Elegant appearances, roaring, powerful engines, thrilling chasing scenes - there’s always something captivating about cars on the big screen.
The beginning of the 20th century saw the rise of the cinema and automobile industries, two defining forces of modern culture that would intertwine later. The first film to feature an automobile was Thomas Edison’s Automobile Parade, released in 1900. The first narrative film with dangerous racing scenes was the 1903 Runaway Match featuring Panhard et Levassor.
Cars like these aren’t merely vehicles, but symbols of pop culture that represent a specific era and genre. Exploring iconic movie cars means exploring the whole pop culture of the period. Not sure where to start? No worries. Our guide will help you uncover all the secrets of the cinematic car universe.
What Makes a Movie Car Iconic?
Style, Speed, and Screen Presence
Iconic cars define the movies they appear in and sometimes become as memorable as the actors who drive them. They inspire car enthusiasts and reflect real automobile trends.
Often characterized by rich and daring designs, these vehicles embody power and style, consistently bringing fresh air to the automotive world. Sleek looks aren’t the only reason movie cars are so famous.
Who isn’t thrilled about a speedy chasing scene? The most unforgettable movie car models are those designed for speed and performance. Showcasing raw power, action, and adrenaline, these iconic vehicles set new standards for cinematic speed.
Cars as Characters in Film
Sometimes, mechanical stars exhibit more personality and character than lengthy dialogues, leaving a lasting impression. Whether it’s a roaring muscle car, a sleek spy car, or a charming family hauler, iconic movie cars have their own audiences worldwide.
If people remember a movie, they’ll probably remember the vehicle that had so much time on screen. Becoming one of the main movie characters has turned many car models into legends, boosting sales in the market. Sometimes characters’ storylines are even more closely related to the vehicle, bringing a new level of cool to the car.
Today, cars have become an inseparable part of cinematic history. Let’s explore some of the most iconic movie cars featured in the most renowned blockbusters.
10 Iconic Movie Cars That Made History
DeLorean DMC-12 – Back to the Future (1985)
Who doesn’t remember the DeLorean time machine from the iconic movie Back to the Future? This car holds a special and timeless place in the hearts of car enthusiasts and movie buffs alike. Its retro-futuristic design, with gull-wing doors and sleek lines, continues to attract audiences to this day.
Now, the iconic movie car appears in sci-fi, fantasy, and comic conventions, gathering crowds of people who want to have a photo sitting in the car. Despite the real-world shortcomings in 1982, the movie’s huge success granted the DeLorean DMC-12 enduring popularity, saving the company’s legacy to this day. The association with time travel and adventure has earned the DeLorean a timeless, legendary status.
1967 Ford Mustang GT500 “Eleanor” – Gone in 60 Seconds (2000)
Another instantly recognizable movie star is Eleanor Mustang from Gone in 60 Seconds. This classic car movie has recreated the famous 1971 Mustang Sportsroof from the original movie Gone in 60 Seconds by H.B. Halicki. With aggressive skirting and striped grey and black livery, the classic 1967 Ford Shelby GT500 is regarded as one of the best movie Mustangs ever. Crazy stunts and expert driving won the hearts of both movie and car enthusiasts. The Eleonor was recently restored and sold at auction for US$852,500.
1970 Dodge Charger – The Fast and the Furious Franchise
Well, here’s a film where cars are a major part of the cast. In 2001, the mega-popular franchise Fast and the Furious introduced its main hero —the 1970 Dodge Charger R/T. A wicked stance, a humongous engine, and giant rear tires made the Charger insanely famous. Since then, the car has appeared in various forms, featuring intense street racing scenes and thrilling stunts.
For the first movie, five Chargers were assembled, and for later appearances, including an off-road modified Charger for Furious 7, additional models were designed. An absolute beast on the road and one of the most popular among the iconic movie cars, the Charger isn’t merely a muscle car; it symbolizes raw power and a deep connection to the family.
1964 Aston Martin DB5 – Goldfinger
The legacy of James Bond’s famous cars dates back to the iconic Aston Martin DB5. Renowned as the most beloved movie car of all time, the model is a true piece of art. The sleek silver bodywork and distinctive front grille made it an instant 007 icon. Special effects like machine guns, ram bumpers, smoke screens, and ejector seats showcased a new level of cool.
Bond’s car even had a map screen, a prototype of the modern navigation system. The model reappeared in many James Bond films, forever symbolizing British elegance and performance. Today, this model is a favourite collector’s item, fetching millions, especially those connected to the James Bond films.
2008 Audi R8 – Iron Man
Of course, every superhero needs an eye-catching and high-tech companion, and Iron Man is no exception. The world’s best-known, never-aging super hero, Tony Stark, appears throughout six films behind the wheel of the Audi R8. Audi is represented as a worthy ambassador of the leading man, showcasing the car’s dynamic performance and technological leadership.
