James Bond’s Mach 1 Mustang To Be Shown At MCACN

Agent 007 and great cars have always gone together and James Bond’s ride from “Diamonds Are Forever” was a Bright Red 1971 Mustang Mach 1 powered by a 429 Cobra Jet. In a way, it was the star of the movie for gearheads. Later this month, you’ll be able to see it in person at the Muscle Car & Corvette Nationals outside of Chicago. 

This year’s show is November 21-22 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemount, Illinois.

With its many stunts, the Mach 1 evaded rental cops in their Ford Galaxie sedans and Honda US90 ATV three-wheeled cycles through the Nevada dunes. Then there’s the infamous car chase filmed at night in downtown Las Vegas, showing the Mustang squealing its Goodyear Polyglas tires and drifting down Fremont Street while evading the local sheriffs. With Sean Connery at the wheel and Jill St. John riding shotgun, the highlight of the chase is the Mach 1 going up on two wheels through a dimly lit and narrow alleyway.

While most movie cars get destroyed, trashed, and carted off for scrap at the conclusion of filming, this Mach 1 survived; it’s one of a handful of cars used in the actual production of “‘Diamonds are Forever.” It’s one of three 429 CJ Mach 1 Mustangs used in the movie, and this particular example was utilized in the Las Vegas downtown and desert shots.

There were an additional four to five 1971 Mach 1 Mustangs powered by 351 Cleveland engines for the hardcore stunts, including the infamous parking lot jump shots and alley segment.   

Lost and Found 

After filming wrapped up, this Mustang was sold to an enthusiast and it sat in a storage lot, withering away to the ravages of the weather. The Mach 1 was eventually located by the Ian Fleming Foundation and after confirming the paperwork, concluded it was one of the Mustangs used in the movie. The car was shown at various functions in its dilapidated state until it was decided it needed to be properly preserved. The foundation commissioned Finley Ledbetter and Blue Oval Car Barn to do a complete restoration. 

The Blue Oval Car Barn specializes in restoring 1971-1972 Mustangs, and their expert craftsmen have made this Mach 1 a shining star, just like it was in 1971. With it recently being completed, the Mach 1 will be revealed at the MCACN show on Saturday, November 21, 2026, and then from there it’ll go to the Gilmore Museum in Western Michigan (Hickory Corners) to be on display for a year.