007's Lotus Esprit Road Test - Was It Really Slower Than A Van??

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  • Опубліковано 22 гру 2024

КОМЕНТАРІ • 697

  • @TheFoolishboy9
    @TheFoolishboy9 2 роки тому +85

    Lotus Cortina??

    • @Number27
      @Number27  2 роки тому +22

      Apologies.. Slip of the tongue.. I know it’s a standard Ford. As evidenced later in the video when I talk about engine power at 105hp for the V6 versions.

    • @E92M3Guy
      @E92M3Guy 2 роки тому +17

      It was a Ford Taunus ghia , Jack. 👍

    • @federicomalignani4957
      @federicomalignani4957 2 роки тому +11

      This movie was filmed in Costa Smeralda,Sardina,but there was another 007 filmed in Cortina,Dolomites,with another Esprit,I think a series 2. Intriguing car,never driven one,in Italy they were extremely rare. I am absolutely convinced they had a great balance for their time and that the chassis was very good,and they were also very light,after all that was Colin Chapman's doctrine,and this make them very interesting cars. They have always been compared with the Ferrari 308,but probably the best comparison is with the Alpine A 310,another car with a similar light philosophy. Even when they were new,the interior seemed fragile and of poor quality,and most of them have deteriorated like this one.This is a car for people who love real driving,without frills.Very,very interesting,expecially for non british followers,I think. And the Alpine A 110 and A 310 should be another interesting experiences to drive. Last but not least,I could not belive that you can fit inside the Esprit!! Ciao Giacomo.

    • @deanstevenson6527
      @deanstevenson6527 2 роки тому +18

      @ David Smith. We cut secret Agent 27 some slack when he says 2.2 litre Cortina V6 when he means 2.3 litre, and Ford Taunus/ Cortina when he says Lotus Cortina.And especially when he says a de Tomaso makes maximum torque where it actually makes maximum power. Because he's such a gentleman 🥝✔️.

    • @ldwp6395
      @ldwp6395 2 роки тому +12

      @@federicomalignani4957 Your thinking of "For Your Eyes Only". The bronze esprit with ski's on the back is peak 80's bond car for me.

  • @btimec5290
    @btimec5290 2 роки тому +128

    The guy that willed it back to the original owner was a class act

  • @garethjudd5840
    @garethjudd5840 2 роки тому +197

    As a 10 year old boy back in 1977, this was the most awesome bond car I had ever seen

    • @lib556
      @lib556 2 роки тому +8

      I was 12 and felt the same way.

    • @martinmalone6324
      @martinmalone6324 2 роки тому +6

      I was 9, had a model for that christmas, played with it to death did all the tricks just didn't spurt concrete, shame really.

    • @zahemi914
      @zahemi914 2 роки тому +5

      I thought I was the only one.....and I was 7...the youngest among uols...😁

    • @joeking4206
      @joeking4206 2 роки тому +2

      Me too! I'm slightly older, but not much. Tbh I think the S4 is even more beautiful, and re-designed by a Brit after the masterpiece of Giugiaro. I should buy one before I die 👍

    • @markthoughtswithukrainemas2072
      @markthoughtswithukrainemas2072 2 роки тому +3

      Do you want to hear a funny story !!!! every time I saw a Triumph TR7 I though it was the bond car !!!! think I was the same age as you

  • @jkk244
    @jkk244 2 роки тому +47

    It was in the spring of 1977, months before The Spy Who Loved Me was released, that a strange Esprit body (wheel-less of course) sat on a trailer in front of the only Lotus dealer in St Louis, Missouri. Of course, it was one of the submarine models used in the movie. I was a teenager who happened to be driving past the Lotus dealer so I stopped to take a look at the strange thing. Somebody in the crowd mentioned it was a submarine and it would appear in the next James Bond movie, but that’s all we knew about it. The windshield was just a simple piece of plexiglass (Perspex) with strips of black electrical tape running across it, forming the black “bars”. It was very clear to everyone that there was no way this “submarine” was watertight at all. But it really resembled the real car with tail lights and other authentic trim. It was cool as hell to see something from the movies - and especially a James Bond movie. My guess is that this submarine prop was trailered across the United States to be briefly shown at the few Lotus dealers that existed in the country at that time. Months later, when the movie premiered, it was very special to have seen the submarine that was up on the big screen.

    • @TheRip72
      @TheRip72 2 роки тому +3

      It was not intended to be watertight. It needed to be filled with water or else it would float.

