James Bond Lotus Special at the Top Gear Test Track
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- Опубліковано 5 сер 2021
- My Bond has always been Roger Moore, and Moore's Bond always drove a Lotus. Join me for a Once-in-a-Lifetime drive, where I get the chance to have a blast around the Top Gear Test Track in not one, but three Lotus Esprits! These are the most impressive, forensically-replicated cars I have ever seen- one lucky owner recreated the white S1 Esprit from The Spy Who Loved Me, and the Copper Metallic Turbo seen in For Your Eyes Only! For a bit of fun, a friend also brought along a White Turbo, which, although not absolutely screen-accurate, is stunning. Stay tuned for a surprise guest!
A huge thanks to the owners- Fabian Steele, Andy Warne and Justin White, for being so generous with their beautiful Bond Beauties, ably assisted by John Wallis and Mark Wilkinson, and my brother, Jamie.
We’d also like to thank Hugo and David McAllister for being so accommodating at the Top Gear Dunsfold Aerodrome track.
Also a special mention to my son, Jack, for being such a good sport on a long, hot day and an excellent, exploding henchman.
If you've enjoyed this film, please feel free to SMERSH the Like and Subscribe buttons, and turn on Notifications so that you won't miss the next film when it drops.
The Bond Vivant is not associated with any James Bond copyright holder and is not an official channel.
This video is a non-profit presentation not aimed at breaking copyright laws. All material remains courtesy of the respective owners.
The Bond Vivant is not represented, endorsed, sponsored by EON, MGM, Danjaq or any other 3rd party. We do not accept paid or promote affiliated products for commission as of August 2020.
#notimetodie #bond25 #jamesbond #007 #danielcraig #seanconnery #thebondvivant #georgelazenby #timothydalton #rogermoore #lotusesprit #wetnellie #thespywholovedme #foryoureyesonly #topgear
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UA-cam www.youtube.com/watch?v=bT6Ug... - Фільми й анімація
I very much miss the Lotus S1 and S2 and Roger Moore sadly❤😊😢
Me too. Maybe EON will bring back the Lotus as new Bond's personal car, much like they have used the DB5 and V8 Vantage with Craig's 007...?
This was absolutely amazing. The copper turbo was always my favourite.
Great minds think alike!
I do agree the copper one is gorgeous. I tryed to get hold of one but no so I bought a red instead from 87 turbo carb hc just love it.
@@larslotus The HC has a better engine, I believe.
@@thebondvivant8030 better I don't know . I think you have to treat this car's like a lady . They are like any sports car that are highly tuned they need service and maintenance regularly . I picked up my lotus in Madrid Spain and she hade a poorly rebuild engine , the hole car needed a lot of TLC. But since then I've done 70000km with her. If you can get one do it you want regret it.
Good luck and thanks for your video's. A Swed in France.
@@larslotus Thanks, Lars! I am SOOOOOO going to track a Turbo down at some point! It has always been my dream car. I have a few new contacts, who can hopefully guide me to a good car!
I was next door neighbour to a VERY rich couple bak when those skis "Olin Mark Vi" were being made. As they were about THE most expensive mass production ski on the market they of course each had a pair ...
They used them for one season and then gave me those skis ! I've never ever skied on something as good. Aramid honeycomb carbon fibre back in the days when those materials were only heard of for NASA ... They were unusually heavy, but so precise and gobbled up anything the slopes could throw at them.
Olin were American so to actually have a pair over here in Europe was like being an oil Sheikh. I even had those same red Salomon bindings.
They must have seen the film and ordered them.
(He drove a white Ferrari Dino back then).
The look of the Lotus Esprit in For Your Eyes Only is my favorite James Bond car. The color combo of the car and the wheel rims are a nice contrast against the snow.
It just makes the car pop against the white, doesn't it? If I ever manage to get my hands on one, I'm definitely getting it resprayed in Copper Fire Metallic!
That S1 interior is just sublime - wow!
I’m not aware of any modern car interior that can even come close.
The owner, Fabian, was amazing in tracking down the exact material used. I absolutely LOVE IT too! Happy Christmas!
My daddy had an S1 and S2 I went to boarding school in the 70s there was a lot of jealousy😂🧠💪💚 thanks dad for the memories x and had 007 At the top of the numberplate much to my mother’s dismay.💕🙏
Oh that is so cool! What a legend your dad was! Extremely jealous. My dad had an Aston DB6 (not a DB5, but close enough). But he never picked me up from school in it!
