The Spy Who Loved Me Gadgets

Lotus Esprit

Picture
The fripperies are a distant memory as 007 takes delivery of the most gadget ladened vehicle since the legendary Aston martin DB5 was unveiled in Goldfinger.
Its role as a multi-purpose combat vehicle means it needs to be equipped for use and abuse both on the road and under water. Yes, under water.

Q hands over the keys, “Right, now pay attention 007, I want you to take great care with this equipment. There are one or two rather special accessories...”
It has... 

1)   Cement dispensers, which empty their load at the rear to impede chasing vehicles.
2)   A vertical missile rack that will knock a helicopter out of the sky – from under the water. Not to mention the front loaded missiles.
3)   Wheels that disappear into the body work to be replaced by air tight covers, leaving the vehicle with a smooth and solid base.
4)   Reinforced bars that make the windscreen and side windows airtight and waterproof.
5)   Dive planes that emerge from the side and rear to help with under water stability, plus two vertical fins to help them out.
6)   A four screw drive-unit at the rear for optimum power and maneuverability.
7)   Further weaponry that includes Mine Dispensers, Oil Slick camouflage and front loaded harpoons.
8)   And of course, full submarine controls inside the vehicle.
It was the work of Perry Submarines to turn the car into a mini-sub and a truly remarkable feat of engineering it was too. They couldn’t actually do everything that we saw on the big screen, but never mind that, it was still impressive enough to see a couple of the six vehicles used, to crop up at auction on occasion. The most recently recorded sale price for one of the cars was £111,000 at Bonhams annual car auction.

You can get your own little collectable version, and although they were only brought out to coincide with the Skyfall movie, they are currently below their originally launch price so you will find some pretty good bargains.
The 1977 Lotus Esprit, as featured in The Spy Who Loved Me, comes up rarely for sale, but this wonderful example was recently sold for £38,000 by an owner based in Surrey, England.
The vehicle's specification is on the right, to provide you with a guide to what you're looking at for this sort of money.
Engine layout: Mid Engined
Aspiration: Normally Aspirated
Engine size (Litres): 2.0
Engine configuration: 4 cylinder
Cylinder layout: Inline
Cylinders: 4
Engine power (BHP): 160
Torque (lbs/ft): 100
Top speed (MPH): 138
Acceleration: 0 to 62 in 6.7 seconds
Driven wheels: Rear Wheel Drive
The detail
Mileage: 4,800
Year: 1977
Doors: 2
Body type: Saloon
Transmission type: Manual
Fuel type: Petrol
Colour: Orange

You may have seen them at the airport. You know, a game of skill to win a dream car (maybe your only chance to ever own one). They now have a website, where you can use your skill and judgement to win one of the world's best cars.
Photo: The Spy Who Loved Me 1977 Danjaq, LLC, & United Artists Corporation. All rights reserved