    • @elveggoloco
      @elveggoloco 2 роки тому +8

      I was 9 that summer and had never heard of James Bond. We were visiting family in the suburbs of Cleveland Ohio and had popped into the mall for some errand or other and there inside the mall, right outside the entrance to the movie theater, inside a velvet rope was the sleekest, sexiest, most mysterious car I'd ever seen! I know in hindsight that it wasn't one of the actual movie-cars because it was silver, probably borrowed from the local dealer as a promotional tie-in, but I had never heard of Lotus at that age either and had no clue what it was- and was too gobsmacked and spellbound by it to look for badges to read! This car SERIOUSLY dripped, nee, SPEWED mystique! There was this geeky slightly older kid with buck-teeth and glasses standing nearby who said, "this car can go under WAAAAter! Heheheheheh!" and mentioned that it was from that movie over there, pointing to the big cardboard cutout-display for The Spy Who Loved Me. I remember the cutout having a very handsome fella with a pistol, and a really swanky sexy lady slinked-up on him, and all these action-shots of helicopters and boats and...the car, as a submarine! Gobsmacked again, I started looking inside the wheel-wells trying to spot the hidden dive-planes and such. I think I saw a rear hub-carrier and thought it was a dive-plane. Such a dweeb I was at that age!
      A couple of years later I discovered James Bond and became a HUGE fan, seeing them every time ABC would show them on Saturday nights. My first Bond on the big screen was For Your Eyes Only.
      Fast forward to 2010, when I became the proud owner of a 1986 Turbo Esprit in a rare colour. People always asked me if it could go underwater, and I'd dodge answering by countering with, "the real question is, do you really want to be in a submarine with a British electrical system?" :D

    • @biegendesrohr9550
      @biegendesrohr9550 2 роки тому +4

      Thank you guys for sharing your experiences wirh us. That really brings the 70ties back a little bit and the feelings you had at that time.
      I'm born in 1974 and in the eighties I was playing wirh my uncles toy cars he still had from the corgi-brand. He had the bat-mobile with the bat-boat, a car from U.N.C.L.E. and two Bondcars, the Jaguar from you only live twice with a computer display sticker behind the seats and a rocket launcher in the trunk and the Goldfinger Aston with all the gimicks, all original from the 60ties from corgi or corgy or what the brand was called.
      In the 80ties my Grandma, my mentioned uncles mother, bought me two Bondcars from corgi. The Goldfinger Aston Martin and the Lotus Esprit who could change into a submarine. Also from corgi just from the 80ties. What was interesting was the comparison of the 80ties and the 60ties DB5. They had both exactly the same gimicks, but the 80ties version was a bit bigger, so that bot cars weren't "compatible" gamewise, and it was more silver, while I think the 60ties version had a little bit of golden tint to the colour.
      Kerp having fun with Bond and your memories! Greetz from germany!

    • @Treviscoe
      @Treviscoe 4 місяці тому

      Yeah, I'm impressed that there was a Lotus dealer in St Louis at all!

  • @grimson
    @grimson 2 роки тому +72

    I absolutely love the Esprit and don't care at all, AT ALL, about its use in the Bond films. It's an iconic car in its own right. I also don't care that's it's underpowered by exotic car standards. Look at it. Look at it!

    • @davidstuart4915
      @davidstuart4915 7 місяців тому +1

      indeed, the Mk1, like the Countach were almost literally, out of this world for the time period

    • @DrWhom
      @DrWhom 5 місяців тому

      unless you are on a racing track, the sports car experience comes primarily from having your bum 1 inch from the road surface - and all that power will probably just make you fishtail into the nearest lamp post

    • @Craig-wp3pz
      @Craig-wp3pz Місяць тому

      The looks were enough, but damn, these things handle like NOTHING else, but when it DOES let go, prepare for a quick 'spin cycle' and get the clutch in proper quick!🥾 ⚙

  • @ryanmccormick2150
    @ryanmccormick2150 2 роки тому +63

    If I owned that Esprit power would never come into play because I'd drive slow so everyone could see me driving one of the coolest cars ever made! Excellent stuff as always Jack 👍

    • @Number27
      @Number27  2 роки тому +7

      😄😄😁 it’s a great driving car and looks great too!

    • @ryanmccormick2150
      @ryanmccormick2150 2 роки тому +4

      @@Number27 best of both worlds! Not many cars have those characteristics!

  • @antking8847
    @antking8847 2 роки тому +15

    As the owner of a 1976 white Lotus Elite, this video really touched my heart. Many people mistake it for the Esprit lol. Mine is undergoing the longest and slowest ever restoration but one day I will have it back on the road. Only wish I could fit in the Esprit. Thanks Jack

    • @thecraggrat
      @thecraggrat 2 роки тому +4

      And I make 3, I have a white 1978 Series 1 Eclat that will be on the road next year *honest*!
      The weather has turned now and the garage holds the car, but I can't work on the car in the garage....so the weather has to be good.

  • @scottjohnson4319
    @scottjohnson4319 2 роки тому +26

    I've always loved the S1 and the purity of design especially in white, can't help but have the Bond theme in my head. Never seen one let alone drive it so thanks Jack for sharing this one. Looks like so much fun.

    • @ChristianRThomas
      @ChristianRThomas 2 роки тому +3

      Yup. I wholly agree. Even the S2.2 in white doesn't quite capture it. Purity is the right word.

    • @GBURGE55
      @GBURGE55 2 роки тому +2

      My uncle bought a yellow S1 in 1983. He had it for 3 or 4 year's & I can remember him saying that it hardly ever ran properly, but I thought it was the best looking car I'd ever seen. He only took me out in it once (I was 18 at the time) & was so disappointed when he sold it & replaced it with a Ford Capri 2.8 injection!

  • @coomavoon1928
    @coomavoon1928 2 роки тому +17

    Loved the fact the guy left Dave the car in his will. He must have been impressed with Dave when buying the vehicle from him.

    • @philt5782
      @philt5782 2 роки тому +3

      What a lovely story eh?

