For over a century, cars have been stealing scenes, speeding away with the spotlight, and even playing key roles alongside our favorite movie stars. These iconic machines have become household names—often more famous than the actors driving them. But there’s more under the hood than meets the eye. From behind-the-scenes mishaps to shocking budget reveals the real stories behind these 18 cinematic legends could fill a few more tankfuls of fun facts.
DeLorean DMC-12 (Back to the Future, 1985)
If you build a time machine, why not do it with style? That’s precisely why Doc Brown chose the DeLorean DMC-12 for his temporal escapades inBack to the Future. John DeLorean’s stainless-steel, gull-winged wonder wasn’t exactly a commercial hit—it stalled on sales, and its 130-horsepower engine couldn’t outrun your average grocery-getter—but movie magic turned it into an icon. Initially, producers considered using a refrigerator as a time machine. Lucky for Marty McFly, the DeLorean was deemed cooler (in every sense of the word) and far less likely to trap time-traveling kids.
Ecto-1 (Ghostbusters, 1984)
The Ecto-1 started life as a 1959 Cadillac Miller-Meteor ambulance, but after a few tweaks from Dr. Ray Stantz, it became the quintessential ghost-hunting vehicle. Interestingly, the original concept for the Ecto-1 involved an all-black hearse that could move between dimensions. While spooky, the filmmakers ultimately decided it was a bit too dark. Imagine spotting a hearse with proton packs and a nuclear reactor in the trunk—probably not the best PR move. Fun fact: The car was just as unreliable as you’d expect a 25-year-old Cadillac ambulance to be and broke down constantly during filming.
Aston Martin DB5 (Goldfinger, 1964)
The Aston Martin DB5 is often called “the most famous car in the world”—for good reason. Introduced in Goldfinger, James Bond’s DB5 came equipped with machine guns, oil slicks, and an ejector seat that made every 10-year-old’s heart race. However, the DB5 wasn’t the original choice for 007’s signature ride. Producers initially wanted Bond in a Jaguar, but Jaguar turned them down. Their loss became Aston Martin’s gain, and the DB5 has since appeared in numerous Bond films, becoming a symbol of British elegance and high-octane espionage.
1968 Mustang GT 390 Fastback (Bullitt, 1968)
Steve McQueen and the 1968 Mustang GT 390 Fastback in Bullitt set the gold standard for movie car chases. That iconic 10-minute pursuit through the streets of San Francisco is the stuff of legend. What’s lesser known is that two Mustangs were used for filming: one for close-up shots and another for the action sequences. After the film, the hero car disappeared for decades until it resurfaced in a New Jersey junkyard in 2017. It was restored and auctioned for $3.4 million in 2020, making it one of the most expensive movie cars ever sold.
1977 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am (Smokey and the Bandit, 1977)
The Smokey and the Bandit Trans Am made mustaches and T-tops cool again, thanks to Burt Reynolds’ smooth-talking outlaw. Pontiac offered up four Trans Ams for filming, but the high-speed stunts took their toll—only one survived. By the end of production, that car could barely run. Pontiac didn’t mind; Smokey and the Bandit helped boost Trans Am sales by nearly 30,000 units the following year. Fun fact: despite the film glorifying the car’s speed, the Trans Am struggled to hit 110 mph during the shoot.
The Tumbler (The Dark Knight Trilogy, 2005-2012)
Christopher Nolan’s reimagining of Batman came with a fresh take on the Batmobile—the Tumbler. This 2.5-ton, military-grade tank could leap 30 feet, endure rocket attacks, and still look menacing while parked in the Batcave. The Tumbler wasn’t just CGI magic; it was a fully functioning vehicle built by engineers from scratch, powered by a 500-horsepower V8 engine. Though it cost about $250,000 to make, Nolan thought it was worth every penny. The Tumbler was so tough that it even withstood filming explosions, something most movie cars only pretend to do.
Herbie the Love Bug (The Love Bug, 1968)
Herbie, the sentient Volkswagen Beetle from The Love Bug, became one of Disney’s most beloved characters. The adorable Bug, decked out in its iconic red, white, and blue racing stripes, could drive itself, perform wheelies, and win races against much faster cars. In real life, however, Herbie’s abilities were a product of clever camera work and a fleet of Beetles modified for different stunts. Despite Herbie’s fame, Volkswagen didn’t officially endorse the film—something about a family-friendly talking car didn’t fit their brand then.
