How Many Of These Classic Cars From Film And TV Do You Remember?
Hollywood’s love affair with classic cars goes a long way back. From high-speed chases to dramatic getaways, these cars have played a pivotal role in a number of movies and shows for decades. Whether it’s James Bond’s DB5 or Dukes of Hazzard’s General Lee, these cars have ended up as legendary as the characters who drive them.
Today, we’ll have a look at some of the most beloved classic cars from movies and TV… the cars that have captivated audiences, defined eras, and become timeless pop icons. So, let’s get started.
Aston Martin DB5 – Goldfinger (1964)
James Bond’s legacy of legendary cars began with this masterpiece. Its arsenal included machine guns, an ejector seat, a smoke screen, and an oil slick sprayer, among other tricked-out gadgets. Even without its spy modifications, the DB5 was an automotive work of art, and remains the most beloved movie car of all time. One of the original cars used in filming sold for a whopping $6.4 million at auction.
Dodge Charger – The Dukes of Hazzard (TV Series 1979–1985)
The 1969 Dodge Charger “General Lee” is one of television’s most recognizable (and beloved) vehicles. An ultimate stunt machine for high-speed chases and jaw-dropping jumps, the car had vibrant orange paint, Confederate flag roof, and signature Dixie horn. It also had welded-shut doors that forced the Duke boys to slide through the windows.
Lotus Esprit S1 – The Spy Who Loved Me (1977)
This sleek, pearl-white Bond car stole the spotlight when it transformed into a fully functional submarine on-screen, dodging gunfire beneath the waves. The coupe was nicknamed “Wet Nellie” in homage to the autogyro “Little Nellie” from the 1967 You Only Live Twice… and was sold for a whopping £550,000 at an auction in 2013.
Ford Mustang GT – Bullitt (1968)
The 1968 Mustang GT Fastback 390 became an instant legend when Steve McQueen tore through San Francisco’s hilly streets in a tire-smoking, gravity-defying pursuit. This roaring machine was powered by a 325-hp 390 cu-in V8. Warner Bros. ordered two Mustangs for filming, and modified them for stunt durability. While the film itself faded, the Bullitt Mustang went on to become one of the most beloved movie cars ever.
Austin Mini Cooper S – The Italian Job (1969)
The 1967 Austin Mini Cooper S 1275 wasn’t just a getaway car in the OG movie, it was the actual star. The production team procured 36 Minis that darted through Turin’s tight streets, sewer tunnels, and even staircases, defying both gravity and logic, in one of cinema’s most legendary chase scenes.
Ford Gran Torino – Starsky and Hutch (TV Series 1975–1979)
Dubbed “Striped Tomato” for its bold red paint and white swooping stripe, the 1976 Gran Torino became one of TV’s most recognizable muscle cars. The show’s popularity led Ford to produce 1,300 replicas, though none of the originals were available for the 2004 film adaptation. A limited-edition replica was used for the movie instead.
BMW Z3 – GoldenEye (1995)
The BMW Z3 made history as James Bond’s first non-British production car. The car had a sleek roadster design, a 1.9L engine with 140 hp, and extremely agile handling. It also had enhancements from the Q-Branch, such as stinger missiles and a self-destruct feature. Unfortunately, Bond barely used it and swapped it for a plane in Cuba.
Pontiac Firebird Esprit – The Rockford Files (TV Series 1974–1980)
Unlike the flashy muscle cars often seen in TV crime dramas, this subdued Esprit perfectly synced with the underdog persona of laid-back but tough P.I. Jim Rockford (James Garner). What made this gold Firebird truly iconic was Garner’s driving skills. He performed many of his own stunts, including the legendary “Rockford turn” that became his signature getaway move.
Modena GT Spyder – Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986)
Despite its Ferrari badging, the car in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off was a 1985 Modena GT Spyder California. It was a replica of the 1961 Ferrari 250 GT California built for the film, as the real car would have cost around $300,000 at the time. Three replicas were built… and even they became quite valuable. One sold for $235,000 in 2013 and another fetched $407,000 in 2020.
Ford DeLuxe – Grease (1978)
Few movie cars are as electrifying as the “Greased Lightning” car. It was a 1948 Ford DeLuxe Convertible featuring a 100-hp 239.4 cu-in V8. Originally a battered wreck with cracked windshield, mismatched tires, and peeling paint, the gang dreams it into a flashy Kandy Red racer with a plexiglass hood, white lightning bolts, and Firestone tires in the iconic musical number.