  • @turdferguson4124
    @turdferguson4124 2 роки тому +42

    Although in my opinion the Goldfinger Aston Martin is hands down the best Bond car ever, this Lotus is incredibly cool. A 160hp engine in a car weighing only 1000kg is not bad at all from a power to weight standpoint, especially in the mid 1970s. Considering the driving dynamics of the chassis and the low center of gravity, this car would be very fun to drive and still quite fast. This is a very desirable car.

    • @hotwheels1838
      @hotwheels1838 Рік тому

      My honda civic could beat that car in a race 😮

    • @BloatedScrotum
      @BloatedScrotum 7 місяців тому

      @@hotwheels1838 Not in a race to get the girls knickers off.

  • @roadwarrior144
    @roadwarrior144 2 роки тому +7

    The multiple shells to do each effect (one for the wheels folding in, one for the fairings filling the wheel arch, one for the hydrofoils extending through the fairings filling the arches, etc) were built by Perry Oceanographics in Florida. Another interesting note: the camera car for all the motion shots was owned by Colin Chapman (Chairman of Lotus at the time) because it was the only car, that was also available, that could keep up. Thank you for posting this great video!!!!!!
    Edit: That bit about the technician doing the driving was absolutely true. Story has it that the tech was preparing/testing the car for the days filming and Broccoli (Saltzman was out if the picture by this time) saw the guy hot-rodding it up the roads and was impressed. When the guy got back, Broccoli purportedly said “Could you do that again, but this time we’ll have the cameras rolling.”

  • @Curmudgeon2
    @Curmudgeon2 2 роки тому +6

    Years ago when I was in the MS National Guard, we were at annual training at Camp Shelby and I had to take a helicopter to check out some remote locations. My NG pilot had actually flow the helicopter that chased James Bond on one of the movies.

  • @williejack3695
    @williejack3695 2 роки тому +11

    what a fantastic car and a great story. As a boy growing up and drawing cars, the Lotus Esprit was the car I would draw

  • @berwhaletheavenger
    @berwhaletheavenger 2 роки тому +9

    Great stuff! I had the pleasure of driving a 1977 S1 Esprit in 1995, an immaculate lime green example belonging to a Lotus collector as well as a gold S2. The S1 (Tartan!) was an absolute joy to drive - comfortable, excellent ride and sublime handling. In truth they competed with the 165 bhp 911's, Lancia Monte Carlo etc. I worked at a Lotus dealer at the time and preferred the n/a S3 2.2 over all of them. The Cortina is a 2.3 Ghia Taunus, the European market version. 108 bhp and fairly brisk - a bit over nine seconds to sixty, 110 all out.

  • @amphilbey
    @amphilbey 2 роки тому +6

    Love the video and what a brilliant story about the generosity of the owner, well done for telling. These Esprits spent too long out of fashion so good to see them getting coverage.

  • @ernstfihn4925
    @ernstfihn4925 2 роки тому +18

    The Lotus submarine was not built in California, it was built in Florida by a company called Perry Oceanographics in Riviera Beach. It was basically a wet sub (SDV). The car body was free flooding. It was driven by a diver ( a difficult task). The components for the sub came from an SDV called the Shark Hunter.

  • @iandewsnap1119
    @iandewsnap1119 2 роки тому +17

    A few glaring slips this time Jack. It was Roger Becker, a very highly respected man, who’s son Matt went on to inherit the driving skills and after Lotus joined Aston Martin. Both remarkable development engineers. And aLotus Cortina was an entirely different machine to the lowly mark 4 used in the film.

    • @Number27
      @Number27  2 роки тому +8

      Yes I know on the Lotus Corina.. I knew full well it was a boggo Ford (as evidenced later when I talk about the v6 engine version and power) but I often mix up words. Could be old age or just general idiocy.

    • @Peter-Oxley-Modelling-Lab
      @Peter-Oxley-Modelling-Lab Рік тому

      I recognise that road from 'Harry's Garage'!?

  • @RichardBeds
    @RichardBeds 2 роки тому +23

    Hi Jack, you mentioned that CGI wasn’t available when they filmed the Bond film.
    What is really impressive is that the producers have resisted using CGI, preferring to do the stunts for real, old school, which is why they’re always a good watch.

    • @alexwild4350
      @alexwild4350 2 роки тому +2

      Same with the film Ronin.

    • @casinowilhelm
      @casinowilhelm 2 роки тому +4

      Some of the brosnan films had terrible cgi and there's some really obvious green screen work in the Roger Moore films.
      Also, just because something looks like it didn't use cgi can just mean it's been done so well you can't tell. Eg Fury Road has loads of cgi...

    • @RichardBeds
      @RichardBeds 2 роки тому +1

      @@casinowilhelm well I’m just going by what the producers have stated.

    • @Brucey77775
      @Brucey77775 Місяць тому

      Yes Stunts/explosions etc are much better than CGI! I don't know if you've noticed but so many movies these days have obviously fake explosions/fires!!

  • @PaulDoldenDetails
    @PaulDoldenDetails 2 роки тому +7

    I still think it’s up there with some of the most iconic movie cars of all time great video Jack

  • @travkatz
    @travkatz 2 роки тому +4

    This is the best video I've seen that you've made. The way you saved the personal story until the end was moving.

    • @Number27
      @Number27  2 роки тому +2

      Thank you.. that’s really lovely to hear!

