions due to its connection to the films and historical significance.
Anthony Pugliese III owned the car and bought it in 1986 for $250,000, but it was valued $4.2 million at the time of its disappearance.
Mr P III claimed the $4.2 million from his insurance company.
Alarm bells rang, Mr Pugliese III was investigated, but no evidence of fraud was found.
In all that time, detectives have never figured out where it went.
In January 2022, the Telegraph announced, ‘James Bond Aston Martin stolen 25 years ago found in the Middle East.’
The Telegraph went on to report, ‘the experts at Art Recovery International say they’ve confirmation the DB5 resides in a private setting in the Middle East.’
One of the firm’s investigators, Christopher Marinello, says he believes the person who currently possesses the Aston Martin never knew it was stolen.
That’s why the firm has not yet revealed the car’s exact location — first giving that person a chance to come forward voluntarily.
Thinking this was the basis of an interesting article, I did some ‘poking around’.
The story appeared to have ended following the Telegraph’s article.
Well, it seems the story hasn’t ended.
I called Art Recovery International for an update, and they confirmed ‘the car has not yet been recovered’ and, in their view, ‘it will be a long process’.
As mentioned the insurance company paid out $4.2 million and offered $100,000 as a reward for information regarding the DB5’s location.
Anyone with any information, please do not hesitate to let me know. 😀
