The 1976 Lotus Esprit, driven by Roger Moore attracted worldwide attention, but it was a US collector who's nerve held the longest, bidding on the telephone

Bond cars remain topical, and the popular submersible Lotus Esprit from the film, The Spy Who Loved Me proved a big draw at Bonhams annual motoring sale in Olympia, West London, was sold to a fan for £111,500 in a session of excited bidding.

The 1976 Lotus Esprit, driven by Roger Moore attracted worldwide attention, but it was a US collector who's nerve held the longest, bidding on the telephone.

Commenting after the sale, the car’s new owner, who described himself as both a Lotus and James Bond aficionado, said that the car would be going to Atlanta, Georgia. The vehicle was one of two Lotus cars driven in the 1977 film by Roger Moore’s James Bond character. In the movie it turned into an amphibious car, driven both on land and underwater.

Full results from the sale to follow...