  • @fetus2280
    @fetus2280 2 роки тому +3

    Probably one of my utmost favorite cars to have existed . Thanks for the video mate . Cheers.

  • @douglasprewer7913
    @douglasprewer7913 2 роки тому +6

    My company bought one of the Turbo Esprit versions of these cars and managers were allowed to use it on the weekends, I can tell you it was the fastest thing on four wheels and on the M4 from a standing start it went straight up to 135 no problem. Bearing in mind most cars of the time struggled to achieve 100!

  • @greenridge7945
    @greenridge7945 2 роки тому +3

    Lovely story and great car. Made such an impression as a kid in the film. Always loved them, even all the velour!

  • @Mike-rk8px
    @Mike-rk8px 2 роки тому +13

    All out speed wasn’t the point of the Esprit, or any other Lotus. The point of any Lotus is handling that is beyond compare, and a driver/car connection that is magical. I’ve owned a 1979 and a 1987 Esprit, and despite the usual Lotus problems, nothing compares to experience behind the wheel, and high speed stability is excellent. Even if they weren’t running at the moment, I’d still pull up a chair and just stare at it because they were so beautiful.

    • @jamesgallagher1992
      @jamesgallagher1992 2 роки тому +1

      Great comment about pulling up a chair...yep id totally agree🤣👍

    • @thecompanioncube4211
      @thecompanioncube4211 2 роки тому +1

      They kept that image for so fucking long it's astonishing

  • @markwalton8644
    @markwalton8644 2 роки тому +3

    A White S1 Esprit has to be on the Bucket List. Not just a fine handling and rorty, travelling slowly through a town, shades on and occasionally seeing a reflection of the car would make a very special drive!!!!

  • @DanielHillCoaching
    @DanielHillCoaching 2 роки тому +2

    Damn, he got it left in his will and it came home. Love it! 😍

  • @TheMrFishnDucks
    @TheMrFishnDucks Рік тому +1

    Very nice car. The chocolate interior has really grown on me over the course of this video. Looking forward to the next car video. Keep up the good work.

  • @pmapilot2052
    @pmapilot2052 Рік тому +1

    Over the last 50 years I have had 3 S2 Europas and 2 Esprits, 77 S1 and 87 Turbo which I still have. The Europa was a better handling car the Esprit more of a GT car but still handled well. I love them both.

  • @RzogL
    @RzogL 2 роки тому +7

    Such a pure shape. Shame they kept diluting it with every subsequent iteration. I have been obsessed with this car since I saw it on the cover of a classic car mag back in 2000, and as I write this I've got a Corgi model of Paul Murray's last ever S1 produced on my desk, next to one I made myself out of an A4 sheet of paper. There's a restomodded S2 out there with the normally aspirated engine pushed from 160 bhp to well over 200 bhp, making it quicker than the turbo Giugiaro cars. I gather electronic ignition helps make underpowered 70s and 80s cars like this one and the 308 finally feel quick, even in a modern context. Just imagine a Monaco White S1 on slot mags but with upgraded brakes, a/c, door seals and cooling fans, and the type 907 engine kicking out enough power to see off a Honda NSX... Sounds like perfection to me!

  • @AndyfromSurrey
    @AndyfromSurrey 2 роки тому +135

    Who cares, it the coolest Bond car ever 😂

    • @AkramBaig2689
      @AkramBaig2689 2 роки тому +4

      My dream car 😆 then having a woman in your dreams

    • @simonhodgetts6530
      @simonhodgetts6530 2 роки тому +6

      And for that matter the coolest Corgi Bond Car too!

    • @callelindstrom4789
      @callelindstrom4789 2 роки тому +2

      One of the best Bond movies of all time. Very cool video. Thx for doing it 🫶🏻

    • @ngc-fo5te
      @ngc-fo5te 2 роки тому +4

      Just no - and complete and utter no.

    • @thisguy555
      @thisguy555 2 роки тому +5

      I got a hot wheels model of this beast from the dark ages 😂

  • @NYKgjl10
    @NYKgjl10 2 роки тому +2

    Still my personal favorite Lotus auto of all time and my top 3 foreign car I would love to own. Excellent video, Jack. Keep up the good work on your vids!!

  • @geoffclarke3796
    @geoffclarke3796 2 роки тому +5

    Cheers Jack. The Spy Who Loved Me is one of my favourite 007 films and the first I remember, coming out when I was 7. A few years later in the early 80's, I remember a comparison test in CAR Magazine that pitched the then newly launched Esprit Turbo against a 308 and they preferred the Lotus. In fairness, I think it was one of the early injected 308's which I understand are a bit gutless compared to the carb 308 like Jacks and the subsequent QV so the Esprit Turbo would have been much quicker.

  • @onlypendants
    @onlypendants 2 роки тому +1

    The Lotus Esprit was my dream car as a kid. I still get butterflies in my stomach when i see one today...such a beautiful streamlined piece of machine. 😍

    • @liverpoolscottish6430
      @liverpoolscottish6430 2 роки тому +1

      Ditto! I can vividly recall drawing Lotus Esprit side profiles in the back of my exercise book at Junior school circa 1981! lol I was obsessed with the Esprit styling and I remain an ardent fan.

