According to the french caption these are "competition mudguards" circa 1912.

I could see where this would prevent mud from sticking to the tire wall....but it still looks rather experimental!

Image Source: http://gallica.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/btv1b6922018q.r=automobile.langFR

If your project car is sitting over the winter, it might be a good idea to pick up one of these little portable jumpers. Pretty handy.

$129.50

007 Lotus Esprit 'Submarine Car' to be auctioned in London, Monday, September 9, 2013 without reserve £650,000 - £950,000

Used in the James Bond film The Spy Who Loved Me. The one and only fully functional Submarine Car. One of the most famous movie cars of all time. Amazing story of lost and found. Never before offered for sale.

The 007 Lotus Esprit Submarine Car from The Spy Who Loved Me (1977) commonly tops the polls when multiple generations of movie fans are asked to pick their favourite film cars of all time. Like all the best Bond cars, the Lotus was a veritable war chest of weaponry and gadgetry that was designed to fox and foil the enemy whilst also helping Bond to another hard-won victory for Queen and country.