007 submarine car goes under the hammer in Battersea

The distinctive-looking vehicle is said to be fully operational Credit: Press Association

One James Bond fan has got their hands on the submarine car used in The Spy Who Loved - for the hefty price of £616, 000.

The Lotus Esprit was expected to fetch between £650,000 and £950,000 at an auction in Battersea this evening.

Those in the auction room clapped as bids went up to £550,000, which after charges left the buyer £616,000 out of pocket.

Ruth Banks went to see the car before tonight's auction:

It was designed for the underwater scene in the 1977 film 'The Spy Who Loved Me' Credit: Press Association

The car was driven in the film by Roger Moore as 007 Credit: Press Association

It will go under the hammer at RM Auctions in Battersea, south London Credit: Press Association

The Lotus has never before been offered for sale before Credit: Press Association

Take a look at the submarine car in action below.