  • @karlosh9286
    @karlosh9286 2 роки тому +1

    I remember watching The Spy Who Loved me when I was a child in the late 70s. I always wanted an Espirit Series 1 !
    About 10 years later, my first car, after passing my driving test , was a knackered out old Ford Cortina Mk4. So I've only ever had the "baddies" car !

  • @ThePedroDB
    @ThePedroDB 2 роки тому +1

    The S1 & S2 Esprits had compromised rear suspension. The drive shafts were load bearing and there were a lot of NVH issues as a result. Poor rust protection also meant that the backbone Chassis tended to rot (previous Lotus had the same issue) . I owned a 1984 NA Esprit S3, which had the (galvanised) chassis from the Turbo and resolved all the earlier issues. It had the looks of the first car but the better build quality and reliability of the later models. It was absolutely brilliant and I ran it for years as my daily driver without any issues. Personally, I loved the Citroen SM gearbox

  • @rhannay39
    @rhannay39 2 роки тому +1

    Development over the lifetime of the Esprit was amazing. I drove one of the five race prepped X180Rs and it was incredible.

  • @johnireland1629
    @johnireland1629 2 роки тому +3

    Great story. I've never owned a Lotus but if I did decide to get one, a car like this would be my choice. I love the lines, and I'm more into handling than power these days. Fun show, thank you.

    • @ngc-fo5te
      @ngc-fo5te 2 роки тому

      This has neither handling nor power. And an interior you have to close your eyes with. It just showed the complete bollocks the 70s British car industry had become and why there really is no British car industry anymore.

  • @anthonyxuereb792
    @anthonyxuereb792 2 роки тому +1

    OMG the Cyber truck influenced by Giorgetto Giugiaro, thanks so much for the insight.

  • @1439of2000
    @1439of2000 2 роки тому +4

    The owner leaving the car to a previous owner that loved the car too is epic stuff.

  • @chrismadge7292
    @chrismadge7292 2 роки тому +1

    Great video Jack, really interesting to hear how they made the film. Amazing story at the end too!

  • @gh-vi9tk
    @gh-vi9tk 2 роки тому +1

    I trained for Fedex known as Federal express in the 80's. The training was at the Old Bell , Stansted Mountfitchet Essex.
    On the walls were lots of interesting things including the very original steering wheel from that Bond Lotus. The owner at the time had an Esprit in the car park, he told me he got it from Daley Thompson.

  • @philzvids3577
    @philzvids3577 2 роки тому +2

    Great video. That film is one of my favourites - best plot, best Bond girl, best car and best theme tune (in my opinion only of course!) But who wouldn't love hurtling along the roads with Barbara Bach next to them? Love the story about that particular car and even though that model isn't that fast I would love to own one.

  • @peterrenn6341
    @peterrenn6341 2 роки тому +3

    Lovely thing! - Seventies-tastic interior is great: The manic all-over the place speedo might well be just a kinked or dry drive cable but it's perfectly in character.

    • @ngc-fo5te
      @ngc-fo5te 2 роки тому

      Interior is an utter eyesore.

    • @bedfordshiremodeller4491
      @bedfordshiremodeller4491 8 місяців тому

      ​@@ngc-fo5te True but that,s how they designed them back then

  • @MarcosCodas
    @MarcosCodas Рік тому

    Very few things more pleasurable than finding a new channel you love and bingeing videos for daaaaays.

  • @tristan7586
    @tristan7586 2 роки тому +1

    Love your reviews! Great to see you the Esprit covered so well, and a view of the drive. And a lovely background story about the owners - Thanks Jack.

  • @markclevedon81
    @markclevedon81 2 роки тому +3

    Thankyou Jack. A fabulous review and I enjoyed the references to the Bond movie. Using a Lotus was always a risk after the Aston Martin cars but its exotic looks and story line overcame that prejudice but we must remember that this was still a fast, exciting car in the late1970s.

    • @Number27
      @Number27  2 роки тому +1

      Glad you enjoyed Mark, thanks!!

    • @darranwatson1840
      @darranwatson1840 2 роки тому +1

      @@Number27 was the turbo version the lotus in prettywoman that r. gere couldn’t drive a stick shift. That was a cool car and colour

  • @TheNorseman
    @TheNorseman 2 роки тому +1

    What a beautiful end to the story in this video.

  • @TheRetroShed
    @TheRetroShed 2 роки тому

    I was 6 years old when my dad took me to see Spy Who Loved Me. I fell in love with the Esprit on that day and I’m now 51 and always promised myself a pre-1987 facelift Esprit. I’m not sure whether I want one in case it shatters my dreams. It’s absolutely stunning design has never left me and perhaps I’ll get to drive one one day and that will make or break the dream for me. Great video! Note: I believe the underwater cars were built by Perry Submarines for the movie.

  • @marcel1463
    @marcel1463 Рік тому

    One of my favorite Bond movies. Thank you for the great background stories of the Lotus Esprit.

  • @Lemma01
    @Lemma01 2 роки тому +3

    Super vid, Jack. Love that car - the one Lotus I'm still waiting to own. Likely to stay that way! The S1 performance is always secondary, simply because it's an icon. You may have made some comparison with the S1 Elise?

  • @michaelreed8540
    @michaelreed8540 Рік тому +1

    Thank you for making such interesting videos.
    Your work is world class.

