In the world of James Bond, every detail matters, including the vehicles driven by the iconic characters. In the movie SkyFall (2012), M’s company car, the Jaguar XJ L, became an integral part of the narrative, transporting M through the bustling streets of London. This article dives into the captivating world of M’s Jaguar XJ L, exploring its specifications, its role in the film, and the intriguing behind-the-scenes details. Get ready to embark on a journey into the stylish and thrilling realm of James Bond’s transportation.
Key Takeaways
- M’s company car in SkyFall is the elegant and luxurious Jaguar XJ L.
- The specific model used in the film is likely the 3.0 Litre V6 Diesel LWB Premium Luxury variant.
- The car features a sleek design, black exterior, and 20″ Kasuga Alloy Wheels.
- The interior boasts black leather seats with white lining, creating a sophisticated ambiance.
- Jaguar Land Rover provided a total of 77 vehicles for the SkyFall production, including M’s Jaguar XJ.
- Several modifications were made to the vehicles, including the removal of interiors for camera placements.
- The original Jaguar XJ used in the film found its way to a Jaguar dealership and was promptly purchased by a devoted James Bond fan.
The Jaguar XJ L: M’s Company Car
The Jaguar XJ L, used as M’s company car in SkyFall, is an elegant and luxurious vehicle that adds sophistication to the scenes it appears in. This car, featuring a sleek design and advanced features, plays a significant role in transporting M to her office and apartment throughout the movie.
Specifications of M’s Car
- License Plate: OV61 FVF
- Date of Liability: 01 10 2012
- Date of First Registration: 12 10 2011
- Year of Manufacture: 2011
- Cylinder Capacity: 2993cc
- CO2 Emissions: 189g/Km
- Vehicle Status: Licence Not Due
- Vehicle Colour: Black
The Exact Model in the Film
The exact model of the Jaguar XJ L used in the film is most likely the 3.0 Litre V6 Diesel LWB Premium Luxury. Its exterior color is believed to be Midnight Black Metallic. The L or LWB designation signifies the Long Wheel Base, providing additional space in the interior for the comfort of the passengers.
Notable Features
M’s car is equipped with 20″ Kasuga Alloy Wheels, which were an optional upgrade costing £1,020. These wheels enhance the vehicle’s appearance and add a touch of sportiness. It’s worth noting that some spy shots from the filmset revealed a Jaguar with 19″ Aleutian Alloy Wheels, but these wheels did not make it to the final film.
The interior of M’s car showcases elegance with black leather seats featuring white lining. According to Jaguar’s option list, the seat design is listed as Jet seats with Jet upper facia in Soft Grain Leather, complemented by an Ivory headlining.
Behind the Scenes: Filming and Production
The shooting of SkyFall took place in central London during January, February, and April 2012. Numerous Jaguars were employed for the production, with modifications made to accommodate the filming requirements.
Gary Powell, the stunt coordinator for SkyFall, shared insights into the extensive use of vehicles in the film. Regarding the Jaguars, he mentioned, “There were just so many vehicles, like the Jags, we had a few of those because we took interiors out. So when M is sitting in the back of the car and she’s getting driven along, there was a camera in the passenger seat, so we take the passenger seat out, put a camera there. So that’s one car, and we have another car that you do exteriors with and there’s another car that’s got all mounts in it. So it soon adds up to how many cars that we use.”
Jaguar Land Rover, the parent company of Jaguar, provided a total of 77 vehicles to the SkyFall production. These included Land Rover Defenders driven by Eve, Range Rovers used to transport James Bond to the temporary underground MI6 headquarters, and M’s Jaguar XJ, which served both as an on-screen vehicle and a production support vehicle.
The Fate of M’s Car: A Bond Fan’s Dream
Following the conclusion of filming, the original Jaguar XJ, bearing the license plate OV61 FVF, used in SkyFall made an unexpected appearance at a Jaguar dealership. Unsurprisingly, it quickly caught the attention of a passionate James Bond fan who wasted no time in acquiring this piece of cinematic history in April 2013.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What type of car does M drive in the movie SkyFall?
