Buzz
In many films and TV shows, certain settings or props can become so influential that they essentially evolve into characters themselves. Think about the ruby slippers in The Wizard of Oz, or the devastated landscape of Vietnam in Apocalypse Now. These elements can become so ingrained in the cultural consciousness that a mere reference to them instantly evokes memories of the film.
If you've ever watched a film and thought, 'Wow, I need that car' or 'That car is out of this world,' this list is for you. We're spotlighting ten iconic vehicles from legendary movies that we all wish could drive right off the screen and into our garages.
10. 1977 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am
First up, we have the iconic super speeder known for its role in Smokey and the Bandit, driven by Burt Reynolds and Sally Field. This muscle car became a titan in the automotive world, with sales soaring by 30,000 units between 1977 and 1978, and an additional 24,000 in 1979. Its popularity can be largely credited to the on-screen charm of the two lead actors, who set out to deliver much-needed alcohol to a truck show, all while evading the relentless pursuit of Sheriff Buford T. Justice, played by Jackie Gleason.
Many fans likely dreamed of reliving the cinematic magic—without the imminent dangers—as Bo and the hitchhiker Carrie made their way through the harsh southern American landscape. The car’s appeal was enhanced by its T-top roof, stunning starlight black color, and an engine that was faster and more nimble than the Corvette of its time. Burt Reynolds eventually sold his Trans Am for $495,000 at the Barrett-Jackson Auction, bringing its known value to half a million. Good luck trying to get your hands on this iconic vehicle, collectors.
9. 1981 Delorean DMC-12
Although not as fast as the previous entry, the Delorean DMC-12 is equally iconic, known for traveling through time at exactly 88 mph. This futuristic, stainless steel legend captured hearts worldwide as we followed Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox) and Doc Brown (Christopher Lloyd) on their three-part time-traveling adventure. Unlike many of its peers, this space-age sports car was notorious for being one of the slowest of its era.
Originally equipped with a 2.85-liter Peugeot-sourced V6 engine, the Delorean, despite its later beefing up with a V8 for the film, only produced 130 horsepower and 153 pounds of torque. Designer Giorgetto Giugiaro, who created this understated beast, may not have been impressed with its speed, but he certainly poured his soul into the car's design. With its signature gull-wing doors, wedge shape, and sleek aesthetics as featured in Back to the Future’s time machine, it’s a must-include on our list.
8. 1970 Dodge Charger R/T
While many versions of this legendary muscle car have roared across our movie screens, we had to choose our favorite: Vin Diesel as Dominic Toretto in Fast and Furious. Following the fame of its 1969 bright orange predecessor, the General Lee from The Dukes of Hazzard, the Fast and Furious team set itself apart by delivering even more jaw-dropping stunts and elevating the 'cool factor' to new heights.
In this reimagined version, Dom’s sleek black ride featured an aggressive supercharger protruding from the hood, practically daring anyone to challenge it. Though the film's action was over-the-top, one of its most memorable moments involved Dom and O'Brien jumping over a speeding train, cementing their place in our hearts and the car’s spot in cinematic history.
7. 1994 Ford Explorer XLT UN46
Dinosaur toys deserve a Dino-themed car, don’t you think? We may have deviated from the realm of high-speed, high-action vehicles, but the thrills are far from over. Join us as we embark on an unforgettable adventure in one of the most iconic, and biologically engineered, vehicles to ever grace the big screen. Don’t mistake it for a typical Jeep. This adventure-ready vehicle met its unfortunate end under the crushing jaws of a T-rex, but it went down with style.
Based on Michael Crichton’s science fiction masterpiece, Jurassic Park spawned multiple sequels and reboots, each with its own unique all-terrain vehicles. But none captured our hearts like this one. With its mounted bumpers and bold lights, this eye-catching vehicle met its fate at the claws of genetically engineered dinosaurs. Rest in peace, beautiful machine. You’ll live on in car legend forever.
6. 1959 Cadillac Miller-Meteor
Even with the loss of the incredible Harold Ramis, his legacy lives on. To honor his unforgettable performance in Ivan Reitman’s Ghostbusters, we present the iconic car that needs no introduction: the Ectomobile. Designed by Steven Dane, this limo-style, ambulance-inspired beast of a vehicle had more than enough room to contain all of our childhood fantasies.