@@thebondvivant8030 That’s incredible my dad also had the Aston Martin DB6S The one with the wire spoke wheels, metallic bronze with pink leather interior. Wow Great times Thanks for a great video 🙋♂️💚🤝
You are more than welcome! Do have a gander at some of our other videos. I think that you'll find them fun!@@memorialgardens1664
I think I may have put this comment on every single video you’ve made. I know you have not made as many videos as David but you are in my opinion surpassing the Bond Experience right now. You’ve gained a few points on David for being in the UK and the battle dress you’ve worn has helped you. Another perfect video. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you one and all
Matthew, thanks so much, once again, for your wholehearted support! We don't produce as much content, but we hope that the results speak for themselves.
Absolutely brilliant! Clearly nobody does it better!
Cheers, Korey Simon!
I was going to say the EXACT same thing and was surprised to find your comment!
Surprised?!? How? Blair is the man! King of men to be more specific lol
I’m hoping to find a white turbo esprit with the red stripes and interior similar to the one in the video very soon. Dream car.
Absolutely! It looks epic in For Your Eyes Only, driving past Hector Gonzales' villa! Good luck, and happy hunting! Let me know if you realise your dream!
Beautiful lotuses, I live in the US and owned 3 lotus, the esprit, elite and eklat, all 1977, and LOVED THEM, they are not expensive to repair at all, some parts are cheaper then a Toyota, good video 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
I really, really want a Turbo as soon as funds allow! My other half is not a fan of 70's wedginess, so I'm going to have to work on her defences!
What a car. "such lovely lines" as Sir Roger would say. To this day its my favourite car
It is just stunning in the flesh!
Blair, this was absolutely a stellar effort! The attention to detail from you is astounding! The editing between the films and your camera work was perfect. The gentlemen that provided their cars are to be commended for the attention to detail. To be able to put the time and coin into projects like these is something I can only dream of. Thanks for letting us live vicariously through you! This has to have been the experience of a lifetime! Salute! 🍸
Thank you so much, Kevin. It was a labour of love, and yes, the lucky owners are as remarkable in their fastidiousness in the pursuit of perfection, as the cars are to drive and admire as pieces of automotive art. A long and knackering shoot on the hottest day of the year, but worth it!
EXCELLENT VIDEO!! hats off from America
Thanks so much! Glad that you enjoyed it, as much as we enjoyed making it! You should check out dome of our other videos. We don't take ourselves too seriously! Belated Happy Thanksgiving from the UK!
Oh my gosh , Just came across this video posting and truly amazed , the second lotus in the for your eyes only is my favourite ❤ ,,,
Thanks for posting
Thanks for your kind comments, Fabian, and glad that you enjoyed the video! It was one of the best days of my life and such fun to make. Do check out some of our other Bond videos, as they are quite fun, too!
Definitely the best coverage of Bond Lotus cars ever, bravo 👏
Oh thanks so much, Colin! Praise indeed!
Thank you Blair. Absolutely wonderful. From the Forty something and Seven year old inside me.👌👍😊
My sentiments exactly! I felt like a kid in a candy shop.
One of the best YT car videos I have ever seen. Like Fabian, I was a year older than him when I saw The Spy Who Loved Me and absolutely fell in love with the Esprit. And the Bond trivia from him about the cars! Superbly produced Blair. Subscribed!
Oh many thanks! It was an epic day, and Fabian was so generous to let us play with his pride and joys! I'll never forget it! And thanks for subscribing! Do check out the other videos- they were a right giggle to make! Happy Christmas!
That was the best intro ever! I'm only five minutes in and I don't care if the rest is rubbish, it gets a like from me.
Thanks sooooo much! It was an incredible day! I hope that the rest of the film reached your expectations! Hit the subscribe button, and I'll let you know when the next video lands if you switch on notifications. Happy Christmas!
This was a wonderful, really fun watch. Can't imagine how much fun it was to drive those iconic rolling masterpieces. Like you, I also grew up on Spy Who Loved Me and fell in love with the Lotus Esprit, finding the burnt copper Esprit Turbo from FYEO even better and yes, also my favorite of Bond cars. That turn at the hotel at night in the film is just pure automotive heaven.
Cheers from Tokyo.
Hello, Tokyo! Oh thanks so much! It was one of the best experiences of my life! I'm going to have to raid the piggy bank at some point and put my money where my mouth is and buy one!
