Update
In the article “Bajaj RE is a James Bond Car,” I made an error as I incorrectly believed the auto-rickshaw used in James Bond movie Octopussy was a Bajaj RE it has now come to my attention that this is not the case.
After doing some further research, I discovered that the auto-rickshaw used in James Bond was a different brand, and not a Bajaj RE as I had originally claimed.
As someone who takes pride in providing accurate informations, I would like to take this opportunity to apologize for the error in my article. I understands that misidentifying a vehicle in such a well-known and beloved franchise are a mistake, and I would like to assure my readers that I will take great care in the future to ensure the accuracy of my writing.
It’s important to me that I am transparent with my readers about any mistakes made in my writing, and I hope that this correction will clarify any confusion that may have been caused by my previous article.
Despite the fact that I was wrong to say Bajaj RE is a James Bond Car, the point still stands and that is that three-wheelers of this type are cars.
Sorry this was not correct
There are not many cars in the world that have the honour of becoming a James Bond car, but the Bajaj RE is a James Bond Car.
The Stunt Scenes
In the chase scene through the streets of India, the auto-rickshaw used in Octopussy, not the Bajaj RE, showcases its capabilities. The tuned-up Tuk Tuk accelerates away, performing a wheelie that adds an element of excitement. It then navigates down a flight of stairs, demonstrating its agility and maneuverability.
During the pursuit, a fight ensues in the back of the Tuk Tuk, adding to the thrilling sequence. Ultimately, the vehicle hits a wooden ramp and soars through the air. After another round of fighting on the streets, James Bond is picked up once again by the auto-rickshaw, which impressively performs another wheelie.
It’s essential to emphasize that while these thrilling scenes involved an auto-rickshaw, it was not the Bajaj RE. However, the Tuk Tuk’s appearance in the film highlights the excitement and versatility of these three-wheeled vehicles.
Not only is this little 3 wheeled car a Bond car it is ranked by many as being in the top 5 Bond cars of all time. It ranks up with cars like the Aston Martin V8, Rolls Royce Silver Cloud II, Lotus Esprit S1.
The Significance of Bond Cars
James Bond cars have become iconic symbols within the franchise, with only a select few vehicles having the honor of being recognized as Bond cars. Although the Bajaj RE was not one of them, it is worth noting that these three-wheeled cars have their own unique charm and appeal.
While the Aston Martin V8, Rolls Royce Silver Cloud II, and Lotus Esprit S1 are typically the first cars that come to mind when discussing Bond cars, the inclusion of an auto-rickshaw in the lineup speaks to the creativity and diversity showcased in the Bond films.
How is Bajaj RE is a James Bond Car?
The Bajaj RE appeared in the James Bond movie Octopussy in 1983. It was classed as one of Bond’s company cars in a chase through the streets of India.
In the chase the tuned up Tuk Tuk accelerates away doing a wheelie, it then turns and goes down a flight of stairs, after a fight in the back of the Tuk Tuk it hits a wooden ramp and flies through the air, after yet more fighting this time in the street, James Bond is picked up again by the Bajaj RE that does yet another wheelie.
If you are the owner of a Bajaj RE we highly recommend you do not try any of the stunts from the movie Octopussy.
As far as we are aware the Bajaj RE is the only 3 wheeled car Bond has used.
The fact that the Bajaj RE has appeared in a Bond Movie should make all Bajaj RE owners very proud, there are not many car drivers that can say they drive a car that was in a Bond Movie. It also shows what a great history these little three-wheeled cars have and the respect they have got around the world.
Not only did the Bajaj RE star in a Bond movie it has another honour of appearing in what is regarded by many as the best Bond movie ever.
Today tourists that go to India or Sri Lanka still seem to fall in love with the Tuk Tuk, they have become icons for them countries. The same is starting to happen in the Philippines, foreign tourists that visit Tagaytay are falling in love with the Bajaj RE.
The fact that many websites class the Bajaj RE as a Bond car proves yet again that in the rest of the world the Bajaj RE is regarded as a car.
Roger Moore played James Bond in Octopussy other cast members included Maud Adams as Octopussy, Louis Jourdan as Kamal Khan, Kristina Wayborn as Magda, Kabir Bedi as Gobinda, Steven Berkoff as General Orlov, David Meyer and Anthony Meyer as Mischka and Grischka, Desmond Llewelyn as Q, Robert Brown as M, Lois Maxwell as Miss Moneypenny, Walter Gotell as General Gogol, Vijay Amritraj as Vijay, Geoffrey Keen as Fredrick Gray, Douglas Wilmer as Jim Fanning, Albert Moses as Sadruddin, Paul Hardwick as Soviet Chairman, Eva Reuber-Staier as Rublevitch, Peter Porteous as Lenkin, Andy Bradford as 009 and of cause Bajaj RE as one of the greatest Bond cars of all time.
A Bajaj RE believed to be the Tuk Tuk commandeered by Octopussy villain Gobinda was auctioned by Sothebys London for £7.800 (520,127 peso) last year.
You can see a scene with the Bajaj RE in the video below.
The Legacy of Tuk Tuks
Although the Bajaj RE did not star as a Bond car the Tuk Tuks appearance in Octopussy is still significant. The fact that the Tuk Tuk appeared in what many consider to be the best Bond movie ever is a testament to its popularity and cultural significance.
Even today, tourists visiting countries like India, Sri Lanka, and the Philippines continue to be captivated by the charm of the Tuk Tuk. These three-wheeled vehicles have become icons in these regions, representing a unique mode of transportation and a symbol of local culture.
