Though not officially issued by Q Branch, Bond’s remote car starter for the BMW 750iL in Tomorrow Never Dies stands as one of the movie’s most cleverly understated gadgets. In 1997, most audiences weren’t casually starting cars from across parking lots, so the moment landed as both believable and futuristic. It’s the kind of practical sophistication Bond technology always aims to deliver, and one that I feel should be revisited as often as possible in future movies.

Much like the car phone in From Russia With Love, it’s a seemingly minor tool that was ahead of its time and raised some eyebrows. I distinctly remember the quiet, remote ignition start just before Bond slips away as a crowd-pleasing moment in the crowded movie theater. Awesome!