Ferrari 308 GTS – Magnum, P.I. (TV Series 1980–1988)
Powered by a 2.9-liter V8, this 1978 mid-engine Ferrari delivered 240 horsepower, which was more than enough for the sharp-witted private investigator Thomas Magnum (Tom Selleck), as engaged in high-speed pursuits along scenic Hawaiian roads. The show used multiple 308 GTS models during its run, with modifications made to accommodate Selleck’s 6’4″ height.
Checker Marathon – Taxi Driver (1976)
Few cars are as deeply intertwined with a film’s atmosphere as the 1975 Checker Cab/ Marathon in Taxi Driver. This boxy workhorse perfectly embodied the chaotic world of Travis Bickle (Robert De Niro)… and was a true symbol of New York’s gritty streets. The car was known for its rugged build, its six-cylinder engine, and its spacious yet no-frills interior.
Lotus Turbo Esprit – For Your Eyes Only (1981)
The Lotus Turbo Esprit had a 210 hp turbocharged engine, capable of 0-60 mph in 6.1 seconds and a 150 mph top speed. Unlike its submersible predecessor from The Spy Who Loved Me, it only featured an anti-theft self-destruct system (that spectacularly obliterates the white model in Spain). This second bronze model, fitted with ski racks, then took Bond to the Italian Alps.
Pontiac Trans Am – Knight Rider (TV Series 1982–1986)
The “Knight Industries Two Thousand (KITT)” was far more than just a car. It was an artificially intelligent, crime-fighting supercomputer… that could talk, drive itself, jump over obstacles, and even resist bullets and explosions thanks to its nearly indestructible shell. While in reality, it was a standard 5.0L V8 Trans Am, the show’s futuristic vision turned it into an icon.
Ferrari Enzo – Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle (2003)
Charlie’s Angels 2 might not be a hit, but it had an unforgettable car scene… when Madison Lee (Demi Moore) emerged from the ocean, casually planting her surfboard in the sand and slipping into a Ferrari Enzo like it’s just another day. But this wasn’t just any car. Named after the company’s founder, this Formula One-inspired masterpiece had a carbon-fiber body, active aerodynamics, and a roaring 6.0L V12 pushing 651 hp and enabling a top speed of 217 mph!
Volkswagen Beetle – The Love Bug (1968)
The anthropomorphic Beetle “Herbie” was never explicitly called a Volkswagen due to branding restrictions, but the car’s unmistakable shape was enough to bring VW on board for the second film. Over 100 Beetles were used throughout the franchise, some of which were highly modified for stunts… such as the one with the Porsche Super 90 engine.
Ford Thunderbird – Thelma & Louise (1991)
The 1966 Ford Thunderbird was chosen for its spaciousness and ease of filming. Five cars were used in the movie: a “hero” car for exterior shots, a camera car, two stunt cars, and a backup. Unlike many Hollywood movie cars, these T-Birds remained factory-original. One was later sold at auction for $71,500.
Dodge Challenger – Vanishing Point (1971)
Equipped with a 440-cubic-inch V8, this 1970 Challenger R/T was the perfect high-speed fugitive ride. The film’s five white Challengers were brutally pushed to their limits as Kowalski (Barry Newman) raced from Denver to San Francisco in under 15 hours. The movie featured insane car stunts with one notable trickery – a ’67 Camaro was used for the final fiery crash instead of a Challenger.
Ford Explorer – Jurassic Park (1993)
The 1992 Ford Explorer XLT UN46 in Jurassic Park is as iconic as the dinosaurs themselves. Hollywood legend George Barris modified six Explorers for the film. The vehicles met brutal ends as they were flipped, stomped, and torn apart by rampaging dinos. By wrap-up, three dumpsters were filled with Explorer wreckage.
Rolls-Royce Corniche II – Who’s That Girl (1987)
The Rolls-Royce Corniche II Cabriolet was perfect for Madonna’s free-spirited, street-smart character in “Who’s That Girl?” as she roamed the city in search of justice. Powered by a 6.75L V8, this handcrafted British luxury convertible featured opulent leather seats and impeccable craftsmanship, blending effortlessly into the high-society world she was disrupting.
