Tech billionaire Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, once made headlines after purchasing one of the most iconic vehicles in cinematic history. This was the famous 1976 Lotus Esprit submarine car used in the James Bond film The Spy Who Loved Me.
The legendary car, nicknamed “Wet Nellie,” became globally famous after appearing in the 1977 James Bond movie starring Roger Moore as the iconic spy James Bond. Musk reportedly bought the vehicle for $997,000 at a Sotheby’s auction. As a result, he added a unique piece of pop-culture and engineering history to his personal collection.
The purchase sparked global attention not only because of the car’s film legacy. It also drew attention due to Musk’s fascination with futuristic technology—especially vehicles capable of operating both on land and underwater.
The Famous Submarine Car from a Classic James Bond Film
Released in 1977, The Spy Who Loved Me remains one of the most celebrated entries in the James Bond franchise. The film introduced audiences to an unforgettable gadget: a sleek white Lotus Esprit sports car. This car could transform into a fully functioning submarine.
In the movie’s most memorable scene, Bond drives the car off a pier into the sea while being chased by enemies. Once underwater, the vehicle transforms into a submarine equipped with torpedoes, mines, and advanced navigation systems.
The car instantly became one of the most recognizable gadgets in Bond history. Designed by British automaker Lotus Cars, the Esprit’s futuristic design perfectly matched the high-tech image associated with the 007 films.
Over time, the submarine car evolved from a movie prop into a coveted collector’s item, symbolizing the innovative spirit of the Bond franchise.
Why Elon Musk Was Fascinated by the Lotus Esprit
Elon Musk has long expressed admiration for the James Bond film series and the futuristic technology featured in the movies. The Lotus Esprit submarine car particularly captured his imagination. This is because it represents the blending of science fiction and real-world engineering.
Musk revealed that watching the Bond movie as a child inspired him. After purchasing the vehicle, he stated that he was disappointed to discover the original prop did not actually transform into a submarine like it did in the film.
However, the discovery sparked a new idea. Musk expressed interest in upgrading the vehicle using Tesla electric technology to create a real working amphibious or submarine-capable car.
This vision aligns with Musk’s broader philosophy of turning imaginative concepts into real-world innovation. He has done this repeatedly through companies like Tesla and SpaceX.
The $997,000 Sotheby’s Auction That Made Headlines
The historic purchase took place in 2013 during a Sotheby’s auction in London, where collectors competed for the rare movie prop. Notably, the car had been hidden for decades in a storage container. Eventually, it was rediscovered and placed up for auction.
Bidding quickly intensified as collectors recognized the significance of the vehicle. Ultimately, Musk secured the car with a winning bid of $997,000. This made it one of the most valuable pieces of James Bond memorabilia ever sold.
The purchase demonstrated the growing global demand for movie memorabilia tied to iconic franchises.
Restoration and Preservation of the Iconic Vehicle
After acquiring the Lotus Esprit submarine car, Musk reportedly began exploring ways to restore and preserve the historic vehicle.
Restoration work focused on maintaining the car’s distinctive design, including:
- The sleek wedge-shaped Lotus Esprit body
- Underwater propulsion components used for filming
Custom fins and propellers installed for submarine scenes
- Interior modifications designed for underwater filming
Although the car was originally built as a film prop rather than a functional submarine, the restoration effort ensured it remains an authentic piece of movie history.
A Major Moment for Pop Culture and Automotive History
Elon Musk’s purchase of the Lotus Esprit submarine car reignited global interest in the intersection between film, engineering, and collectible automobiles.
The vehicle symbolizes a unique era in filmmaking. During this time, practical effects and imaginative engineering were used to create unforgettable cinematic moments.
For collectors and fans of the James Bond franchise, the car represents:
- A legendary film gadget
- A milestone in automotive design
- A cultural icon tied to the enduring popularity of 007 films
By acquiring and preserving the vehicle, Musk helped ensure that this piece of cinematic history continues to inspire new generations of engineers, filmmakers, and dreamers.
The Lasting Legacy of the Lotus Esprit Submarine Car
The story of the Lotus Esprit submarine car continues to fascinate fans worldwide. What began as a creative film prop in a James Bond movie has evolved into a symbol of innovation and imagination.
Now owned by one of the world’s most influential technology entrepreneurs, the vehicle bridges the gap between Hollywood fantasy and real-world engineering ambition.
For Elon Musk, the car is more than a collectible—it represents the very idea that bold dreams and science fiction concepts can eventually become reality.