Just watched this I admire your eccentricity and humour, Well put together pal you must of had a laugh making it
Cheers! It was a long day, and damn hot. But it was a giggle to make!
Blair amazing. The dedication and resourcefulness of these collectors make for such entertaining stories. Well done on packaging this together.
Absolutely, Pete! Forensic in the details!
I owned an S2 Lotus Esprit in white and it was all because of the S1 in the Bond Movie. Best car I ever owned.
It was just such a perfect car for the Moore era. You, sir, are a lucky man. Why did you sell her?
Great video - that S1 is a beauty.
Thanks, Richard! And, yes- love the S1's purity.
I'm sure Sir Roger would have approved!
I'll take that as a MASSIVE compliment! He did tell one of my friends when he met Roger that he'd heard of me and that I knew more about James Bond than he did! Which was mind-blowing...
Splendid!
Thanks, Dave! Much appreciated!
00heaven! great work commander. I watched this instead of doing my tax return.. TSWLM is my first and fav too! S1 beautiful
Thanks, Howard! Hope that I didn't cause too much distraction from your final figures!
I have an 84 the hard part is finding people with the knowledge and will to work on them here in America. Great vid…
Thanks, ChefG! Very jealous that you are a Lotus owner. And I can imagine that they are tricky beasts to maintain!
I had a plastic one with pop out fins!Even my toy one broke down! Cheers Lotus😅
Absolutely wonderful video, content and skill from all involved in this. What stunning cars.
Thanks so much for the support! I must thanks Gavin, my cameraman and editor. He's the brains of the outfit!
Truly wonderful video. The Lotus was and still is one of my very favorite Bond cars. Excellent job all around!
Thanks, matey! My favourite video, and my favourite Bond cars! Hope that all's well across The Pond!
Excellent video!
Thanks, Luke! Much appreciated. It was an experience that I will never forget.
Absolutely love your quality over quantity approach! Another amazing video..
Thanks for the vote of confidence! Yes- we produce less content, but try to raise the stakes each time. Not sure how we can top this! Might have to rein it back a little for the next one!
Amazing! The Lotus Esprit is my favorite sports car outside of the 1982 Ferrari T-308 (Magnum P.I's car), but that wasn't used in a Bond film...
I do love the 308 (but I'd probably buy a 328 GTS). But my heart still belongs to that Copper Fire Metallic Turbo...
@@thebondvivant8030 Buying the corgi model is about as close as I'll ever get...
@@frankb821 Do we really need both kidneys...?
@@thebondvivant8030 haha, a worthy question!
Just found your channel and REALLY, REALLY loved this video. A lot of work and thank you so much for doing this!
Thanks SOOOOO MUCH DAVID!!!! It's always great to hear that folks appreciate how much work and love go into making our little films! Spread the good word, and do check out some of our other videos. We take our time, but I think that the results speak for themselves. Thanks again, for your support- Blair
You have a lot of fun putting these together. Love the guy getting instant justice as he tries to break into the turbo esprit. What a great video you have here of the cars. The restoration story is awesome.
Thanks Rog! The guy getting blown up is my son, Jack, who has met a grisly end in a few of my videos!
Always loved these cars. The closest I have is my '91 Saab SPG turbo. The comment on the turbo-lag - Most of this can be eliminated by installing a 3 inch downpipe from the turbo to evacuate the gases quickly.
Oooh, good idea! They were great fun to drive, but you had to keep your wits about you!
Cracking job on that video it had a real quality look of a TV car show, good to see the Lotus getting some real Bond attention as that was my Bond car growing up, Well done to all involved.
Thanks so much Shane! We do try to put the time in to make the best film we can. The Lotuses definitely beat the DB5 for me!
I love my 83 Turbo Esprit
It's my fave, too! Just epically cool, and a slice of my childhood. We can but dream!
You must post a photo of yours!
Superb video, thanks!!
Thanks so much! Glad that you enjoyed it. It was lots of fun to make, and a dream couple of drives for me!
Thanks for this. Enjoyed
Thanks so much! I couldn't believe that I actually got to drive these epic cars! Total dream day for me!
Yes, I had a 1986 Saab 900 T16S. That was very laggy.
It's why we had the "Dual Carriageway 2 Miles Ahead" signs, so Saab Turbo drivers knew when to press the throttle for an overtake.
Loved it though. Went like stink even though it was only 175bhp.
