Lotus Esprit

Technical data

  • Manufacturer: Lotus (UK)
  • Model: Esprit
  • Year: 1977
  • Engine: 2,0L 16V Inline 4-cyl DOH (S1 1.973 cc, S3 2.174cc)
  • Power: 140 bhp
  • Transmission: 5-Speed
  • Steering: Rack & pinion
  • Brakes: Discs w/ Vacuum Assist
  • Unladen weight: 1.066 kg (2.350 lbs)
  • Performance: Max. speed 135 mph
    0 - 60: 9,2 sec.
  • Colour: white
  • Numberplate: PPW 306 R

Extra Equipment

  • Able to transform to a submarine
  • Periscope
  • Torpedoes
  • Surface-to-air missile
  • Deptcharges (mines)
  • Smokescreen (both land and sea)

Notes

The Lotus Esprit ranks with the Aston Martin DB5, as a truly classic Bond vehicle. It was nicknamed 'Wet Nellie' after Bond's autogyro 'Little Nellie' from 'You Only Live Twice'.

Bond's Esprit was highly armed, and it could travel underwater at a relatively high speed.

Six different 'Shells' & 'Models' were used to perform the Land to Sea transformation, and a empty shell with a diver in a wetsuit acted underwater. Today one of these six vehicles is owned by 'The Ian Fleming Foundation'.

Related links

Other sources

The Essential Bond, Lee Pfeiffer & Dave Worrall, Boxtree, 2000, page 110.