Die Cast 1:18 James Bond Lotus Esprit 1971 model car

James Bond Lotus Esprit 1971 model car.

Magnificent transformable replica of the Lotus Esprit submarine used by the famous spy 007 in The Spy Who Loved Me (1977).

AUTO WORLD's 1:18 scale miniatures are designed for the most demanding American car and movie fans.

Their metal bodies feature all functional openings, revealing ultra-detailed engines and interiors, and even the floor is flocked to imitate the interior carpet of a scale 1 car.

• 1/18 scale
     
• Convertible submarine and sports car
     
• Fully detailed engine and interior
     
• Opening hood, trunk and doors

The Lotus Esprit, an iconic car known for its memorable role in the movie "The Spy Who Loved Me," has a fascinating history dating back to its debut at the Turin Motor Show in 1972. This event marked Lotus' entry into the modern sports car market, with innovative design and futuristic features that immediately captured the public's attention.

Originally presented as a concept car called the "Silver Car" by Giorgetto Giugiaro of ItalDesign, the car was quickly renamed "Esprit" by Lotus due to its impressive appearance and revolutionary potential. The radical design, often described as "folded paper," was well received by car enthusiasts and prompted Lotus to consider serial production.

The first Lotus Esprit was eventually unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in 1975, marking the beginning of a new era for the brand. Powered by the 2.0-liter four-cylinder Type 907 engine, the car delivered 160 horsepower at 6200 rpm, offering impressive performance for its time. Featuring a dual overhead camshaft with 16 valves and two Dell'Orto carburetors, the Lotus Esprit benefited from advanced technology developed by Lotus, a brand already renowned for its successes in Formula 1.

The aesthetics of the Lotus Esprit were also groundbreaking, with a body made of glass-reinforced plastic (G.R.P.) that provided both lightness and strength. The interior, covered in washable fabric, offered unparalleled comfort and style. The retractable headlights, a distinctive feature, could be lowered or raised with the push of a button to optimize aerodynamics.

While its on-road performance was commendable, it was the handling and distinctive style of the Lotus Esprit that captivated car enthusiasts worldwide. Its appearance in the movie "The Spy Who Loved Me" in 1977 propelled the car to iconic status, particularly thanks to the unforgettable scene where James Bond plunges the car into the sea, transforming it into a submarine named "Wet Nellie."

Over the years, the Lotus Esprit evolved to remain at the forefront of the automotive industry. In 1980, it was introduced in its Series 2 (S2) version, and underwent several revisions to meet the changing demands of the market. Despite technological and aesthetic changes, the Lotus Esprit always retained the essence of its original design, created by the talented Giorgetto Giugiaro.

The 1980s and 1990s saw the release of several variants of the Lotus Esprit, each retaining the distinctive style that made it famous. Even in the early 2000s, the car continued to garner admiration from car enthusiasts worldwide, testament to its timeless status in automotive history.

In summary, the Lotus Esprit embodies the boldness and innovation of the Lotus brand, with its revolutionary design and remarkable performance. From its notable debut at the Turin Motor Show in 1972 to its iconic role in the movie "The Spy Who Loved Me," the Lotus Esprit will forever be remembered as one of the most iconic cars of all time.