Vintage and classical cars are evergreen. Some vehicles are known for their iconic roles in movies and jaw-dropping performances. These films are blockbusters, winning numerous accolades and prizes. The cars’ unforgettable cameos, combined with the legendary actors and franchises, have established them as four-wheeled stars. Here are 15 times classic cars made jaw-dropping cameos in blockbuster movies.
1961 Ferrari 250 GT California in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986)
The 1961 Ferrari 250 GT California is a symbol of luxury and comes with a hefty price tag. Featured in the movie Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, the humor revolves around the car being damaged after Ferris “borrows” it from his friend’s dad. Many people are not aware that the car used in the movie was just a replica, but it lived up to its role perfectly.
1970 Dodge Charger in The Fast and the Furious (2001)
One of the fastest cars in a cult classic, the 1970 Dodge Charger captures the true essence of the 1970s. The car became known as Dominic Toretto’s 1970 Dodge Charger after being featured in the blockbuster Fast and Furious movie series. It had a powerful and entertaining entry, its roaring engine and performance dominating the high-octane race. Moreover, it was the link between Dominic and his father, as this vehicle was tied to his legacy.
1968 Ford Mustang GT 390 in Bullitt (1968)
Featured in the movie Bullitt, the 1968 Ford Mustang GT 390 is one of the most famous cars in a chase scene. The car was driven by the legendary Steve McQueen, who used his Mustang to chase down criminals. The vehicle’s name in the movie is Frank Bullitt, and the chases through San Francisco still leave the audience in awe.
1981 DeLorean DMC-12 in Back to the Future (1985)
The 1981 DeLorean DMC-12 is an established cult classic with moderate performance but spicy controversies. While there are many controversies about its founder, the vehicle is a cultural symbol for its role in the 1985 movie Back To The Future. It transcended its mere utilitarian role in this realm, acting as a time machine and taking Doc Brown into a new one. The special effects, its gullwing body, and its iconic role make it one of the best moments in sci-fi cinema.
1977 Pontiac Trans Am in Smokey and the Bandit (1977)
A core component in Smokey and the Bandit, the 1977 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am was Burt Reynolds’ beloved muscle car. It aligned perfectly with Reynolds’ charismatic personality and influence, as Reynolds used the car to transport bootleg beer. It is said that around three 1977 Pontiac Trans Am vehicles were destroyed in the movie. However, the thrilling chase scenes with the police compensated for the damages.
1964 Aston Martin DB5 in Goldfinger (1964)
The 1964 Aston Martin DB5 screams James Bond in the movie Goldfinger. This vehicle was not an ordinary 1964 Aston Martin DB5. It was equipped with smoke bombs, machine guns, and an ejector seat. After being featured in the movie, car sales skyrocketed as everyone wanted James Bond’s car.
1958 Plymouth Fury in Christine (1983)
The movie Christine is based on Stephen King’s horror novel of the same name. Christine was the name of a 1958 Plymouth Fury that had come into the hands of the protagonist, Arnie Cunningham. He is hell-bent on repairing the vehicle, but little does he know of its horrific past. The vehicle terrorized its owners. Its role as an eerie and horrific device was one of a kind.
1973 Ford Falcon XB GT in Mad Max (1979)
There are numerous ways to feature a vehicle in a movie, but how the 1973 Ford Falcon XB GT is presented in Mad Max keeps the audience at the edge. The movie is packed with action, and the best of the car is brought out in the post-apocalyptic setting. The movie’s protagonist, Max Rockatansky, navigates the harsh environment and uses everything he has to survive.
1966 Ford Thunderbird in Thelma & Louise
Vehicles often play a deep emotional role in people’s lives, and the 1966 Ford Thunderbird captures these same feelings. Thelma, a woman in the movie who gets abused by her husband, seeks refuge with her friend turned lover Louise. Analyzing this blockbuster from a feminist list showcases the evils and misogyny of the patriarchal society. Thelma and Louise at the end of the movie, Thelma and Louise drive off a cliff in the exact vehicle, reflecting their resilience to not bow down.
1959 Cadillac Miller-Meteor in Ghostbusters (1984)
A very nostalgic ‘proton pack,’ the 1959 Cadillac Miller-Meteor has been a consistent teammate in the journey of the Ghostbusters. Nicknamed the “Ecto-1,” this vehicle is the best at its job – ghost hunting and features a variety of super cool tools. From the classic siren to all sorts of devices to measure the ghosts’ wavelength, its classic and old design makes it a beloved vehicle of all time.
1966 Alfa Romeo Spider in The Graduate (1967)
Driven by Dustin Hoffman’s character, Benjamin, in the 1967 movie The Graduate, this vehicle has a strong symbolic significance. Driven down the California streets, an aesthetic, red, sleek 1966 Alfa Romeo Spider soon became a crowd favorite. Benjamin stayed with this vehicle until the end as he drove it to stop a wedding.
2008 Audi R8 in Iron Man 2
The debate between DC and Marvel may never halt, but very few will disagree that the 2008 Audi R8 is a beast. Well, it was certainly a difficult task to choose a vehicle worthy of genius, billionaire, playboy, and philanthropist Tony Stark in Iron Man 2. The Audi R8 also appears in the movie Age of Ultron, becoming a symbol of status and wealth. The jaw-dropping entries and sequences in the movie elevate its status, reflecting the rise in sales.
1967 Shelby GT500 “Eleanor” in Gone in 60 Seconds (2000)
Many vehicles have been applauded for their impressive speed and movie chase scenes. There is something special, a unique sense of urgency and thrill with the 1967 Shelby GT500, famously known as “Eleanor” in Gone in 60 Seconds. The protagonist, Nicolas Cage’s character, Memphis Raines, indulges in jaw-dropping chases revolving around this car that he wants to steal. The close calls, exciting stunts, and iconic black racing stripes have made the movie a loved one for enthusiasts and movie buffs alike.
1993 Jeep Wrangler in Jurassic Park
If dinosaurs were to return and randomly spawn around the city, we would be in flight mode. In Jurassic Park, the 1993 Jeep Wrangler was an outstanding off-road vehicle built to run away from dinosaurs. The scene in which Lex Murphy and Tim Murphy dodge a Tyrannosaurus rex using the rigidity of this vehicle is a jaw-dropping scene.
1963 Volkswagen Beetle in Herbie: The Love Bug (1968)
The 1963 Volkswagen Beetle is the most famous and nostalgic vehicle in the history of the automotive industry. Advertised as the ‘people’s vehicle’ in Germany, this vehicle is the heart and soul of The Love Bug. With its mesmerizing yet minimalist round boxy design that turns heads to this day, this vehicle served its purpose as a comedic foil and engaging element.
14 Supercars Under $100K That Deliver Breathtaking Speed and Style
When you think of supercars, names like Ferrari, Lamborghini, and McLaren often come to mind, along with their staggering price tags. However, high-performance vehicles aren’t exclusively reserved for the super-rich. There exists a sweet spot where speed, style, and (relatively) sensible pricing converge, offering thrilling rides without completely obliterating your bank account. Hop in as we explore 14 underrated supercars under $100K.
14 Supercars Under $100K That Deliver Breathtaking Speed and Style
