A contractor from Long Island hit the jackpot in 1989 when he purchased a mystery container for less than $100 (£78).
Inside the unassuming container, the man and his brother discovered a piece of cinematic history hidden under blankets.
They uncovered a white sports car, but it had no wheels, only a streamlined, futuristic design.
Doug Redenius, co-founder of the Ian Fleming Foundation, shared their initial confusion: “They really didn’t know what it was at first.”
Little did they know, they had stumbled upon the legendary James Bond submarine car from the 1977 film ‘The Spy Who Loved Me.’
This vehicle, affectionately known as ‘Wet Nellie,’ was driven by Roger Moore’s James Bond during an iconic mountaintop chase.
In a thrilling scene, Bond plunges the car into the ocean, where it transforms into a sleek submarine.
The vehicle, costing more than $100,000 (£78,400) to build, became one of the most famous cars in Bond history.
Redenius emphasized its significance: “It’s one of the most famous James Bond cars ever.”
To understand the full magnitude of this discovery, we need to delve into the car’s illustrious backstory.
‘The Spy Who Loved Me’ hit theaters in 1977, directed by Lewis Gilbert and starring Roger Moore and Barbara Bach.
The movie featured spectacular stunts, exotic locations, and, of course, the unforgettable Lotus Esprit.
Designed by Lotus engineer Roger Becker, the Esprit was chosen for its sharp lines and futuristic look.
The car’s transformation into a submarine involved a combination of models and special effects, breaking new ground in movie magic.
Multiple Esprits were used in filming: two for the chase scenes, three for underwater shots, and another for submarine footage.
Each car had a specific role, with some rigged for surface driving and others equipped for underwater sequences.
After filming, the vehicles were scattered, with some sold to collectors and others lost to time.
The whereabouts of the submarine car were unknown until that fateful day in 1989.
Fast forward to September 2013, and the legendary car once again made headlines.
The James Bond submarine car was up for auction, drawing the attention of enthusiasts and collectors worldwide.
Bids soared, and the final sale was expected to exceed $1 million.
The Guardian reported that tech magnate Elon Musk emerged as the highest bidder.
Musk, who purchased the car anonymously, shelled out a cool $997,000 (£616,000) for the piece of movie history.
The news of his acquisition quickly spread, captivating fans of both Bond and Musk.
Musk later revealed his childhood fascination with the car: “It was amazing as a little kid in South Africa to watch James Bond in The Spy Who Loved Me drive his Lotus Esprit off a pier, press a button and have it transform into a submarine underwater.”
However, reality didn’t quite match his boyhood dreams.
Musk expressed his disappointment: “I was disappointed to learn that it can’t actually transform.”
But Musk, never one to shy away from a challenge, had a plan.
“What I’m going to do,” he declared, “is upgrade it with a Tesla electric powertrain and try to make it transform for real.”
The prospect of a real-life transforming submarine car sent waves of excitement through both the automotive and film communities.
Musk’s vision promised to bridge the gap between fiction and reality, turning a childhood fantasy into a tangible project.
As the car underwent its transformation, it remained a symbol of innovation and imagination.
The story of the James Bond submarine car is one of serendipity and wonder.
From a dusty container in Long Island to Elon Musk’s cutting-edge workshop, the car’s journey is as thrilling as any spy adventure.
Its discovery by an unsuspecting contractor and subsequent purchase by a tech visionary highlights the enduring allure of James Bond.
The car itself, a marvel of design and engineering, continues to captivate audiences decades after its silver screen debut.
With Musk’s ambitious plans, the story of Wet Nellie is far from over.
As Musk works to bring the car’s transformation to life, the world watches with bated breath.
The allure of James Bond and the ingenuity of Elon Musk combine to create a narrative that is truly timeless.
The next chapter in the saga of the 007 submarine car promises to be as exciting and unpredictable as any Bond film.
Whether it’s diving into the depths or soaring to new heights, Wet Nellie’s legacy is poised to continue thrilling fans old and new.
The marriage of past cinematic glory with future technological breakthroughs ensures that this story will be remembered for generations.
Stay tuned, because the adventure is just beginning.