It is an iconic scene: the white Lotus Esprit S1 driving out of the sea in James Bond film The Spy Who Loved Me. And now the manufacturer has launched a special edition in honour of the dramatic moment.

Eastern Daily Press: The Lotus Esprit S1 being driven out of the sea by James Bond in The Spy Who Loved Me. Picture: Group LotusThe Lotus Esprit S1 being driven out of the sea by James Bond in The Spy Who Loved Me. Picture: Group Lotus (Image: Copyright Lotus-Negative)

One of the country's premier sports car makers chose a local backdrop to show off a special vehicle – in honour of the UK's most famous secret agent.

Lotus selected the Sainsbury Centre at the University of East Anglia to showcase its Evora Sport 410, designed in tribute to the Lotus Esprit S1 as seen in the James Bond film The Spy Who Loved Me, 40 years ago. The company's in-house personalisation department crafted a one-off model in commemoration of the film appearance. Combining the latest Lotus engineering with period details, the supercar takes design cues from the iconic Esprit and integrates them into a car with class-leading performance, said the car-maker.

Jean-Marc Gales, chief executive of Group Lotus, said: 'So many of us recall the impact of the Lotus Esprit when it was driven out of the sea by James Bond, and we wanted to honour that with a special Evora Sport 410.'