One of James Bond’s Most Obscure Rides Unexpectedly Resurfaces

While most casual 007 fans associate the spy with gun-toting Astons and submersible Esprits, real Bond buffs know the MI6 operative’s driving aptitude extends far beyond the car world.

From planes and helicopters to moon buggies and Triumph motorcycles, the scope of vehicles in the franchise is as vast as it is varied. (Clearly, her majesty’s finest doesn’t discriminate regarding how he gets around.)

Amidst the many rides at James Bond’s disposal, though, there is one that even some diehards probably don’t know. You’ll be hard-pressed to catch it on screen, yet it’s easily one of the coolest things to land a place in Q’s workshop.

Bonhams

An unrecognized Bond star

I’m talking about the Scubacraft SC3, a three-person amphibious diving craft designed to be both a performance surface vessel and a mobile underwater platform.

Bonhams

The example pictured here (supposedly the only in existence) started its life as a prototype to prove the viability of the Scubacraft. Once the Spectre production team got wind of the concept, they requested that it appear on the set for the scenes filmed in Q’s workshop at Pinewood Studios.

As part of the SC3’s casting, it even benefited from a 007-worthy makeover. To ensure that it would look the part amidst a lineup of stealthy Nortons and quads, Scubacraft wrapped it in a shadowy matte black finish.

All the same, the vessel never got its time to shine. You can just barely catch a glimpse of the SC3’s nose in some scenes in Spectre, but you’ll have far better luck seeing it in the 360-degree tour of Q’s workshop or in the accompanying behind-the-scenes video.

It’s a shame, really. Unlike many props built specifically for film production purposes, Scubacraft’s star promised full functionality. During its initial development, the SC3 proved a hot item in the commercial and government sectors, with prospective clients including the UK Special Boat Service and even DARPA.

Bonhams

Packed with mission potential

It’s not without good reason, then, that the producers saw potential in the Scubacraft as a viable Bond ride. In its performance and its appearance, it’s a choice that’s perfectly on-brand.

After all, along with a 160-horsepower Kawasaki-based jet drive system to handle propulsion, the Scubacraft features a series of electrically powered thrusters for submarine movement. Out on the water, this meant that above-surface speeds could reportedly reach around 50 mph, while max diving capabilities were rated as deep as 98 feet.

Bonhams

Even as a static vehicle, though, it’s something that deserved more dedicated screen time. There’s a sleekness about the Scubacraft that would make even Bruce Wayne jealous (especially when done up in black). 

Moreover, it has a distinct 007-worthiness to its finish. From the leather steering wheel and the carbon fiber racing seat to the diamond plating and the spartan utility, it’s refined yet simultaneously rugged.

There’s even a set of distinctive red torpedo switches tucked amidst the dual Raymarine displays. While ultimately not selected for the mission, the SC3 clearly knew the protocol.

Bonhams

Yours to own

Whether you want to learn more about the Scubacraft project or you’re curious about adding some Bond-related memorabilia to your collection, you’re in luck. Bonhams will be selling the pictured SC3 (still supposedly in working order) as part of its Espionage: Fact & Fiction auction.

In addition to the vessel itself, the sale will also include documentation showing it on set, a postcard signed by Daniel Craig, a trailer and a display stand, among other goodies. It’ll cross the block later this May.

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