It is visible for so long time in the movie? I do not remember for this movie, but the newer Lotus in "For your eyes only" was not visible for a long time
1977 Lotus Esprit. In "The Spy Who Loved Me", Bond uses it to run away from the villains leaded by Stromberg by diving into the ocean. The car can in fact be converted in a submarine and has a lot of gadgets such as torpedos, rockets, mines etc. At the box-office of the 007 cars, the 1977 submarine Esprit comes at the 2nd place, just behind the 1964 DB5.
Yes with that submarine version (and the derivated toy made by Corgi), this car really became famous to get 5 stars.
I wonder why this one could not get 5 stars, where cars from Pimp My Ride or Monster Garage get 5 stars that they do not deserve, IMHO.
I still have two 1/43 Corgi/Dinky Toys DB5 bought late 60's early 70's in a average/pity state, and I think I still have one 1/43 white Esprit somewhere in an average state as well.