Grab your proton packs and join us in the fight to save the world from ghosts. Just the replica of this legendary car fetched an eye-popping $200,000 at the Barrett-Jackson Las Vegas Auction.
5. 1985 Modena GT Spyder California
If you’re lucky enough to own this car, be sure to secure your garage. Featured in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, this stunning crimson beauty captivated everyone. Though the filmmakers originally intended to use the 1961 Ferrari 250 GT California, movie magic worked its charm with this model, which is undeniably irresistible.
Instead of shelling out a staggering $300,000 for the real deal, the production team crafted this impressive replica using a mix of parts, such as a steel tube subframe, Ferrari-inspired fiberglass bodywork, and a V8 engine. Knowing the car’s inevitable fate, it seemed wasteful to use the genuine article. So, the Modena GT Spyder made its mark on our iconic list.
4. 1963 Volkswagen Beetle Model 117
With a deluxe sunroof, racing stripes, and unforgettable headlights that looked like eyes, this lovable “Love Bug” named Herbie made us all wish our cars could come to life. After showing off its determination and spirit, this race car has won the hearts of generations since its debut in 1968. If you watch the original film, you’ll notice the absence of any Volkswagen logos, a result of the car giant censoring its brand’s iconic insignia.
It wasn’t until the film’s tremendous success—grossing ten times its budget—that Volkswagen allowed their brand to be used in the film’s sequel, Herbie Rides Again. With family-friendly comedy and countless reboots and spin-offs, this charming little bug remains a beloved icon in the hearts of millions.
3. 1967 Shelby GT 500 “Eleanor”
Don’t let this DuPont pepper gray hotrod deceive you; it's just as incredible as the Aston. Originally a 1967 Ford Mustang fastback, this stunning vehicle was transformed into the fictional “Shelby GT500 Eleanor” that raced against time in the 2000 film Gone in 60 Seconds. The “Eleanor” was named after the original 1974 film, Gone in 60 Seconds, directed, acted, and stunt-performed by H.B. Halicki. The car in the original movie was a 1973 Mustang fastback.
Tragically, H.B. Halicki passed away in a stunt accident while filming the sequel, leaving the rights to his wife, Denice Halicki. In 2013, an original “Eleanor” was auctioned off for 1 million dollars. Though he never got to complete the sequel he envisioned, we honor his unforgettable action-thriller legacy by placing his cherished name at the end of our list of iconic cars that have left an indelible mark on millions.
2. 1964 Aston Martin DB5
It's impossible to compile a list of iconic cars without including the world’s greatest secret agent. Every Bond has a girl, and every Bond has a car, so choosing the most influential one is no easy feat. Amidst the fierce competition spanning 70 years of Bond films, the 1964 Aston Martin DB5 remains the most legendary of them all. Featured in the classics Goldfinger, Thunderball, Goldeneye, and Skyfall, there’s a reason this silver masterpiece continues to live in the dreams of car lovers worldwide.
With its signature silver birch finish, now a staple in Aston Martin’s color palette thanks to Goldfinger, this once prototype vehicle has become one of the most coveted collector cars in the world, valued at over 3 million dollars. Equipped with a DOHC straight-6 4.0 L engine, this transforming spy car was recently restored to match the exact specifications Q designed.
Twenty-five replicas of this iconic vehicle feature mock gunners under the hood, a deployable roof, and various Bond gadgets that mimic those from the cinematic version. The only thing missing? The ejector seats. This classic car has become nearly as legendary as its driver, and its cultural impact is undeniable. Getting your hands on one of these is no easy feat, as all 25 models have already been claimed.
1. 1975 Ford Gran Torino
Let’s take a nostalgic trip back to the 1970s, revisiting the unforgettable duo of detective crime-fighters from Starsky and Hutch. Their combination of street smarts and classic charm captivated audiences in this iconic show. To complement their dynamic partnership, they drove a car that perfectly matched their cool factor: the 1975 Gran Torino, featuring a bold white stripe, a striking red exterior, and a powerful 351 Windsor V8 engine delivering 435 horsepower.
The vinyl-upholstered front bench seat caused a bit of trouble during the chase scenes, thanks to its slippery surface. It was eventually swapped for more practical bucket seats. The car’s handling, though not precise, became legendary as production went through ten different Gran Torinos over the show’s four-year run. Despite this, fans were drawn to its charm, prompting Ford to create 1,100 replica models for collectors. This dedication solidified the Gran Torino's place in the automotive hall of fame.
