When it comes to memorable movie moments, sometimes it’s the cars that steal the show. Hollywood has a knack for turning ordinary vehicles into extraordinary icons that captivate audiences and become part of pop culture lore. Read on as we explore some legendary vehicles that captured the hearts of audiences worldwide.
The DeLorean DMC-12
Who knew a stainless steel sports car would become the ultimate sci-fi icon? Although the DeLorean from “Back to the Future” wasn’t as visually pleasing, it more than made up for it in its powers of traveling in time. With gull-wing doors and flux capacitor, this bad boy has been fueling our time-travel fantasies for decades.
Ecto-1
Despite the 1984 Ghostbusters movie having four main characters, the Ecto-1 earned a spotlight and became the unsung hero of the Ghostbusters franchise. The 1959 Cadillac Miller-Meteor was converted into the coolest ambulance that became a mobile headquarters, gear hauler, and probably the only car that looks great covered in ectoplasm. Fun Fact: the original sketch was black, but the production team left it white.
The Batmobile
Every great superhero needs a great ride, and Batman is no different. The Batmobile has undergone many makeovers since its original debut in the sixties. Debuting in Batman Begins, the latest version altered George Barris’s original 1960s design. Powered by a 5735CC Chevy V-8, this Batmobile can go from 0-60 miles/hour in about five seconds, perfectly blending muscle and gadgetry.
The General Lee
The General Lee from “The Dukes of Hazzard” is more than just an orange 1969 Dodge Charger. Known for its incredible jumps and daring stunts, this car became a representation of Southern charm and defiance. Interestingly, it is said that the movie used two dozen 19680-1970 Chargers; however, most of them barely made it through the action-packed scenes.
Herbie
Who says cars can’t have personalities? Herbie, the lovable Volkswagen Beetle from “The Love Bug,” charmed audiences with seemingly human traits. You may have noticed that Herbie appeared different in the subsequent movies. That’s because over a hundred cars were used to shoot the film.
Eleanor
Some cars are just so iconic, and Eleanor from “Gone in 60 Seconds” is among the top. This gorgeous gray 1967 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 is the automotive equivalent of a femme fatale—dangerously beautiful and hard to resist. Three vehicles were used during filming, two destroyed, and one sold for a million dollars.
The Aston Martin DB5
Nobody does it better than James Bond’s Aston Martin DB5 regarding spy cars. First appearing in “Goldfinger,” this silver beauty perfectly blends British elegance and secret agent gadgetry. Ejector seats, oil slicks, machine guns, it’s got more tricks up its sleeve than 007 himself.
1970 Dodge Charger
Dom’s 1970 Dodge Charger in “The Fast and the Furious” is a four-wheeled extension of Vin Diesel’s tough-guy persona. This menacing black beast, with a massive engine poking through the hood, practically growls, “Don’t mess with me” at every turn. It’s survived more crashes, jumps, and ridiculously impossible stunts than any real car could handle.
KITT
Long before Siri, there was KITT—the Knight Industries Two Thousand from “Knight Rider.” This souped-up Pontiac Firebird Trans Am wasn’t just brilliant but downright sassy. With artificial intelligence, a personality, and several gadgets, KITT was the ultimate partner in crime-fighting.
1966 Ford Thunderbird
The 1966 Ford Thunderbird symbolized liberation for the lead characters in “Thelma and Louise.” Owing to its open back, it was chosen for its ease in shooting movies. Interestingly, the car wasn’t customized, as is expected in movie cars. Five cars were used in the film, with one car being sold at an auction for $71,500 in 2008.
