The Octopussy Tuk Tuk

The tuk tuk chase in Octopussy remains one of the film’s most memorable and entertaining action sequences. After James Bond, played by Roger Moore, defeats exiled Afghan prince Kamal Khan in a tense game of backgammon, Bond leaves the palace in Udaipur, India, only to find himself pursued through the crowded streets by Khan’s henchmen. What follows is a fast-paced and humorous chase involving Indian tuk tuks, with the little three-wheelers darting through traffic and markets in classic Bond fashion. While Octopussy may not always rank among the most celebrated Bond films, the tuk tuk sequence perfectly captures the movie’s combination of exotic locations, elaborate stunt work, and lighthearted spectacle.

Believed to be the tuk tuk driven by Kamal Khan’s imposing henchman Gobinda, this particular stunt vehicle was built around the frame of a 1982 Honda ATC 250R three-wheeler. According to the London Film Museum, Honda three-wheelers were adapted for the sequence, with their performance reportedly enhanced by legendary French stunt driver and coordinator Rémy Julienne. After its movie career, the tuk tuk is said to have been sold by Julienne to the Cars of the Stars Museum in England, which displayed numerous vehicles with James Bond connections. It later passed into private ownership before being acquired by its current owner. Though it may no longer be ready to chase 007 through the streets of India, the weathered tuk tuk remains a wonderfully unusual piece of Bond history, carrying all the character, charm, and unmistakable charisma of a genuine silver-screen star.

Picture by: RM Sotheby's https://rmsothebys.com/auctions/lf18/lots/r0089-1982-tuktuk-octopussy/