Lotus Esprit Submarine

What is Wet Nellie?

Wet Nellie was a car; featured in a movie, and initially, its name was James Bond’s Lotus Esprit Submarine Vehicle, for those who don’t know. This car acts as James Bond’s multi-role battle vehicle in “The Spy Who Loved Me.” So they named the car “Wet Nellie.”

Nothing was impossible for this car. You can find cement dispensers at the back to keep out any pursuers when you need to escape danger. It also includes a vertical missile rack to keep helicopters out. 

Have you seen a car driving thru the ocean? Well, Wet Nellie can do it; one of its rare features is that the automobile could change into a functional submarine if needed.

Wet Nellie was the ultimate escape car because of its high-tech amenities. 

Photo Credit: Nick Jaynes

Why is Wet Nellie rare?

Per RM Auctions, the Esprit submarine cost approximately $100,000 to manufacture in 1977, which is around $500,000 if you compare to today’s time.

It has a high production cost because it was built intentionally as a fully operational submarine. Also, it wielded legitimate underwater driving shots. Don Griffin, a retired Navy SEAL, was given the task of piloting this underwater missile in the film. Cars were in such high demand due to the film that people had to be placed on three waiting lists to buy one.

How much is the value of Wet Nellie?

In September, for £616,000 ($997,000) Wet Nellie, the car was auctioned at a London auction.

Who has given almost a million dollars for a car? The automotive blog Jalopnik revealed that Musk was the buyer, later confirmed by Tesla Motors‘ public relations team. 

He has purchased James Bond’s Lotus Esprit Submarine Vehicle from The Spy Who Loved Me to transform it into a submarine in a film.

Photo Credit: United Artists, Danjaq LLC

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