Underwater James Bond Lotus Espirit

James Bond’s Lotus Esprit Submarine up for Auction

James Bond Lotus Espirit Submarine

It’s not often we get to see genuinely iconic cars go up for sale, especially one driven by James Bond himself. But that’s exactly what’s about to happen.

In early September, what may be considered one of the most iconic film cars of all time is lining up for the auction block – the Lotus Esprit Series 1 Submarine Car.

Built for the 1977 classic The Spy Who Loved Me, “Wet Nellie” is a fully-functioning submarine car, cost upwards of $100,000 to make (around $500,000 in 1977 money,) and was driven in the movie by an ex Navy SEAL and test pilot.

Some Interesting History

James Bond Lotus Esprit

After The Spy Who Loved Me was shot, the car was put into a storage unit in Long Island, NY for ten years, all paid in advance. They must have forgotten about it, because after those ten years, the rent went delinquent, and as you know from Storage WarsGoldfinger and Thunderball and winner of our Most Iconic Bond Cars of all Time – for a cool £2.9 million (about $4.4 million right now.)