FYI: The 1976 Lotus Esprit from James Bond’s The Spy Who Loved Me has inspired the futuristic design of Elon Musk’s Tesla Cybertruck.
In a revelation that aligns with Elon Musk’s penchant for innovation and nostalgia, the Tesla mogul has attributed part of the inspiration for the Tesla Cybertruck to an iconic piece of film history—the 1976 Lotus Esprit. This vehicle is famously known for its dual role as a car and a submarine in the 1977 James Bond movie, The Spy Who Loved Me.
### How Musk Acquired the Bond Car
Before the Lotus Esprit, also known as ‘Wet Nellie,’ became a prized gem in Elon Musk’s car collection, it had a rather unexpected journey. The unique vehicle was discovered in an unclaimed storage locker that a couple purchased for just $100, unaware of the treasure they had stumbled upon. This serendipitous find eventually led them to realize its cinematic value and to auction the car in 2013, where it caught the attention of Musk, who purchased it for nearly $1 million.
### Turning Fiction into Reality
Growing up with a fascination for James Bond films, Musk was particularly taken by the scene where the Lotus Esprit transforms into a submarine. Disappointment met him, however, when he learned that the car did not actually possess this ability in real life. Committing to bridging the gap between fiction and reality, Musk envisions modifying the vehicle with a Tesla electric powertrain and eventually making it capable of transformations akin to its movie counterpart.
### Influence on the Tesla Cybertruck
The sharp, angular design of the Tesla Cybertruck echoes the futuristic aesthetics prevalent in the James Bond movie. Musk has openly expressed on social media that the design ethos of the Cybertruck was partially influenced by the beloved Lotus Esprit from his childhood memories. This nostalgia-driven design decision reflects Musk’s consistent blending of innovation with homage to technological advancements depicted in entertainment.
### Conclusion
Elon Musk’s acquisition and admiration for the James Bond Lotus Esprit continue to fuel his creative ambitions, demonstrated by the innovative design of the Tesla Cybertruck. The car that once evoked a sense of wonder in a young Musk now serves as a real-world inspiration for futuristic automotive designs. As Musk endeavors to transform science fiction into reality, he shapes a vision that aligns with the imaginative wonders of his younger years and pushes the boundaries of automotive engineering.
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William Rapp, Editor of Automotive.fyi
