Movie Cars
Cars have played a significant role in cinema history, becoming as iconic as the characters themselves. From the DeLorean in Back to The Future to the Chevrolet Camaro in Transformers, there are a handful of iconic movie cars that have become household names.
DeLorean from Back to The Future:
One of the most recognizable movie cars of all time is the DeLorean DMC-12 from the 1985 science fiction film, Back to The Future. The DeLorean, which was modified to be a time machine in the movie, quickly became a pop culture icon, with its gull-wing doors and stainless-steel exterior. Even though only a limited number of DeLorean DMC-12 were produced, the car’s appearances in Back to The Future made it one of the most sought-after collector’s items in the automotive world. Because of its connection to Back to The Future, the DeLorean DMC-12 goes for a lot more than what their actual value would have been, but that’s what happens when a car becomes integral to the plot of a movie. Throughout the trilogy, the DeLorean went through changes, such as hover ability and railroad wheels.
Pontiac Firebird from Smokey and the Bandit:
The 1977 movie, Smokey and the Bandit, gave rise to the popularity of the Pontiac Firebird Trans Am. In the movie, Burt Reynolds played the role of Bo Darville, aka “The Bandit,” who drove a black and gold Trans Am. The car’s sleek design and powerful V8 engine made it an instant hit with car enthusiasts. The success of the movie also led to a surge in sales for the Pontiac Firebird Trans Am.
KITT from Knight Rider:
Now I know that Knight Rider isn’t a movie but a TV show, but still, nothing is cooler than a talking car. The 1980s television series, Knight Rider, introduced the world to KITT, the autonomous and artificially intelligent car. The car was a modified 1982 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am that was equipped with advanced technology, such as a voice-controlled computer system, a turbo-boost feature, and a flame thrower. KITT became a cultural icon and a symbol of futuristic technology, inspiring many imitations in movies and TV shows over the years.
Charger, Supra, and Skyline from Fast and Furious:
The Fast and Furious franchise has become synonymous with high-speed chases, adrenaline-fueled races, and some of the most iconic cars in cinema history. The 1970 Dodge Charger R/T driven by Dominic Toretto (Vin Diesel) in the first movie became an instant classic, with its powerful engine and menacing appearance.
The franchise also introduced fans to the Toyota Supra during the golden age of tuning. The Supra was a car that gained popularity due to its appearance in the first movie and has sparked a passion for Japanese tuner cars.
Then the Nissan Skyline GT-R, which became a favorite of car enthusiasts after its appearance in the second movie. Both the Supra and the Nissan Skyline were driven by the late Paul Walker.
James Bond’s DB5:
James Bond is known for his love of luxury cars, but the most iconic of them all is the Aston Martin DB5. The car first appeared in the 1964 movie, Goldfinger, and has since become a symbol of British elegance and sophistication. The DB5 was equipped with a variety of gadgets, including a smoke screen, machine guns, and an ejector seat, making it the ultimate spy car. The James Bond movies have continued to feature newer Aston Martins, but nothing quite says James Bond like the DB5. The car has since appeared in several other James Bond movies, cementing its status as one of the most iconic movie cars of all time.
Herbie the Volkswagen Beetle:
Herbie, the lovable anthropomorphic Volkswagen Beetle, first appeared in the 1968 movie, The Love Bug. The car, which had a mind of its own and a penchant for mischief, quickly became a favorite among audiences of all ages. Herbie went on to appear in several other movies and TV shows, cementing his status as a beloved pop culture icon.
Chevrolet Camaro from Transformers:
The Chevrolet Camaro has a long history in the automotive world, but it was its appearance in the 2007 movie, Transformers, that brought it to a new generation of fans. In the movie, the Camaro was transformed into the Autobot known as Bumblebee, becoming one of the most beloved characters in the franchise. This sparked my own love for the Camaro and has made it one of my dream cars. The car’s bright yellow paint job and muscular design made it stand out, and its ability to transform into a robot only added to its popularity. An interesting fact about the Chevrolet Camaro featured in the 2007 Transformers is that it’s actually a concept car, because that generation of Camaro wasn’t released until 2010, three years after the movie.
These iconic movie cars have become a part of pop culture history, inspiring countless imitations and tributes over the years. Their unique designs, advanced technology, and powerful engines have captured the imaginations of audiences around the world, making them as memorable as the movies themselves.
For many car enthusiasts, owning one of these iconic movie cars is a dream come true. Collectors are willing to pay top dollar to own a piece of cinema history, with some cars selling for millions of dollars at auction.
However, not all of these iconic movie cars were created equal. Some, like the DeLorean and James Bond’s DB5, were custom-built for the movies, while others, like the Chevrolet Camaro and Pontiac Firebird, were modified versions of existing production cars. Regardless of their origins, these movie cars have become as much a part of automotive history as the cars that inspired them.
To conclude, iconic movie cars have become a significant part of pop culture, inspiring car enthusiasts around the world. From the DeLorean in Back to The Future to the Chevrolet Camaro in Transformers, these cars have captured the imaginations of audiences for generations. Whether you’re a fan of classic cars or futuristic designs, there’s an iconic movie car out there for everyone.