James Bond’s Lotus Esprit Submarine For Auction

lotus-sub-1Americans have arguably produced the greatest car movies of all time. Flicks like Bullit, Vanishing Point, and Gone in 60 Seconds creating cult-like followings among car fans and Hollywood buffs alike. But we don’t want to leave out our cousins across the pond, specifically famous British spy James Bond, who has had more than a few iconic cars himself.

Bond’s cars always come with a full complement of gadgets and weaponry, and from machine guns to oil slicks. One of Bond’s most famous cars, however, was the Lotus Esprit Series 1 from the 1977 Bond film “The Spy Who Loved Me.” It wasn’t the weaponry or gadgets that made it so cool, but the fact that it turned into a submarine.

RM Auctions will be selling this incredible piece of movie and car history at its September auction in London and, according to the listing, this is a fully-functional car/sub. It was reportedly built by Perry Oceanographic at the cost of $100,000, and was piloted by a former Navy Seal. It remains one of the coolest Bond cars of all time.

After filming finished, the Lotus submarine was stored in New York, and when the 10-year storage contract ran out, no one renewed it. That put the sub up for auction, and was one by a local couple for a modest price. While it was loaned to the Petersen Auto Museum for a brief time, the Lotus sub has not been for sale until now.

Unofficial bidding estimates put the final price at more than $750,000, though we wouldn’t be surprised if it hit a million bucks. This car hits all the marks when it comes to collector pieces, and it’ll be a serious bidding war before the gavel falls.

About the author

Chris Demorro

Christopher DeMorro is a freelance writer and journalist from Connecticut with two passions in life; writing and anything with an engine.
Read My Articles

Hot Rods and Muscle Cars in your inbox.

Build your own custom newsletter with the content you love from Street Muscle, directly to your inbox, absolutely FREE!

Free WordPress Themes
Street Muscle NEWSLETTER - SIGN UP FREE!

We will safeguard your e-mail and only send content you request.

Street Muscle - The Ultimate Muscle Car Magazine

streetmusclemag

We'll send you the most interesting Street Muscle articles, news, car features, and videos every week.

Street Muscle - The Ultimate Muscle Car Magazine

Street Muscle NEWSLETTER - SIGN UP FREE!

We will safeguard your e-mail and only send content you request.

Street Muscle - The Ultimate Muscle Car Magazine

streetmusclemag

Thank you for your subscription.

Subscribe to more FREE Online Magazines!

We think you might like...


fordmuscle
Classic Ford Performance
dragzine
Drag Racing
chevyhardcore
Classic Chevy Magazine

Street Muscle - The Ultimate Muscle Car Magazine

Thank you for your subscription.

Subscribe to more FREE Online Magazines!

We think you might like...

  • fordmuscle Classic Ford Performance
  • dragzine Drag Racing
  • chevyhardcore Classic Chevy Magazine

Street Muscle - The Ultimate Muscle Car Magazine

streetmusclemag

Thank you for your subscription.

Thank you for your subscription.

Street Muscle - The Ultimate Muscle Car Magazine

Thank you for your subscription.

Thank you for your subscription.

Loading