The Swedish auction house Bonhams is set to auction off James Bond’s Lotus Esprit from the 1977 film The Spy Who Loved Me.  The Lotus will be sold by the international auctioneers on December 1 at its annual motoring sale at Olympia, in West London, and is expected to go for around £100,000-120,000.

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The Lotus Esprit in 1977's The Spy Who Loved Me

According to a press release issued by Bonhams, With the global release of the new movie Quantum of Solace putting Ian Fleming’s legendary British secret agent James Bond firmly back in the public eye, Bonhams is delighted to announce that it has one of 007’s classic sports cars for sale.

The white 1976 Lotus Esprit from the 1977 film The Spy Who Loved Me, starring Roger Moore and Barbara Bach, will be sold by the international auctioneers on 1 December at its annual motoring Sale at Olympia, in West London. The car is expected to fetch £100,000-120,000.

The vehicle is one of two Lotus cars driven in the film by Roger Moore’s James Bond character. It turns into an amphibious car for the movie, driven both on land and underwater.

Also for sale, is the registration number ‘AU1’, used in another James Bond film Goldfinger. The first registration issued in Nottingham in 1903, this number was fitted to the Rolls-Royce Phantom III used by arch villain Goldfinger in the legendary film of the same name, since AU is the chemical symbol for gold in the Periodic Table. It is expected to fetch in excess of £80,000.

To discuss this story and all the latest James Bond news with 007 fans from around the world, please visit the MI6 Debriefing Room

This year, Big Apple Con is proud to say that George Lazenby is appearing at the convention in addition to several other guests. Also appearing will be Gloria Hendry and Lynn-Holly Johnson. There is also an extensive list of guest artists as well as several other Celebrity personalities such as Kate Mulgrew from Star Trek and Michael Uslan, producer of several Batman films as well as a dealers room with a variety of vendors.

Big Apple Con takes Place in NYC at the Penn Plaza Pavillion, 401 Seventh Ave at 33rd Street. New York City.

2008 November 14th, 15th and 16th

Friday 1pm-8pm, Saturday and Sunday 10am-7pm

Kids FREE Sunday – Under 12 with adult

To discuss this story and all the latest James Bond news with 007 fans from around the world, please visit the MI6 Debriefing Room

ReelzChannel, a digital cable channel in the USA, will be airing a week of James Bond themed programming from November 10 – 16, 2008. Segments will include a behind-the-scenes look at the franchise, a review of the characters, exclusive interviews, classic trailers and lots of Quantum of Solace coverage.

Click here to see if ReelzChannel is available in your area

In addition, www.reelzchannel.com will join the celebration with original Bond-themed online content and pop-culture elements including “The Worst-Laid Plans of Bond Villains” and “Ten Bond Girls We’d Like to See,” as well as star interviews, clips and features from the network’s programming event.

The exclusive programming will include:

“Secret’s Out” (Monday, November 10, 10 p.m. ET/PT, encore on Friday, November 14, 9 p.m. ET/PT). Hosted by renowned movie critic Leonard Maltin, the series spotlights those movie gems that, while they didn’t make box-office history, deserve the attention of movie fans. For “Bond Week,” Maltin will interview James Bond movie expert Collin Stutz, co-author of the “James Bond Encyclopedia.” He also will review hidden gem movies featuring the cast of Quantum of Solace, including Daniel Craig (Sylvia); Mathieu Amalric (The Diving Bell and the Butterfly), Jeffrey Wright (Syriana), Giancarlo Giannini (Swept Away) and Judi Dench (The Shipping News).”

“Dailies” (weekdays beginning Monday, November 10, 8 p.m. ET/PT) ReelzChannel’s signature daily movie news and information show Throughout “Bond Week” the “Dailies” team will present fascinating segments and breaking news about the latest in the storied James Bond franchise. Interviews include the movie’s stars Daniel Craig and Olga Kurylenko and director Marc Forster. Also included are features on the history of James Bond’s cars; a review of the success of past Bond movies; the ultimate James Bond fan, whose collection is so compelling that the CIA requested it for display at their headquarters in Langley, VA; and reviews of Quantum of Solace from Variety’s noted movie critics. The show’s “First Fans” feature will get immediate reactions from Bond loyalists who score tickets to the very first screenings.

“Movie Mob” (Monday, November 10, 8:30 p.m. ET/PT) Criticism and passions are sure to run high during this opinionated half-hour hosted by former mob member Sara Fletcher. The series is the first show to feature an all-online cast who vie each week to keep their coveted spots as movie critics. During “Bond Week,” Mob members weigh in on Quantum of Solace as well as debating who has been the best James Bond and what has been the best Bond movie. Mob members will also re-enact their favorite James Bond movie moments.

“The Big Tease” (Wednesday, November 12, 8:30 p.m. ET/PT) Jill Simonian and Jeremy Parsons host this lively half-hour original series dedicated to the beloved movie trailer. This special edition of the show pays homage to six Bond movies – one for each of the six actors who have portrayed the legendary spy. Featured: Daniel Craig (Quantum of Solace); Pierce Brosnan (GoldenEye); Roger Moore (The Spy Who Loved Me); Timothy Dalton (The Living Daylights); George Lazenby (On Her Majesty’s Secret Service); and Sean Connery (Goldfinger).
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“ReelzChannel Spotlight: The Legacy of Bond” (Thursday, November 13, 8:30 p.m. ET/PT) “Dailies” correspondent Gerrad Hall hosts this special episode from London and talks one-on-one with stars of Quantum Solace including Daniel Craig and Olga Kurylenko. Special segments include a look at Bond creator Ian Fleming and his inspiration for the character; an interview with Monty Norman, one of the men credited with creating the famous Bond theme music; a timeline review of the Bond movie franchise; a report on the Bond Girls over the years; and an eye-popping look at what it REALLY costs to live the extravagant Bond lifestyle.

