First, Ferris Bueller and now James Bond.
Agent 007's Lotus Esprit used in The Spy Who Loved Me is up for grabs. But, unlike what you may think at first glance, we're actually talking about the submarine used in the underwater sequences.
So, I guess that doesn't really make it much of a car, huh?
According to RM Auctions, who will be putting this baby up on the block, it is the only one created for the production. It was built by Perry Oceangraphic in Florida from one of six Esprit body shells. Back then it cost $100,000, which translates into a value of nearly a half million smackers today.
Post production, the vehicle was put into a storage unit for 10 years, paid in advance. Once the 10 years were up, the unit was delinquent and its contents were auctioned.
No word if it still works as it was a proper, ocean-going vehicle but if you want to get your hands on a piece of James Bond history, it hardly gets much better than this.
Check out the FULL details via RM Auctions below:
BOND CAR SURFACES! ICONIC 007 LOTUS ESPRIT 'SUBMARINE' CAR TO GO UNDER THE HAMMER AT RM'S FORTHCOMING LONDON SALE
- RM Auctions lifts the gavel on the one and only functional submarine car, used in the James Bond film The Spy Who Loved Me, at its eagerly awaited central London sale, 8–9 September
- Fully functioning submarine car was designed and fitted to propel underwater
- The actual car seen, on screen, driving underwater; one of the most famous movie cars of all time
- Never before offered for sale
- Amazing story of 'lost and found'
LONDON (at a top secret location) – "Pay attention, 007, RM Auctions is about to sell one of my most ingenious creations and we wouldn't want it to fall into enemy hands". Well, 'Q' might be a little concerned that his incredible Lotus Esprit Series 1 'Submarine' Car is due to be sold at auction, but for millions of movie fans out there, the appearance of this iconic Bond car on the open market represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
No Bond car has ever done anything as outrageous as transform itself into a submarine. Used to incredible effect in the film The Spy Who Loved Me, starring Roger Moore, the white Lotus commonly tops the polls when generations of movie fans are asked to vote on their favourite film cars of all time. Like all the best Bond cars, the Lotus was a veritable war chest of weaponry and gadgetry, all designed to fox and foil the enemy, whilst also helping Bond to another hard-won victory for Queen and country.
The vehicle to be offered by RM Auctions at its forthcoming London sale, 8-9 September, in Battersea Park, is the one and only fully functioning car especially designed and built for the famous underwater sequence seen on screen in the 1977 film. Abundantly authenticated, and known as 'Wet Nellie' on the set, it was developed from one of six Esprit body shells used in the making of the film. As the only car to be built into a fully operational, self-propelled 'submarine', by Perry Oceanographic, based in Riviera Beach, Florida, it is the vehicle which claimed the most screen time in the film. The driver of the car was Don Griffin, a retired U.S. Navy SEAL and test pilot for Perry, who operated the vehicle utilizing its motorized propellers while manoeuvring with levered steering mechanisms. At the time, the car was said to have cost over $100,000 to create (equivalent to nearly a half million dollars today).
Subsequent to filming the underwater scenes in the Bahamas, the vehicle was shipped to Long Island, NY, where it was kept in an unassuming storage unit on a ten year rental, paid in advance. Fate later intervened when, in 1989, the then rent delinquent unit was put up 'blind' for public auction. A modest winning bid from an area couple brought surprise and wonder when the blankets were removed to reveal the iconic 007 'Submarine' Car. After positive authentication, the Lotus was shown occasionally – including a stint at the Petersen Automotive Museum – but mostly kept closely under wraps, until now.
Max Girardo, Managing Director, RM Auctions, Europe, says: "We have a great track record in selling incredible and iconic movie cars, and this particular Lotus is certainly up there amongst the most famous cars of all time. Over the years, millions of moviegoers have stared in awe as the Lotus transformed itself into a submarine, and now, perhaps one of them will have an opportunity to own it. Her Majesty's Secret Service aside, it surely is the ultimate beach accessory"!
RM Auctions sold "the most famous car in the world", the Aston Martin DB5 used by Sean Connery in the enormously popular Goldfinger and Thunderball movies, for an incredible £2.9 million during its 2010 London sale.
For further information on RM Auctions' forthcoming London sale, or to view a frequently updated list of entries, visit rmauctions.com or contact RM's London office at +44 (0) 20 7851 7070.
James Bond receiving his submarine LOTUS ESPRIT S1 from Q
James Bond drives his car into and under the water.