The Original Scubacraft from Q’s Workshop,which featured in the film Spectre,is being auctioned in London (Picture: Bonhams/Cover Media)
A real-life James Bond submarine that can speed across the water before diving beneath the waves is up for sale – giving 007 fans the chance to own a genuine Bond gadget.
The sleek Scubacraft SC3 – the original submersible seen in Q’s workshop in Spectre – is heading to auction,offering deep-pocketed fans the chance to own a genuine piece of 007 history.
The one-off experimental craft forms the centrepiece of Espionage: Fact and Fiction,hosted by Bonhams,and is expected to make a serious splash among collectors.
The estimated price is between $50,000 and $80,000.
Part speedboat,part submarine,the futuristic machine looks exactly like something dreamt up by Bond’s gadget master – but this one is the real deal.
The SC3 uses two different propulsion systems,one for use on the surface and one for underwater (Picture: Bonhams/Cover Media)
The control panel of the submarine,which is a one-off,experimental design (Picture: Bonhams/Cover Media)
Developed through the late 2000s after years of design,development and testing,the SC3 was built as a fully functioning prototype rather than a film prop.
Auctioneers say it remains operational today,representing a rare blend of cutting-edge marine engineering and cinematic pedigree.
Unlike conventional boats,the SC3 uses two entirely different propulsion systems depending on where it’s operating. On the surface,it’s powered by a jet drive and four-stroke marine engine,allowing it to skim across the water at speed.
But at the flick of a system,the craft can submerge,switching to electric thrusters and hydrodynamic control surfaces to manoeuvre underwater like a personal submarine.
Daniel Craig as James Bond (Picture: Nicola Dove/MGM/THA/Shutterstock)
It’s fitted with specialist navigation equipment,buoyancy controls and mounting points for cameras,lighting and diving gear,making it as functional as it is futuristic.
During its development,the ambitious project even caught the attention of military and defence organisations,including the UK’s Special Boat Service and the US agency DARPA,underlining its serious real-world potential.
Its starring role came when Bond producers brought it into the world of 007. Finished in matte black,the submersible appeared in Q’s workshop as an experimental MI6 vehicle,sitting alongside the iconic Aston Martin DB10.
The interface is deceptively simple as the SC3 comes with a range of specialist equipment to allow it to function underwater (Picture: Bonhams/Cover Media)
The back view of the craft,which is the highlight of the Bonhams sale (Picture: Bonhams/Cover Media)
Far from being just set dressing,the craft impressed cast and crew alike. Bond star Daniel Craig reportedly took a keen interest in the engineering behind it,speaking with developers about how the vehicle actually worked.
While the SC3 is undoubtedly the headline act,the auction,which runs until May 28,also features a selection of classic Bond memorabilia.
Among the lots is a British quad poster for Diamonds Are Forever,featuring artwork by Robert E. McGinnis,estimated at £800-£1,200.
Also going under the hammer is original artwork and a re-release poster for Thunderball,expected to fetch between £1,200 and £1,800.