“Movie Up” (Friday, November 14, 9:30 p.m., ET/PT) Hosted by Tory Shulman, this series is the definitive home-entertainment guide to what’s new and hot on DVD, VOD/PPV and premium channels. In a special salute to “Bond Week,” the series will feature the Blu-Ray releases of the classic 007 adventures Dr. No, Live and Let Die, and For Your Eyes Only, and a special edition DVD of the 2006 Bond re-boot, Casino Royale.

To discuss this story and all the latest James Bond news with 007 fans from around the world, please visit the MI6 Debriefing Room

Terminal 5 at London Heathrow Airport

Bond fans passing through London Heathrow’s Terminal 5 should be sure to stop by Sony’s new Bond Experience Zone, which has just opened to promote Quantum of Solace.

According to DFNI Online:
The zone, which has been developed by design and communication agency Imagination, will feature a selection of the brand’s premium portfolio of high-definition products including VAIO notebooks, video and photo cameras, and will offer visitors the chance to take part in a series of challenges. To demonstrate the high-definition capabilities of the camera, it will focus on the tiny serial number reflected in a cocktail shaker. Participants will then be asked to identify the number through the viewfinder in order to win a prize.

BAA head of category for technology Jonathan Coen said: “The Sony Experience Zone is an exciting an innovative part of T5. Travellers can try and completely immerse themselves in the new Sony technologies.”

To discuss this story and all the latest James Bond news with 007 fans from around the world, please visit the MI6 Debriefing Room

For the first time ever, all 21 Bond films are available in HD on Comcast On Demand in the USA. This is a huge deal, as many of these cleaned up versions have never been seen before by anyone. There are also a ton of extra features including two documentaries and some footage from Quantum of Solace.

You can view the trailer for HD007 on YouTube.

Daniel Craig and Judi Dench in Wax

Daniel Craig and Judi Dench are Madame Tussauds two newest wax sculptures.

According to Mail Online:
The new display features the current stars of the Bond franchise in a mock-up of M’s office, with Dame Judi as the spymaster casting a watchful eye over 007.

For the next two weeks, in the run-up to the release of the latest Bond movie Quantum Of Solace, visitors stepping into the room will trigger a security alert and be questioned by actors playing MI6 counter-espionage officers.

If they get “security clearance” they will be allowed to hunt for clues on a “smart table” in front of M.

Craig is the third James Bond actor to be shown at Madame Tussauds, after Sean Connery and Pierce Brosnan. Despite the excitement generated by his tight swimming trunks in Casino Royale, Tussauds’ model makers decided to dress him in a tuxedo, made by Tom Ford.

Dame Judi donated the tailored suit she wore in Casino Royale.

Both actors attended separate sittings at Tussaud’s Acton studios to be measured up for their £150,000 models.

To discuss this story and all the latest James Bond news with 007 fans from around the world, please visit the MI6 Debriefing Room

Stijn Reijnders, a friend of Universal Exports, is doing his postdoc research project on the phenomenom of “media tourism,” which is defined as people travelling to places they have seen in (fictional) media products. As such, Stijn needs your help!

Piz Glora - Blofeld

Have you ever traveled to any James Bond locations? If so, Stijn would love to take a few minutes to interview you over the phone on your experience. You can email him to set up an appointment.

According to Stijn:
My Bond-research is part of a postdoc research project, that focuses on the phenomenom of “media tourism”: people travelling to places they have seen in (fictional) media products. For instance: Lord of the Ring-tourism in New Zealand, Sex and the City-tours in New York, or Inspector Morse-tours in Oxford. My central question is: why do people visit these places, and what makes their visit valuable? More in general, I’m interested in studying the influence of media on our geographic imagination (the way we vision the world around us).

But back to Bond. One of my three cases is based on Bond, because travelling is such an important aspect of the Bond-narratives. After almost 5 decades of Bond, the world is filled with wonderfull, touristic locations that (partly) owe their succes to Bond.

This year’s Autographica show will feature numerous Bond Girls signing autugraphs in addition to a host of other celebrities. Bondian guests are set to include: Joanna Lumley, Gloria Hendry, Ivana Milicevic, Kristina Wayborn, Papillon Soo Soo, Margaret Nolan, Alison Worth, Carole Ashby, Gloria Thomas, Caroline Hallett, Toni White, Helene Hunt, Rachel Mcdowall, Cheryl Anne and Jane Spencer.

Ivana Milicevic - Valenka in Casino Royale

From the Autographica Web site:
Autographica is unlike any other similar event you have ever attended. At Autographica you will not just see and meet the guests, but get to know them, as the entire event is held in a luxury hotel, with all the facilities that that encompass. All of our guests stay in the same hotel, so you may well find yourself having breakfast with any one of our guests.

Most guests are available all day both days for signing, and some also offer talks or Q and A session too. In addition, and where time allows, we also have photo shoots with specific guests, and all of these can be booked in advance.

For more information or to purchase your tickets, please visit the Autographica Web site.

At the ‘Story Of James Bond’ Ian Fleming tribute at the London Palladium, Roger Moore was reunited on stage with 8 former Bond Girls including Maryam D’Abo, Madeleine Smith, Shirley Eaton, Zena Marshall, Eunice Gayson, Tania Mallett, Caroline Munro and Joanna Lumley. The Sun has a great photo of the event, as seen below:

Roger Moore and 8 Former Bond Girls

To discuss this story and all the latest James Bond news with 007 fans from around the world, please visit the MI6 Debriefing Room