Ford Coupe – American Graffiti (1973)
Before Star Wars, George Lucas captured 1960s California car culture in American Graffiti. The standout was this 1932 Deuce Coupe. Painted Canary Yellow, this highboy had a Chevy 327 V8 under the hood and a classic raked stance for that aggressive street-racer look. Its defining moment came in the drag race on Paradise Road, where John Milner (Paul Le Mat) squares off against Bob Falfa (Harrison Ford) in a ’55 Chevy.
Plymouth Belvedere GTX – Tommy Boy (1995)
The 1967 Belvedere GTX served as both a muscle car and a rolling punchline in the 1995 comedy movie. Initially pristine, Richard (David Spade) boasts about its 440 Magnum with a six-pack carb setup, only for the film’s chaotic road trip to dismantle it piece by piece… and to reveal that it had an air cleaner for a single four-barrel, 440 Commando.
Lincoln Futura Concept – Batman (TV Series 1966–1968)
Before Batman ruled the big screen, the Batmobile was already stealing scenes on TV, with Adam West at the wheel. This legendary ride was a radical transformation of the 1955 Lincoln Futura concept designed by Ford and built by Ghia in Italy. With its bubble canopy, towering fins, bat-wing fenders, and pearlescent paint, it looked straight out of a comic book. The car fetched $4.62 million at a 2013 auction.
Chevrolet Corvette C3 – Miami Vice (TV Series 1984–1989)
The 1972 Ferrari 365 GTS/4 Daytona Spyder seen in Miami Vice was actually a replica built on a Chevy Corvette C3 chassis. Due to the high cost of real Daytonas, McBurnie Coachcraft created fiberglass-bodied replicas, featuring a 5.7-liter Chevy V8 instead of Ferrari’s 4.4-liter V12 under the hood. Ferrari wasn’t pleased with unauthorized replicas being featured so it gave a real Testarossa to the show, which replaced the Daytona in Season 3.
Ford Econoline – Dumb and Dumber (1994)
The “Shaggin’ Wagon” is one of the most recognizable movie vehicles ever (can’t expect less from a vehicle with such a name). This dog-grooming mobile had a carpet inside and out, a wagging tail, floppy ears, a nose, whiskers, and even a tongue. In another hilarious detail, you had to lift a rear leg to access the gas cap.
DMC DeLorean – Back to the Future (1985)
The DeLorean had gullwing doors and futuristic looks but was underwhelming in performance (with a measly 130-hp 2.9-liter V6). In the movie, however, that didn’t matter. A Porsche 928 V8 was swapped in for stunt driving to help Marty McFly hit 88 mph and activate the “Flux Capacitor”. While the car struggled commercially, it became a cult classic thanks to the film.
Dodge Charger – The Fast and The Furious (2001)
Dominic Toretto’s 1970 Charger R/T is the ultimate street-racing beast in the OG movie. With its supercharged HEMI V8, massive rear tires, and sinister black paint, this Charger was as intimidating as Dom himself. The car’s most unforgettable moment was its final race against Paul Walker’s Supra, where it launches into a dramatic wheelstand and burnout, before jumping a track just as the train passes.
Ford T-Bucket – 77 Sunset Strip (TV Series 1958–1964)
Known as “Kookie’s Kar,” this eye-catching Ford Model T-based hot rod perfectly suited the slick, streetwise character of Gerald “Kookie” Kookson III, played by Edd Byrnes. Built by legendary hot rodder Norm Grabowski, it featured a shortened Model T body, a 331 cu-in Cadillac V8, and a signature high stance with a custom flame paint job.
Toyota Supra Mk IV – The Fast and the Furious (2001)
One of the most legendary movie cars of all time, the 1994 Supra Mk IV driven by Brian O’Conner (Paul Walker) packed the legendary 2JZ-GTE 3.0-liter inline-six with a Garrett T88 turbocharger… that boosted its power output to over 550 hp. The car’s most iconic scene was Brian’s race against Dom’s Dodge Charger, which ended with both cars jumping a railroad track, just as a train passed by.
Ford Mustang – John Wick (2014)
Keanu Reeves has driven plenty of memorable cars on screen, but none was as cool or menacing as the 1969 Ford Mustang in John Wick. While the movie identifies it as a Boss 429, it’s more likely a Mach 1 with a 390 or 428 V8, since real Boss 429s are ultra-rare (one sold for $550,000 in 2015).