    • @Number27
      @Number27  Рік тому

      So nice of you, thanks!

  • @eze8970
    @eze8970 2 роки тому +5

    Thanks for another iconic car Jack! 🙏🙏

  • @TheKRU251
    @TheKRU251 2 роки тому +1

    They attached an ordinary broom under the car when it came out of the water to cover up where the buried towing cable was leaving a mark in the sand!!!
    Also I notice the rev counter on that Series One you have borrowed from David is bouncing around well !!!!

  • @gavinivers8941
    @gavinivers8941 2 роки тому +1

    There was a tie up with Vauxhall and Lotus when developing the engine, to the point that the first season Vauxhall Chevette ran in rallying, it ran a Lotus engine, until someone at the FIA said NO , there after the Chevette ran a Vauxhall motor.
    There was even a CF van used to with a twin cam Lotus head used to develop the head ....

    • @GSimpsonOAM
      @GSimpsonOAM 2 роки тому +1

      Prototype was based on Vauxhall block but Lotus went on to develop their own Aluminium block.
      There was the Lotus 906 then 907 Engine used in Esprit.
      en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lotus_900_series

  • @neiljgould
    @neiljgould Рік тому

    uplifting story thanks for sharing. My dad worked in the motor trade and once brought home an s2 Esprit in yellow. loved it ( I was about 9 years old . Remember my dad saying you've have a job getting this to skid ! unlike the old 5 series bmw he'd also recently brought home !! I love the S3 you had , I don't know how you parted wit that beauty.

  • @jeanclaude4
    @jeanclaude4 Рік тому

    Its really one of the all time greatest automobile designs. Its just so cool. Captures a time of my car loving youth that brings a smile.

  • @neilmarshment2910
    @neilmarshment2910 2 роки тому

    I loved this video. As a huge Bond fan I remember going to the cinema in 1977 to see the movie and was so excited to see the Lotus in action and just as excited to get the Corgi model (which I still have - in a tatty box). Too young at the time to drive I really wanted to drive one, still do! I have owned a variety of car since and miss the ‘analogue’ driving experience of older cars, that connected feeling. What a fabulous story of ownership as well. Thank you 🙂

  • @nicholasknight9360
    @nicholasknight9360 2 роки тому +3

    The biggest engine in the Cortina of that era was a 2 litre.... Also what Jack didn't mention was, the Esprit was designed for downforce. Which kept it on the seabed, hence the rudders were added to keep it going through the water and off the seabed.

    • @dontommaso2760
      @dontommaso2760 2 роки тому +1

      Actually, there was a 108hp 2.3 litre V6 version available as well. Ford Taunus already had it for the Mk3 but the Cortina did not get it until the Mk4 version.

    • @nicholasknight9360
      @nicholasknight9360 2 роки тому

      @@dontommaso2760 My apologies, you are very correct

    • @dontommaso2760
      @dontommaso2760 2 роки тому +1

      @@nicholasknight9360 No worries - I had the opportunity to drive one many years ago and it was a bit more responsive than my 2 litre version but it would never have caught the Lotus...especially not on those winding roads...

  • @mark_delfino
    @mark_delfino 2 роки тому +1

    A favourite, though I prefer the S2. White was always a great colour for all versions. Looking forward to Europa, someone used to drive a JPS liveried example past me on my way to school, the tease

  • @stephenricketts7764
    @stephenricketts7764 2 роки тому +3

    I agree it is a worthy Bond car. The styling alone is so good. Slower than a van? Well a Transit is a shed on wheels so a lot of wind resistance there if you take a standard van and no engine mods, nothing against Transits before someone chimes in! It does restore your faith in humanity when you hear a lovely story like that. I bet the chap was quite moved, I think I would have been. Thanks for the video Jack.👍👍

    • @msquaretheoriginal
      @msquaretheoriginal 2 роки тому +2

      Slower than a van? Well, if Sabine Schmitz is driving the van...

  • @rcmakingtracks18
    @rcmakingtracks18 Рік тому +1

    Great story, top video. Keep em coming. We'll done. John

  • @713vinh
    @713vinh 2 роки тому

    OMG I remember watching that Bond movie and fell totally in love with this Lotus. Will always have a place in my heart for this car.

  • @staric4863
    @staric4863 7 місяців тому

    Another British marvel from Lotus.
    There is another cool chap from UK restoring his MK2; It shows how well this car has been thought, designed.
    Thanks for this nice review.

  • @paullondon5332
    @paullondon5332 2 роки тому +1

    I always loved these cars I almost got a white S1 in 93 but ended up getting an AM V8 still Bond!
    But have come full circle and now have a 160 Elise!

  • @EuropaSman
    @EuropaSman 2 роки тому +2

    The one non-original item I noticed on the car is the three spoke steering wheel. Both the S1 and S2 had a two spoke steering wheel.

  • @jongb6094
    @jongb6094 2 роки тому +1

    That was Roger Becker, sadly no longer with us but his son has become an excellent development driver.

  • @NotJanine777
    @NotJanine777 Рік тому

    I fell in love with this car the first time I saw it in The Spy Who Lived me and it’s been my favourite car ever since.
    It’s just beautiful.