Ha ha ha! That is brilliant! The 900 is my other half's favourite car. They are sub-zero cool
@@thebondvivant8030
I had mine in the mid-late '80s.
I was living in Derby and my then girlfriend was in Felixstowe.
I noticed that at 90mph (indicated) and above (!), with the sunroof back, you could hear a constant whistle from the turbo, as the engine needed boost all the time to push that brick through the air at that speed.
It was very sensitive to tyre choice and suspension wear but when it was all sorted, the thing drove arrow straight and left most cars behind.
I have an E39 M5 now but still miss much about that 900.
Got to love that M5's V8!@@lewis72
@@thebondvivant8030
I actually think that a manual E39 530i Sport would give you 90% of the E39 M5 for about 30% of the cost !
Fantastic video Blair,loved it .
Thanks Matthew! We loved making it!
Outstanding video. Superb work from all involved. Yes…the lotus is MY favourite JB car. It’s about time we saw Bond back behind the wheel of a Lotus. ….come on, producers !!!!
Absolutely, Phil! Couldn't agree more! Emira, maybe....?
@@thebondvivant8030 Ooooh yes……Great choice 💙💙💙
And filmed in the shadow of the aircraft that featured in Casino Royale (note the unusual grouped twin jet configuration not normally seen on a 747) and on the airfield where the Miami airport scenes were shot.
You, sir are a scholar and connoisseur! Great spot It was a day of real Bond moments! Hope that you enjoyed our film!
Love your work, Blair! 😎
Thanks so much, Colin! More coming soon!
Great job on this.
Thanks, Rod. It was an incredible day!
Great video and you are very engaging, i look forward to more great content!
Thanks, Mark! More on the way!
This is so good it's untrue.
Thanks so much for your generous words! It was an unforgettable day for me, driving my dream cars on there Top Gear test track! The owners were so generous with their pride and joys. Glad that you enjoyed watching. Do check out my other films, and spread the good word! Cheers- Blair
Love your choice of music
Thanks, Jim! We try and make it as Bondie as possible!
Another great video! Would love to drive a esprit turbo one day 🙏🏻
It will be a day long remembered (to borrow from another franchise...)
Great job on this video, the whole production quality is fantastic !
I have it playing on the tv, you can’t tell it’s a UA-cam video … next top gear host ?
Oh that's so wonderful to hear! It was a team effort. My cameraman and editor, Gavin, works the magic. Having him handle all the techie stuff means that I don't have to worry
Hello i'm new in the channel,great video,I'm here for the Lotus Esprit, great job from the owners, in special Fabian. Those Esprit's are my dream cars. I would like to own or at least drive one in my life. Happy new year and stay safe from covid. Cheers from Portugal
Muito obrigado! E feliz Ano Novo! O Lotus também é meu carro favorito!
Oh i like this video...i like it alot. Sitting in the canteen at work flicking through the Newpaper i see in the car segment...a sneak peak of Lotus's New forthcoming model that has surprisingly same profile as the Esprit. That got me thinking, Yeah that was a cool car... Especially that under rated "copper" one in FYEO...long story short that led me here...and to your channel. I'll be an avid viewer from now...Thanks.👍
Oh you are most welcome! Thanks for your support!
Superb Vid, Blair! This now ranks alongside HARRY'S GARAGE 007 Turbo Esprit trip to Cortina as my Favourite 007 Esprit tribute! 👍🏻
Now that is praise indeed, Peter! Harry's Garage is one of my favourite channels, and his Turbo HC seems to be the perfect tourer! Fabian, the owner of the 2 Esprits in my film, and I are trying to organise a road trip to Cortina to pay homage to FYEO, so watch this space!
@@thebondvivant8030 Sadly Harry has now sold his HC, a real shame in my view. 😭
@@Peter-Oxley-Modelling-Lab If I'd known, I would have bought it off him and had it resprayed and reupholstered! That car was bulletproof!
@@thebondvivant8030 Me too! I like Harry, but told him off sternly as I think he made an error: It had to be one of the Best Turbo Esprit's in the country. 😢
Nice video from Japan
どうもありがとう！
I'm 53, a Bond fan my entire life AND all I can say is..... one day
Let me know when you realise your dream! I'm saving up right now...!
@@thebondvivant8030 you can keep the DB5, in my opinion the Lotus wins on all accounts especially the bronze Esprit Turbo... "Now Luigi, didn't press any buttons"..