In the movie SkyFall, M drives a Jaguar XJ L. This luxurious vehicle adds a touch of elegance to the scenes where M is transported through London. The Jaguar XJ L is a premium sedan known for its sleek design, advanced features, and comfortable interior. It perfectly suits M’s character and complements the overall aesthetic of the film.
2. What are the specifications of M’s Jaguar XJ L?
M’s Jaguar XJ L, with the license plate OV61 FVF, is a 2011 model with a cylinder capacity of 2993cc and CO2 emissions of 189g/Km. The car’s exterior color is black, giving it a sophisticated and timeless look. It is most likely the 3.0 Litre V6 Diesel LWB Premium Luxury variant, offering ample space in the interior for the comfort of the passengers.
3. Did James Bond ever drive M’s Jaguar XJ L in SkyFall?
Yes, in SkyFall, James Bond, played by Daniel Craig, takes the wheel of M’s Jaguar XJ L on a thrilling adventure. After an unsuccessful assassination attempt by the antagonist Silva, Bond “kidnaps” M, and the two escape in the Jaguar. However, Bond quickly switches to his beloved Aston Martin DB5, leaving the Jaguar behind. This memorable scene showcases Bond’s resourcefulness and his preference for classic sports cars.
4. What are some notable features of M’s Jaguar XJ L?
M’s Jaguar XJ L comes with several notable features that enhance its overall appeal. It is fitted with 20″ Kasuga Alloy Wheels, which add a touch of sportiness and elegance to the vehicle’s exterior. The interior features black leather seats with white lining, providing a luxurious and stylish ambiance. Additionally, the long wheelbase (LWB) version of the Jaguar XJ L offers even more interior space for the comfort of the passengers.
5. How many vehicles did Jaguar Land Rover provide for the SkyFall production?
Jaguar Land Rover provided a total of 77 vehicles for the production of SkyFall. These vehicles included Land Rover Defenders driven by the character Eve, Range Rovers used to transport James Bond, and M’s Jaguar XJ, which played a crucial role both on-screen and as a production support vehicle. The collaboration between Jaguar Land Rover and the film’s production team ensured that the vehicles perfectly matched the style and vision of the film.
6. What were the shooting locations for SkyFall in London?
The shooting for SkyFall took place in central London during January, February, and April 2012. While specific locations may vary, London provided a stunning backdrop for many iconic scenes in the movie. The city’s vibrant streets, historic landmarks, and modern architecture lent an authentic and captivating atmosphere to the film’s narrative.
7. Was the Jaguar XJ L modified for the filming of SkyFall?
Yes, several modifications were made to the Jaguar XJ L used in SkyFall to accommodate the filming requirements. The interiors of some vehicles were altered to allow for camera placements. For instance, when M is seated in the back of the car, a camera was mounted on the passenger seat. Additionally, different cars were used for interior and exterior shots, and some vehicles were equipped with special mounts to capture specific angles. These modifications ensured that the filming process went smoothly and captured the desired visuals.
8. Who purchased the original Jaguar XJ used in SkyFall?
After the filming of SkyFall concluded, the original Jaguar XJ, bearing the license plate OV61 FVF, made its way to a Jaguar dealership. It quickly attracted the attention of a passionate James Bond fan, who eagerly acquired the vehicle in April 2013. This purchase allowed the fan to own a tangible piece of cinematic history associated with the iconic character of M and the thrilling world of James Bond.
9. What was the base price of the Jaguar XJ L in 2012?
In early 2012, the base price of the Jaguar XJ L, the model used as M’s car in SkyFall, was £59,315 ($96,000). This price encompassed the standard features and specifications of the vehicle. However, additional options, such as the 20″ Kasuga Alloy Wheels, would incur extra costs. The price reflected the luxury, performance, and craftsmanship associated with the Jaguar brand.
10. How many cars were used for filming SkyFall?
Given the intricate nature of the filming process and the need for multiple angles and setups, several cars were used for the filming of SkyFall. While the exact number may vary, according to Gary Powell, the stunt coordinator for the film, they had multiple Jaguars at their disposal. Different cars were dedicated to specific purposes, such as interior shots, exterior shots, and mounting cameras. This ensured that the filming team had the necessary resources and flexibility to capture the action-packed sequences with precision and creativity.
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