Hear Me Roar: Ultra-Rare Jaguar C-X75 Built for James Bond Is Being Made Road Legal

In 2010, Jaguar introduced what it assumed would be the supercar of the future while also the sexiest Jaguar ever to roll on public roads: the hybrid electric C-X75. Plans for the model were axed shortly after the public presentation on economic considerations, but at least two prototypes were built during the initial development stage.

When MGM came knocking later asking to use the C-X75 in the latest James Bond film, Spectre, Jaguar Land Rover bosses couldn't say no. In recent years, Land Rover has become to the James Bond universe what jelly is to peanut butter and toast, oftentimes competing for airspace with older 007 fixture Aston Martin.

For one of the movie's most exciting scenes, a chase around Rome with henchman Mr. Hinx behind the wheel of a C-X75 in burned orange and James Bond driving a DB10, seven cars were used. Two were the original prototypes, which were used only on the set of the studio for glamour shots. Those units are said to be priceless and immediately went back to Land Rover after shooting.

Five stunt cars were built by Williams Advanced Engineering in the months leading up to the production. One was totaled, another one was a pod for close-up shots of Mr. Hinx (Dave Bautista) in the cabin, and three were used for shooting the actual action.

One of these three is being rendered road legal right now, with plans for a UK-based specialist shop to sell it this spring.

Gary Tolson of Kaaimans International recently revealed the conversion plans, explaining that they would drive up the price of the vehicle. It's now valued tentatively at approximately £2.5 million, so approximately $3.2 million at the current exchange rate. That's three times what these stunt cars asked in the past when owners tried – and sometimes failed – to sell them.

It takes a very special (and rich) type of James Bond fan to invest in such a collectible. Tolson says the owner of this unit, numbered Chassis 007 in a complete circle kind of moment, also owns the 001 unit. The other C-X75 stunt cars are in the hands of serious collectors, two of whom have matching DB10s in memory of the iconic scene and who, as such, are unlikely to consider selling.

If you read between the lines, the argument is that a couple of millions of pounds is nothing for a unicorn as gorgeous as this. Especially if you consider the possibility of taking it galloping on public streets.

The stunt C-X75 cars from Spectre maintained only the exterior of the hybrid prototype, using a V8 engine from the Range Rover Sport SVR for propulsion, with upgraded suspension and a unique space-frame chassis. Under the planned conversion, the 007 unit will get new fuel tanks and an emissions-compliant exhaust system, carbon fiber replacement, new glass, a new interior, and upgrades for the electronic and electric systems.