Ford Falcon – Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)
Dubbed the “Pursuit Special” or “Interceptor,” this 1973 XB GT Ford Falcon was perfect for Mel Gibson’s revenge-driven character. The Australian muscle car was modified into an aggressive, dystopian road warrior with massive fender flares, oversized rear tires, and a menacing black paint job. However, its most iconic feature, the switch-activated supercharger, was just movie magic.
Dodge Monaco – The Blues Brothers (1980)
The 1974 Dodge Monaco, aka the Bluesmobile, was as ragged and resilient as Jake and Elwood Blues themselves. A decommissioned Mount Prospect police cruiser, it was one of 13 different Monacos used in The Blues Brothers, each modified for specific stunts – speed, jumps, and high-performance chases. The film’s record-breaking destruction of 103 cars led to an on-set 24-hour repair shop just to keep the action rolling.
Ford Mustang – Gone in 60 Seconds (2000)
Few movie cars are as instantly recognizable as this 1967 Mustang fastback, better known as “Eleanor”. Inspired by the 1974 original film, this Dupont Pepper Grey beauty was built to resemble a Shelby GT500. Under the hood, Eleanor packed a 351 Ford V8 crate engine with 400 horsepower, paired with a four-speed manual transmission. The most famous hero car from the movie sold for $1 million at auction.
AMC Pacer – Wayne’s World (1992)
The 1976 Pacer “Mirthmobile” was instantly recognizable, thanks to its flame decals, mismatched wheels, and iconic red licorice dispenser hanging from the ceiling. The car became iconic for one unforgettable scene, when Wayne (Mike Myers), Garth, and their crew headbanged to Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” as they cruised through Aurora, Illinois.
Pontiac Trans Am – Smokey and the Bandit (1977)
When Hal Needham picked Trans Am as the hero car for the 1977 action comedy road film, he had no idea it would spark a nationwide obsession. Though the car’s design had remained largely unchanged for years, it turned into an icon when the audience saw it slide through corners, jump bridges, and outrun Sheriff Buford T. Justice (Jackie Gleason).
Cadillac Miller-Meteor – Ghostbusters (1984)
The Ghostbusters wouldn’t be the same without ECTO-1, the unmistakable 1959 Cadillac Miller-Meteor hearse-ambulance hybrid with a 320-hp 6.3L V8. Originally intended as a sinister, supernatural vehicle capable of interdimensional travel, the car’s black paint was scrapped in favor of its now-iconic white design. Onscreen, it starts as a junker needing extensive repairs, but once modified, it becomes a rolling paranormal command center.
Chevrolet 2500 Silverado – Kill Bill: Vol. 1 (2003)
Better known by its unforgettable nickname “The Pu**y Wagon,” this bright yellow pickup complete with bold red flames belonged to Buck, the sleazy hospital orderly. After the Bride (Uma Thurman) wakes from her coma, she uses it for her bloody quest for revenge. Quentin Tarantino actually kept the real Pussy Wagon after filming, driving it as his everyday vehicle to promote the second chapter.
Chrysler Imperial Crown – The Green Hornet (TV Series 1966–1967)
The Green Hornet’s Black Beauty was a heavily modified Chrysler Imperial Crown. Customized by legendary car builder Dean Jeffries, this superhero car featured hidden rocket launchers, front and rear-mounted machine guns, a smoke screen, an oil slick dispenser, and even a surveillance drone. While multiple versions were used for filming, only two original cars have survived.
Plymouth Fury – Christine (1983)
The 1958 Plymouth Fury was integral to Stephen King’s novel-based horror cult classic. Columbia Pictures sourced 23 to 28 cars, including Belvederes and Savoys, to bring Christine to life (and destruction). The film’s most chilling effect – Christine’s self-healing ability – was achieved with hydraulic pumps that crushed a plastic-paneled body double. The footage was then reversed to appear as regeneration.
Audi A8 – Transporter 2 (2005)
The 2005 Audi A8 was Frank Martin’s ride in Transporter 2 and Transporter 3. With 444 hp and 428 lb-ft of torque from its 6.0 W12 engine, this luxury sedan wasn’t just a chauffeur’s ride – it was a high-speed escape machine capable of hitting 60 mph in just 5 seconds. Pitch perfect for a mercenary driver!