  • @richardgrumbine4867
    @richardgrumbine4867 2 роки тому

    One of my favorite cars to look at… so beautiful! On several occasions I looked at buying a used one… but so far it has not happened… but I have not given up hope…

  • @MrSandseeker
    @MrSandseeker 2 роки тому +1

    Great story and a great car! Thanks for the entertaining video Jack!

  • @rolfsvensson5777
    @rolfsvensson5777 2 роки тому +1

    Hi there! Very easy to "BOND" with that car! Love it!

  • @davidh2022
    @davidh2022 2 роки тому

    I had an S4S back late 90's - I loved it but it jesus it was a handful - I totally get the - enough power - light - well set up handling. Love it!

  • @gregchristofi1318
    @gregchristofi1318 2 роки тому

    Great vid, my favourite bond car of all time.... such a heart warming story on how the car found it's way back to the owner too.

  • @keironastbury9399
    @keironastbury9399 2 роки тому +1

    Absolutely love the esprit and would love one if I could afford one and I to would keep it standard but it is a shame they never put a more powerful engine in it still its a beautiful-looking car and I love them.

  • @richardwells4370
    @richardwells4370 2 роки тому

    Great Video , I saw the film when it came out , loved the car, my fist car was an Elan S130 kept for years . I always knew though the esprit’s were a bit troublesome , but still lovely to own

  • @CarDaddy24
    @CarDaddy24 Рік тому

    Amazing video, love the story at the end, what a cool guy to pass it back to the original owner.

  • @tech9803
    @tech9803 2 роки тому +1

    The S1 has to be one of Guigiaro's best designs.

  • @idesignyou...9257
    @idesignyou...9257 2 роки тому

    What an amazing story! Got to love the Esprit such a gorgeous sports car!

  • @David-tt2mt
    @David-tt2mt 2 роки тому +1

    Remember, back in '76 this was such a fresh/different car from the boxes on wheels that were on the roads at the time... and it was British made! About the same time the Rover Sd1 was launched and a similar feeling of excitement and heralding a new and cutting edge design available to the motoring public.

  • @sylviabruinewoud2985
    @sylviabruinewoud2985 2 роки тому +1

    Great car and a true icon. Looking fwd to the Europa video as I own one of those. An S1 to be precise.

    • @Number27
      @Number27  2 роки тому

      Ah Great, fab cars those! Thanks for watching Sylvia!

  • @deanstevenson6527
    @deanstevenson6527 2 роки тому +1

    The Series 1 used GM Opel Ascona/ Vauxhall Cavalier Rear drive Independent Front Suspension uprights. Lotus and DMC them eventually shared the revised IFS and IRS chassis, built for mass production from the later Eclat/ Elite upright...which were able to use Ford based hubs. The offsets front to rear are hugely offset in Series 1, and that's what gives the car it's Europa Sprint style pin- sharp steering. Like William Lyons, who used Standard tooling to produce the iron SS100 and later XK engine blocks, Colin Chapman was a master of reusing OPPs...Other Producer's Part's. The alloy 907 Slant 4 Twin Cam shares the Vauxhall iron slant Fours bore spacings.

    • @Number27
      @Number27  2 роки тому

      Really interesting, thanks!

    • @katywalker8322
      @katywalker8322 2 роки тому +1

      The Vauxhall engine bottom end was used when developing the heads. Apparently they had 3 Vivas fitted with the Vauxhall engine with the Lotus heads for development work.

    • @deanstevenson6527
      @deanstevenson6527 2 роки тому +1

      @@katywalker8322 👍. This is why the Twin Cam 2300 HS and HSR Vauxhall Chevette compliance via the FIA from 77 to 79 was so complicated. The Lotus 16 valve cylinder heads fit on the stock 2300 Bedford Victor Magnum iron cylinder block head studs.

    • @katywalker8322
      @katywalker8322 2 роки тому

      @@deanstevenson6527 , my father gave a test driver a lift from Hethel in the 1970s. He mentioned the 3 Vivas, which apparently they took to Vauxhall every week (Vauxhall wanted to see how the engines coped with the extra power). Apparently they would have fun with conventional fast cars on the journey - letting the get ahead and then catching up and flying past as a group!

  • @thesaint2700
    @thesaint2700 2 роки тому

    Love your videos, number 27! Pure and honest, with some wonderful, old cars, like this S1 Esprit from the first James Bond movie I watched as young petrol head

  • @nathanbenich9204
    @nathanbenich9204 2 роки тому +5

    Hey Jack, I have a special place in my heart for the Lotus Esprit because it was the first exotic car I drove at age 17. Also, I heard rumors that Lotus is planning to re-design and re-launch the Esprit. Do you have any additional information on this?!? Cheers!:)

    • @Mike-rk8px
      @Mike-rk8px 2 роки тому +2

      If you do a Google Image search for “Lotus Esprit reboot” there are lots of pictures of what they might build, but it looks nothing like an Esprit, aside from being very angular. Sadly, it won’t come with a stick shift, and one the thrills of driving an Esprit is running it through the gears while you make that little 4 cylinder scream. I’ve owned a 1979 and a 1987 Esprit, and they’re such thrilling cars to drive. I’m a mechanic so it’s an easy car to own and maintain, what will really cost you is the hourly fee a Lotus mechanic or dealer will charge you, so my only expense is parts. The one thing I don’t work on is the fiberglass body, that requires expertise and special equipment (a LOTS of time), but luckily I’ve never needed bodywork.

