It’s difficult to choose between Bond’s submarine car and the flying DeLorean from Back to the Future II. Still, we’ll give it to the Lotus Esprit. Wanna know why? Surface-to-air missiles. Being chased by deadly henchmen in a helicopter? Drive the Esprit into the water, where it turns into a submarine, and then shoot down that pesky helicopter. It’s the main selling point, really.
Top 10 Bond Gadgets
In his last two films—Quantum of Solace and Casino Royale—James Bond has drifted away from his gizmo-filled days of yore. TIME looks at four decades of 007's best doohickies.
Lotus Esprit Submarine Car, The Spy Who Loved Me
Full List
007's Doohickeys
- Aston Martin DB5, Goldfinger
- Briefcase, From Russia With Love
- Little Nellie, You Only Live Twice
- Sony Ericsson, Casino Royale
- Rocket-Firing Cigarette, You Only Live Twice
- Signature Camera Gun, License to Kill
- Lotus Esprit Submarine Car, The Spy Who Loved Me
- Omega Laser Watch, Goldeneye
- Radioactive Lint, On Her Majesty’s Secret Service
- Jetpack, Thunderball