James Bond’s signature drink is well known, but his legendary and ever-expanding garage is what keeps people lapping up the franchise. And 007’s automotive cocktail is certainly a hypnotic one: three measures of British brawn, one of European sophistication, half a measure of outrageous gadgetry. Shaken very well until it is ice cold, then add a large, thin slice of perfect unattainability.

Not all of the cars are out of reach any more, though. You’d be hard pressed to find an Aston Martin DB5 in the classifieds, and even harder pressed to find a convertible Toyota 2000GT anywhere, at all

Not all of the cars are out of reach any more, though. You’d be hard pressed to find an Aston Martin DB5 in the classifieds, and even harder pressed to find a convertible Toyota 2000GT anywhere, at all. But that’s not to say the whole of Bond’s garage is out of reach to the ordinary man in 2015. Add these gifts to your Christmas list.

Lotus Esprit S1

007 MOVIE: The Spy Who Loved Me

The tartan upholstery of the wedge-shaped Esprit made it as aesthetically startling on the inside as it was on the outside. In the film, we see it convert into a submarine and dive into the sea, which is actually slightly more believable than its apparent ability to outrun a Bell 206 helicopter. With just 160bhp at its disposal, the Esprit was considered underpowered at the time.

Expect to pay: The S1 will cost upwards of €30,000 depending on condition. Later models can be bought for well under €15,000, though there are some really awful examples on the market. Common problems include rusted fuel tanks, which could indicate that a previous owner has used it in salt water.

Sunbeam Alpine

007 MOVIE: Dr No

Bond’s first ever proper on-screen car was a rather budget choice. The Sunbeam Alpine had just 80bhp at its disposal, making it a wheezy option for the Jamaican countryside. It didn’t even have any gadgets. What it did, though, was start a glorious tradition of Bond cars – one that has entertained fans for over half a century.

Expect to pay: Potential buyers of this characterful British drop-top can pay anywhere between €10,000 and €20,000 depending on condition and model year. Bond’s version was a Series II, reportedly borrowed from a local for filming.

BMW Z3

007 MOVIE: Goldeneye

The Z3 is another Bond car known for its lacklustre performance off-screen. Its mercifully short screen time of around two minutes was notable purely because the car didn’t get blown up at any point (pity) nor did it ever become very popular. But the most grating part is the badge – as James May once put it, “James Bond driving a BMW is like Douglas Bader flying for the Luftwaffe”.

Expect to pay: From €5,000 upwards for the 1.9-litre which is very common but not particularly good to drive. Expect to pay up to €15,000 for the infinitely better six-cylinder 3.0-litre – if you can find one. Look for a high-spec model with BMW’s proprietary radar-guided missile system. Effectively a weaponised iDrive.

Citroen 2CV

007 MOVIE: For Your Eyes Only

Most great car-building countries have their 2CV. Britain has the Mini, Germany has the VW Beetle, Italy has the Fiat 500. Each speaks volumes about their nation’s approach to design, style and engineering. France’s 2CV was developed with the ability to carry a basket of eggs across a ploughed field, and despite goofy looks and a complete inability to meet anything approaching modern driving standards, endured a production run of just over half a century. Bond’s slapstick escape from the baddies in a little yellow Citroen 2CV is one of the greatest pieces of cinematic nonsense on this list.

Expect to pay: Citroen made several million 2CVs and derivatives, so you can pick up one for pocket change, though around €12,000 will get you a pristine one in a fetching colour. If you aren’t that mechanically minded, ask your mechanic to ensure that the model you are interested in does not come with any hidden problems.

Ford Mustang Mach 1

007 MOVIE: Diamonds are Forever

There’s a little part of everybody that wants to slide around Las Vegas in a roaring Mustang. Sean Connery got to do precisely this with Jill St John. With a faintly ridiculous V8 displacing seven litres and a soundtrack to match, Connery slithered this American brute through the streets in what could be Bond’s most flawed car chase ever – the car enters an alleyway on two wheels and exits on the other two.

Expect to pay: €20,000 to €40,000 depending on age and condition. Many are left-hand-drive. Be aware that these cars were not designed with corners in mind, and that the prospect of glaring continuity errors could affect your journey home.