RM Auctions will sell a very unique piece of automotive engineering -- and a movie icon -- at its London auction on September 8-9, 2013: the Lotus Esprit Series 1 ‘Submarine’ Car that starred in The Spy Who Loved Me (1977).
Specifically designed and built for the famous underwater sequence, it was developed from one of six Esprit body shells used in the making of the film -- and is the only car to be built into a fully operational, self-propelled ‘submarine’. Known as ‘Wet Nellie’ on the set, it was later shipped to Long Island, NY, where it was kept in an unassuming storage unit on a ten-year rental, paid in advance.
Here's the twist: In 1989, the 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.
The Lotus made a few appearances afterwards -- including a stint at the Petersen Automotive Museum -- but for the most part remained closely under wraps, until now.
No estimation has been provided for this car, but you should know that RM Auctions sold “the most famous car in the world”, the Aston Martin DB5 used by Sean Connery in Goldfinger and Thunderball, for £2.9 million (approx. $4.6 million CAD) in 2010.
Specifically designed and built for the famous underwater sequence, it was developed from one of six Esprit body shells used in the making of the film -- and is the only car to be built into a fully operational, self-propelled ‘submarine’. Known as ‘Wet Nellie’ on the set, it was later shipped to Long Island, NY, where it was kept in an unassuming storage unit on a ten-year rental, paid in advance.
Here's the twist: In 1989, the 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.
The Lotus made a few appearances afterwards -- including a stint at the Petersen Automotive Museum -- but for the most part remained closely under wraps, until now.
No estimation has been provided for this car, but you should know that RM Auctions sold “the most famous car in the world”, the Aston Martin DB5 used by Sean Connery in Goldfinger and Thunderball, for £2.9 million (approx. $4.6 million CAD) in 2010.
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| Photo: RM Auctions |