@@peterfranks6243 Absolutely! It has such presence, and could outperform the DB5 on any road!
Were each pair of skis the same color on the Esprit in the film?
Super cool video.
That's a great question, Donny! But knowing how forensic Fabian was when he was working on the car, I have to believve that he got everything screen-accurate!
@@thebondvivant8030 I must agree. Only I got a model of the car the other day and, everything is as it should be; yet one pair is black and the other the body coloured bronze. Both pairs have the Olin Mark VI brand on them. I’m going to watch the dvd tonight and observe!
Love the channel
"Ever get the feeling someone doesn't like you?"
Such a great line! I should have tried to squeeze it in!
🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹😀
You need a goldfinger to keep one on the road
Don't I Dr No it...
Fabian is a man of focus,determination and sheer fvckin will to go to those lengths to get everything absolutely spot on.
I believe he once killed 3 men in a bar with a pencil-a fvckin pencil-who does that.
If John Wick restored his car Fabian would shame him.
Great video of my fav car of all time.
Keep your Lambo,your Ferrari or your Bugatti-The Esprit Turbo is boner inducing.
Can you ask your friend who he used to re trim the interior? I have an 87 that I need to have the seats addressed.
thanks
I believe it was Steve Fulcher, the son of Nick Fulcher was head of trimming at Lotus, and who did the interior for the Bond S1, who did the retiming for Fabian's car. This is a link to his website www.coachtrimmer.co.uk
competition for the 308? notice the similarities 🤔
Oh don't get me wrong, I am a huge fan of the 308. It is arguably the prettier car, and with 4 more cylinders. I wouldn't say no if you tossed me the keys for me to keep. But for me it has to be the Lotus. Better handling, and much better value. And Magnum v Bond? No contest!
I have my dream car, it's my KITT car replica of Knight Rider :) and he really speaks french with the voice of the actor. :) Some vids are on my channel. I love your video. Keep going my friend.
That is incroyable, Michel! I will have to check out your channel immediately!
Anyone here from the link at the classic car show in the NEC in Birmingham?
How did the show go? Did you chat to Fabian? He's such a friendly guy, and his attention to detail is forensic.
You missed the 007 edition Kenworth from the Timothy Dalton era.
Woah. Can't believe I missed that! A return visit is called for. Maybe an Aston next time...?
@@thebondvivant8030 It was the 1989 License To Kill that featured a Kenworth 900 W truck in a memorable stunt scene.. With the release of the movie Kenworth offered a 007 appearance/trim package as an option.,
Oh, please give me a break
I've been buying Lotus cars new from dealers here in the U.S since 1996. The decision to drop the Esprit in 2004 was a shock. Porsche's entire existence is the 911, which is now 56 years old. Lotus missed a chance to keep it's "calling card" model. It was a huge business error.
I continued buying Lotus but they need to re-think their history and take a clue from Porsche about LONGEVITY. If you have a desirable model, just remember that introducing a new model means starting all over and alienating a huge chunk of your customer base.
EXAMPLE: Porsche decides to end the 911 in the year 2004. And Chevrolet abandons the Corvette model one year later.
IT'S HARD TO IMAGINE those manufacturers dropping the ball like that.
And neither one has.
Great point! Just imagine what an Esprit would be like today. I also wonder if someone will do a restomod version of a classic Turbo Esprit?
Wasn't the girl in the chopper really a bloke ? I'm sure Des Lynam had a dabble ...
I think that you're thinking of Tula/ Caroline Cossey, who was a Bond girl in For Your Eyes only. Caroline Munro was definitely a woman...
We take it for granted that 007 is utter trash and the Esprit is a timeless classic, but hard as it is to believe, in the late 70s/early 80s, it was actually James Bond that made the Esprit famous. I am not shitting you.
Bond did give the Esprit instant legend status!
Who you telling?? I was there!! Lol
As a Lotus employee, someone in the 70's or a Double O agent...?
@@alteredbeast1974
@@thebondvivant8030 I cannot answer that, on the grounds that I would have to.... eliminate you... lol
why were this era wing mirrors so shit ?
Much generic British Leyland (Lucas) switchgear abounds in early Esprits. Legend has it that Colin Chapman would raid the employee parking area looking for ideas and parts to use on his cars. Employees soon learned the benefits of parking as far away from the building as possible and taking a long stroll from their cars to/from work!
alas since CGI kids are unimpressed by this. such a shame
Got to keep it real!