Alchemist Covers DB7 in Gold and Platinum

Man has had an obsession with things shiny since he first became known as a species. There's just something irresistible about a big lump of gold or a huge diamond. Especially the “weaker sex” seems to have a predisposition to fall for such trinkets ... oh and rappers too.

Since ancient times, kings and generally rich folk have decided to gild their daily possessions, such as cups, staffs and even some of their clothes. The modern man's answer to that trend seems to be gilding his car, like the Brits over at Alchemist, a London-based company that is nonetheless headed by a French bloke by the name of Jacques Blanc.

Previous projects from these guys included gold-plating the roofs of various exotic cars, but now it seems they are going all out with the gold and platinum-clad Aston Martin DB7 that is as kitschy as your grandma's china.

The car was covered in 24-karat gold leaf as well as platinum leaf on the bumpers from the looks of the pictures they've just released. The car also has a couple of diamonds embedded, 7 in total, probably a connection to the 007 spy thing, since this is a car used by Bond in several films.

But don't go thinking that you can get near this car and use your key to scrape some of the gold off in an effort to make rent this month. The whole car is clear coated to give it further shine or “bling” as some of the homeboys would say.

Also, the car aims to pay homage to “Goldfinger”, that gold-crazed fiend also from the James Bond series who covered with gold everything he used. The Aston will be unveiled at the MPH The Prestige and Performance Motor Show at London's Earls Court. Hey, even Top Gear Live will be there!

Manager Jacques Blanc said in the press release about the car: “Forget the everyday optional extras offered by car manufacturers, this is the King Midas of customization and the gold standard of luxury”.