Lotus Esprit S1 [Submarine Mode]

You knew with my reviews of popular sci-fi thatJames Bond needed an entry in my collection. It is borderline sci-fi at best, but so a part of movies seen in my youth. I needed a diecast vehicle for my collection. The James Bond franchise has about a million different toys and vehicles, so what to buy? I did not want to inundate my collection (like 4 Batmobiles) and needed something very sci-fi-ish and diecast goodness. Well… except possibly the funky space shuttles from Moonraker, what is more “fantasy” than a 1970’s Lotus submerging into the ocean and fighting a bunch of subs… hence my selection.
Made by Autoart is a 1/18 scale rendition of the Lotus Espirt in sub conversion mode from The Spy who Loved Me. It has normal packaging used in 1/18 vehicles.

The vehicle has great lines and I like it as the sole James Bond entry in my collection.

The front trunk and rear hatch open and you can remove the heat shield to see the engine.

The doors open and you can see the retro 70’s interior (look at that red plaid and blue).

I was disappointed in the quality for 90 bucks plus shipping. It has a cheap feel my Mad Max car did not, but it still has some nice details including the back car sticker, the gas cap and insignia, nice door handles, the missile front tilts, anti-aircraft missile silo, license plates, and back and side fins that turn (the propeller blades don’t, hence some of my complaints).

I did not like how the weird flat plate/mirror on top, while metal, yellowed… (if anyone can identify what it was leave a post)

Overall it looks great, has nice lines, and great detail… but when you hold it and start trying to adjust all the gimmicks (and find 90% static/frozen), it seems overpriced. I am still glad I bought it and have it, but it would probably a disappointment to many (maybe I was spoiled by MAD Max’s car… it is the only other thing from Autoart I own).