  • @DoubleDeckerAnton
    @DoubleDeckerAnton 2 роки тому

    Loved this video.
    Could you get to drive the 2nd Lotus which was Maroon In colour?

  • @aussiebloke609
    @aussiebloke609 Рік тому

    In Australia, those Cortinas topped out with a 4.1 liter straight-6. Terminal understeer to make twisty roads extra exciting, but loads of torque and very quick in a straight line.

  • @iansmeath8674
    @iansmeath8674 2 роки тому

    Oh that submersible lotus! Yes absolutely worthy for Bond IMO. Getting slightly jealous of your line of work Jack, folks bring you interesting cars to drive...😲....brilliant! Great vid.

  • @leebuckles2364
    @leebuckles2364 2 роки тому

    Another amazing car with a great back story keep going jack we need more content like this

  • @raymondchan9802
    @raymondchan9802 2 роки тому

    I reckon the S1 Esprit is the best looking one. Thanks for this wonderful video. Any S1 just look great in white.

  • @flashtheoriginal
    @flashtheoriginal 2 роки тому +1

    ? The out of water/onto beach scene....you mention a cable behind the car "pulling". Are you saying the film was reversed i.e. a cable pulled the car into the water with people walking backwards, then it was all flipped over?

  • @philt5782
    @philt5782 2 роки тому

    What an amazing story and video. Thanks for posting. The Lotus Esprit is my favourite car, apart from my 1998 XKR :)

  • @Lot76CARS
    @Lot76CARS 2 роки тому +2

    The performance is (almost) irrelevant to me as it just looks so right, so sharp as the designer intended. Lovely back story to this car Jack, as well as the Bond details, thanks!!

  • @hvh377
    @hvh377 2 роки тому +3

    Thinking about it: this car fits the Roger Moore Bond like a glove. This car is elegant and charming with a light touch. Just like Roger Moore as Bond.
    Not like the more heavy-handed sort of Bond. Like Sean Connery or Daniel Craig. A big proper Bentley or a brutish Aston is more suitable for that sort of Bond.

  • @fossil9559
    @fossil9559 2 роки тому +2

    Hi Jack, if you looked more carefully you would see the missile coming out of the Black rear window not the white roof , just saying .

  • @martyncurston7246
    @martyncurston7246 10 місяців тому

    Great video, really interesting facts . My favourite car of all time , although I've never been in one . Do you know where the road bond s1 is now ? . I've often wondered ! It was parked in a Lotus dealership next to my school in Norwich in the late 70's.

  • @robertlloyd7493
    @robertlloyd7493 2 роки тому +1

    Amazing to think Lotus still lives !

  • @daniloharness1582
    @daniloharness1582 Рік тому

    Crazy to see that car on your channel. In 2020 I saw that exact car at a car meet and met the person who owns it and he told me the same story about selling it but getting it back. It’s nice to see it in better condition now as it was waiting on some work to be done.

    • @Number27
      @Number27  Рік тому +1

      Hey!! Great to hear you’ve seen it in person.. thanks for watching!

  • @mrbeancounter90
    @mrbeancounter90 2 роки тому +1

    Bond car crossover content is always appreciated, thanks!

    • @Number27
      @Number27  2 роки тому

      Glad you enjoyed it!

  • @BatCaveOz
    @BatCaveOz 2 роки тому +1

    FYI - As the missile was launched from underwater, technically it was a SLAM (Submarine Launched Air Missile), not a SAM (Surface to Air Missile).

  • @federicomalignani4957
    @federicomalignani4957 2 роки тому +3

    This movie was filmed in Costa Smeralda,Sardinia,but there is another later 007 filmed in Cortina,Dolomites,with another Esprit,probably a series 2. Nice video,beautiful story,intriguing car. Never driven one,in Italy they are extremely rare,but I am fully convinced that the Esprit is well balanced,has a great chassis and is very light.After all,this was Colin Chapman's doctrine.This car is generally compared with the Ferrari 308 GTB,but I think the wright comparison should be with the Alpine A 310,that is similar in many ways,also very light and with a good chassis.But this is a very interesting car,expecially for non British people,in my opinion,because they are not common sights on continental roads. I am surprised that you could fit inside,because is very low and tiny inside. The interior is original but the quality is low,with poor materials,and the fact that is worn out seems to be common on many of these cars.Anyway,very interesting test with a fascinating car. I think that Alpine Renaults,A 310 and obviously the A110 could be interesting subjects too. Ciao Giacomo,come sempre complimenti !!

    • @OpiceSF
      @OpiceSF 2 роки тому +2

      The other movie was "For Your Eyes Only" with a Turbo Esprit that had a ski rack!

    • @jamesgallagher1992
      @jamesgallagher1992 2 роки тому +1

      @@OpiceSF yes 2 cars in that film...a white one and a copper coloured one. I thinkthey were S2 models...they were both absolutely stunning cars👍

  • @claytonbouldin9381
    @claytonbouldin9381 2 роки тому

    I have always loved the Espirit since I first saw it in the Bond movie waaaaay back when I was a wee lad. It still looks incredible to me.

  • @Mafiacat2023
    @Mafiacat2023 2 роки тому

    The colour of that dash.... Couldn't take my eyes off it.... I have no words