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Elon Musk bought $1million abandoned car found in a $100 storage unit by a couple

Funny - May 11, 2024
Elon Musk bought $1million abandoned car found in a $100 storage unit by a couple

Elon Musk, the renowned tech mogul and CEO of Tesla made headlines recently with a rather unusual purchase. 

He reportedly spent a staggering $1 million to acquire an abandoned car that was discovered in a storage unit by a couple. 

Elon Musk paid $1 million for an abandoned car found by a couple. Image Credit: Getty
Elon Musk paid $1 million for an abandoned car found by a couple. Image Credit: Getty

The car in question turned out to be no ordinary vehicle. 

It was a 1976 Lotus Esprit sports car, famously featured in the 1977 James Bond film "The Spy Who Loved Me." This particular model had the unique ability to transform into a submarine and even fire missiles underwater. 

Its appearance in the iconic Bond movie made it an instant hit and a sought-after collector's item.

The couple, who remain unidentified, stumbled upon this hidden treasure when they purchased the storage unit back in 1989. 

The car was a 1976 Lotus Esprit, featured in the Bond film, with submarine capabilities. Image Credit: Getty
The car was a 1976 Lotus Esprit, featured in the Bond film, with submarine capabilities. Image Credit: Getty

At the time, they had no idea of the car's significance or value. In fact, they had never even watched a James Bond film before. 

It was only later, after some truckers alerted them to the car's Bond connection, that they realized the amazing nature of their discovery.

The unidentified couple discovered the car in 1989 when they bought the storage unit. Image Credit: Getty
The unidentified couple discovered the car in 1989 when they bought the storage unit. Image Credit: Getty

Elon Musk bought $1million abandoned car found in a $100 storage unit by a couple

Over the years, the couple occasionally showcased the car at exhibits, but it wasn't until 2013 that they decided to auction it off.

The car found its way to the prestigious RM Sotheby auction, where it caught the attention of several wealthy bidders, including Elon Musk. 

The car was auctioned at RM Sotheby and attracted Elon Musk and other wealthy bidders. Image Credit: Getty
The car was auctioned at RM Sotheby and attracted Elon Musk and other wealthy bidders. Image Credit: Getty

The successful buyer's identity remained a secret until it was revealed that Musk, the visionary entrepreneur known for his ambitious projects, was the one who had bought the car.

Musk is famous for his love of advanced technology and exploring outer space, so his fascination with acquiring the famous Bond car is not unexpected.

The buyer's identity remained a secret until it was revealed to be Elon Musk. Image Credit: Getty
The buyer's identity remained a secret until it was revealed to be Elon Musk. Image Credit: Getty

Although some people might find the $1 million price tag for an abandoned car questionable, collectors and enthusiasts highly appreciate items with historical and cultural importance.