The appearance of the Audi R8 in the Marvel Cinematic Universe was the result of a successful marketing campaign that highlighted Audi's luxury class. Forty-two models of the R8 were used in the trilogy. After featuring in the film, the popularity of the R8 soared, and the car has become a symbol of innovation and luxury ever since.
Batmobile – Batman Begins
Another superhero franchise boasting iconic movie cars is the Batman franchise. Almost all Batman films, regardless of era and studio, feature their unique Batmobiles. Technically not an actual car, the Batmobile, with its glossy goodness, is a force to be reckoned with. The most impressive Batmobile is the Tumbler introduced in Chris Nolan’s Dark Knight trilogy. The film creators took the Batmobile to new heights.
With its small tank-like appearance, the armored vehicle is both durable and fast. It comes with many special features, such as a secondary electrical engine, allowing the car to be quiet when necessary, or a powered jet engine that assists the vehicle in jumps. Even today, the Tumbler is regarded as one of the most famous Batmobiles ever brought to the screen.
1963 Volkswagen Beetle aka “Herbie” – The Love Bug
This sample of the iconic movie cars differs from the others. It doesn’t have super armour gadgets or any futuristic technology, but it’s rather an adorable human-like car with its own personality. Herbie from the Love Bug has a mind of his own, likes to play practical jokes on people, and is capable of racing himself. Starring cars weren’t common in the 1960s cinematic world.
The car became an instant favourite character and featured in a series of movies and TV shows. Funny and emotional, Herbie the Love Bug became and remained popular across several generations. White paint beetles with racing stripes and 53 decals were a common sight in the automotive market.
The Pontiac Trans Am Firebird – The Smokey and the Bandit
The Pontiac Trans Am Firebird holds a special place in the hearts of car enthusiasts. Its aggressive stance and the screaming chicken hood decal are a true symbol of adventure and rebellion. Appearing in Smokey and the Bandit, the car’s popularity skyrocketed and cemented its status as an automotive legend.
The special Smokey and Bandit edition provided a captivating performance for its time and completely corresponded with the Bandit’s charismatic character. This aspirational vehicle represented a combination of power, style, and performance. Today, the model is a highly sought-after collectible item coveted by film and car enthusiasts. The Pontiac Trans Am Firebird remains a symbol of American muscle car history, leaving an indelible mark on pop culture.
Can You Buy These Cars Today?
The power of films and TV shows in the automotive world should not be underestimated. They impact not only car buyers but also car makers. History is full of examples of how a film affected and changed the story of a particular car. Consequently, people always want to get their hands on the coolest cars that shine on the screen. Let’s see what iconic movie cars can be found in today’s used market.
Which Iconic Movie Cars Are Available on the Used Market
If you're a 007 fan, we have good news for you. The iconic James Bond car, the Aston Martin DB5, can still be found in the used movie car market, with prices ranging from $668,000 to $1.5 million.
Car enthusiasts can meet the rare DeLorean DMC-12, one of the most sought-after models on the market. A collector's dream is estimated to be about $64,212 and doesn’t include time-traveling in the package.
Seeking Fast and Furious Heritage? The original movie models are extremely rare, while replicas and tribute cars are actively available, costing between $60,000 and $80,000 on the used market. Another popular film star that can still be obtained is Eleanor, or the 1967 Ford Mustang GT500. While the original model is hard to find, tribute Mustangs are widely built and sold for $142,588 to $422,354.
The Pontiac Trans Am Firebird is another collectible gem, extremely rare to find. We recommend looking for modern tribute interpretations that are widely available in the market, costing approximately $230,000.
And last but not least, you can enjoy Tony Stark vibes behind the wheel of a 2008 Audi R8, which is still available in the used market for an average price of $64,605. From the Batmobile to DeLorean DMC-12: what is it about iconic movie cars that fascinates our hearts? Let’s find out.
Why These Cars Still Captivate Audiences
Cultural Influence and Fan Communities
The role of iconic movie cars goes far beyond cinematic entertainment. Igniting the imagination of audiences, they shape consumers’ preferences and manufacturers’ choices. These vehicles have evolved beyond being merely a means of transportation and have carved out their unique niche in pop culture.
Today, cars from movies have their own distinct mark on culture, influencing everything from music and films to lifestyle and fashion. Moreover, there’s a fan story behind every iconic movie car. Whether official associations or museums, forums or builder communities, people restore and preserve the cultural and historical legacy of movie cars.
Collectability and Legacy
Iconic movie cars inspire people to dream of obtaining them. Since the early development of the automobile world, vehicles from all over the world, of various models and makes, have been collected and preserved. Car enthusiasts spend years of their lives restoring and preserving famous movie cars. Some private collections include epic movie vehicles as a tribute to cinematic history and a valuable investment.
Iconic Cars Shaping Culture
We all have that one movie car we can’t forget. They not only shape automotive pop culture but also impact the car manufacturing industry, igniting various trends and tendencies. From the Eleonor to the Herbie, these epic vehicles keep history, culture, and timeless memories alive.