Aston Martin marks the 60th anniversary of Goldfinger with an exclusive 007-inspired pop-up experience, the House of Q, in London’s prestigious Burlington Arcade. This celebration honors the iconic association between Aston Martin and the James Bond film franchise, which began with the 1964 release of Goldfinger, introducing the legendary DB5 to cinema.
The House of Q: A Secret Adventure
The House of Q, launched alongside V57, a special James Bond anniversary edition of Aston Martin’s luxury lifestyle magazine, is accessed through a hidden door within a seemingly ordinary magazine newsstand at House 12-13 Burlington Arcade, off Piccadilly in London’s Mayfair. V57 features a unique illustration on its cover and editorials detailing the Aston Martin-007 relationship.
Guests are guided by covert messages through the secret entrance to discover a speakeasy bar serving Champagne Bollinger. The bar is decorated with technical drawings and parts from the original DB5, including sketches, diagrams, and schematics from Aston Martin and EON Productions archives. Visitors will also find a top-secret Q flight case and hints about a future Aston Martin model.
The Iconic DB5 and James Bond
Often dubbed “the most famous car in the world,” the DB5 solidified Aston Martin’s status as a luxury brand in the 1960s. First launched in September 1963, the DB5 featured a powerful 4.0-litre engine and a top speed exceeding 150 mph. Its sophisticated design by Italian coachbuilder Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera, combined with high performance, made it a coveted symbol of the era. Its role in Goldfinger, equipped with gadgets to assist Bond in his mission against Auric Goldfinger, cemented its iconic status.
Immersive Bond Experience
At the House of Q, the Bond theme permeates every detail. Visitors can view the original Goldfinger script, film posters, and set photography. The space features stunning audio by Bowers & Wilkins, a brand known for its connection with Bond music.
Customize Your Aston Martin
Guests can also explore the Configurator Lab upstairs, where they can collaborate with Aston Martin design experts to create their ideal Aston Martin. The House of Q will host daily events, including design workshops led by Aston Martin’s design and engineering teams.
A Historical Venue
Since its inception in 1819, Burlington Arcade has been a prime destination for luxury shopping. Located parallel to Bond Street with an entrance via Piccadilly, the arcade is home to 47 brands specializing in watches, jewelry, leather goods, shoes, and cashmere.
Visit the House of Q
The House of Q by Aston Martin opens to the public on Thursday, 18 July, at House 12-13, Burlington Arcade, 51 Piccadilly, London W1J 0QJ, and will remain open until 4 August. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to celebrate the legacy of James Bond and Aston Martin.