James Bond's Automotive Legacy with Mike Smith

James Bond's Automotive Legacy with Mike Smith

Author: Mark Stone October 27, 2025 Duration: 58:43

It’s me, Mark Stone, and in this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, I’m joined by Mike Smith, a respected authority in automotive consulting and cinematic history — particularly renowned for his expertise on the iconic vehicles of the James Bond franchise.

Mike shares his deep-rooted passion for Aston Martin and his extensive experience as a senior consultant on acclaimed publications such as Spy Optane and The Self Preservation Society. Together, we explore the captivating stories behind some of cinema’s most recognisable cars, as Mike offers first-hand insights and anecdotes from his involvement in the production of several James Bond films.

I also talk with Mike about the intricate process of establishing the provenance of classic cars — the research, documentation, and attention to detail that ensure their authenticity and preserve their legacy. This episode takes listeners into the fascinating space where automotive heritage meets film history, celebrating the stories that continue to bring these legendary machines to life.

___

Visit our sponsors

GAZ Shocks 116 Trophy

Hodder Tyres

Tarox Brakes

Listen Now


There's a particular kind of conversation that happens when the engine is off and the real talk begins. Backseat Driver captures that feeling, hosted by Mark Stone from his home in England's north-west. Mark's own journey from competitive driving in the eighties to decades of motoring journalism and television gives him a unique vantage point. He's not just a reporter; he's lived the life, and that genuine enthusiasm for anything with an engine comes through in every discussion. This podcast is built around Mark's conversations with the prominent figures who shape the automotive world, from legendary engineers and designers to champion racers and behind-the-scenes innovators. You'll hear stories that rarely make it into magazine articles, personal reflections on iconic cars, and unfiltered opinions on where the industry is headed. It's for anyone who finds the culture of motoring as compelling as the machinery itself. Tune in for a deep, relaxed dive into the passion that drives us all, hosted by someone who has truly been there and done it.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Backseat Driver
Podcast Episodes
Voices of Formula One: Alex Jacques [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:57
It’s me, Mark Stone, and in this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, I sit down with Alex Jacques, a highly respected voice in sports commentary, to explore his journey into the world of Formula One broadcasting.Alex…
Porsche Passion with Sarah Rhodes [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:20
It’s me, Mark Stone, and in this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, I explore a striking statistic in the Porsche world: there’s said to be a one-in-three chance of owning a Porsche, yet the ownership rate among wom…
Helen 'Helly' Blake's Path to Championship Glory [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:57
It’s me, Mark Stone, and in this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, I speak with Helen 'Helly' Blake, a remarkable racing driver whose journey into the world of Autograss racing is anything but ordinary.Helen shares…
Insights from EpocAuto 2025 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:25
It’s me, Mark Stone, and in this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, I travel to EpocAuto 2025, held just outside Lyon, France, one of Europe’s most celebrated showcases of classic and vintage motoring.I explore the…
James Newbold Revives Formula 3000's Forgotten Tales [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:29
It’s me, Mark Stone, and in this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, I sit down with James Newbold, author of Formula 3000: Where Legends Earn Their Stripes, to explore his fascinating new book, an in-depth chronicle…
The HPC Classics with Miles Hardy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:43
It’s me, Mark Stone, and in this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, I’m joined by Miles Hardy, a leading name in the world of classic and high-performance cars and the driving force behind HPC Classics, a respected…
The Dynamics of Co-Driving with Molly Livermore [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:04
It’s me, Mark Stone, and in this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, I speak with Molly Livermore, a rising star in the world of rallying and one of a growing number of women making their mark in motorsport.Molly sha…
Celebrating French Engineering: Autos de France at Oulton Park [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:36
It’s me, Mark Stone, and in this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, I head to the Autos de France event at the Foreign Point Circuit in Cheshire, a celebration of all things French on four wheels. Joined by Chris Le…
Derek Herneman on Driving Around the Coast for Charity [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:52
It’s me, Mark Stone, and in this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, I share the remarkable story of Derek Herneman, who set out on a 4,000-mile journey around the UK coastline in a vintage Land Rover and a 1946 cara…