1970 Dodge Charger R/T (The Fast and the Furious, 2001)
Before The Fast and the Furious franchise became synonymous with supercars and absurd stunts, it all started with Dom Toretto’s 1970 Dodge Charger R/T. This muscle car was more than just a speed demon; it symbolized Dom’s relationship with his father and reckless approach to life. The Charger’s power is no exaggeration—its 900-horsepower engine makes it a beast. Several versions of the car were built for filming, including a few with blown-up engines to create the spectacular crashes for which the series is now famous.
Mini Coopers (The Italian Job, 1969 & 2003)
Regarding high-speed heists, nothing screams a “stylish getaway” quite like a trio of Mini Coopers. In the original 1969 film and the 2003 remake, the Minis pull off some of the most entertaining car chases in movie history. For the 1969 film, actual stunt drivers performed the thrilling chase sequences, whereas in the 2003 version, much of the action was CGI-assisted. Also, to film in the tight spaces of Turin’s city streets, the 1969 crew had to remove doors and trim to narrow the cars.
1961 Ferrari 250 GT California (Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, 1986)
“Ferris Bueller, you’re my hero.” Cameron Frye’s father’s 1961 Ferrari 250 GT California Spyder is the stuff of teenage daydreams. When the trio takes the Ferrari for a joyride through downtown Chicago, it looks effortlessly cool—until that tragic scene where it crashes through a glass window. While it may have looked like they destroyed a $10 million car, the filmmakers used replicas, sparing the real Ferrari from an untimely demise. The replicas were so convincing that even Ferrari fans had to do a double-take.
1973 XB GT Ford Falcon (Mad Max, 1979)
In a dystopian world ruled by gasoline, you need a car that can hold its own in a desert wasteland. Enter the 1973 XB GT Ford Falcon, better known as the Pursuit Special. Mad Max director George Miller found this Australian muscle car in a local scrapyard, and with a few modifications—like a menacing supercharger and a new paint job—it became the symbol of road warrior grit. Plus, the car was almost scrapped after filming, but it was later restored and used in the sequels, cementing its place in post-apocalyptic lore.
1967 Shelby GT500 (Gone in 60 Seconds, 2000)
Eleanor, the 1967 Shelby GT500 from Gone in 60 Seconds, is the car that even Nicolas Cage’s character is willing to risk his life to steal. The sleek muscle car became an instant favorite among car enthusiasts, even though it was mostly a work of fiction. In reality, the movie used 11 different versions of the car, many of which were specially built replicas. Despite its Hollywood roots, Eleanor remains a dream car for many, and fully functioning replicas are still highly sought after today.
Batmobile (Batman, 1989)
Tim Burton’s 1989 Batman brought us a sleek, gothic version of the Batmobile that was part rocket, part tank, and all style. Anton Furst designed the Batmobile on the chassis of a Chevrolet Impala with a jet engine-inspired rear end. It was so long (around 20 feet) that maneuvering it during filming was challenging. The car became so popular that toy versions sold out worldwide after the movie’s release, proving that the Batmobile was just as big a star as Michael Keaton’s Batman.
Lotus Esprit S1 (The Spy Who Loved Me, 1977)
Few cars can boast being a submarine, but the Lotus Esprit S1 from The Spy Who Loved Me isn’t your average vehicle. James Bond famously drives it off a pier and into the ocean, where it transforms into an underwater vessel. In real life, the “submarine” was a series of miniatures and working props—one of which was bought by Elon Musk at auction because he did. And did you know? the Lotus was chosen because it had an avant-garde design that was as futuristic as it was sleek, making it the perfect Bond car.
1966 Ford Thunderbird (Thelma & Louise, 1991)
The 1966 Ford Thunderbird is just as much a part of Thelma & Louise’s story as the characters themselves. The turquoise convertible becomes their escape from mundane lives into a road trip of empowerment, albeit one that ends with a cliffhanger (literally). Several Thunderbirds were used for filming, each serving a different purpose. The car’s iconic final leap off the Grand Canyon was, of course, a special effect. Though it marked the end for one of the Thunderbirds, the scene cemented the car’s place in cinematic history.
1974 Dodge Monaco (The Blues Brothers, 1980)
The Bluesmobile, a 1974 Dodge Monaco, isn’t the sleekest or fastest car on this list, but it might be the toughest. Used by Jake and Elwood Blues in The Blues Brothers, these former police cars survive an absurd amount of abuse, including jumping a drawbridge and outrunning almost every cop in Illinois. To match the film’s slapstick style, the filmmakers used 13 different Monacos for the various stunts. By the end of filming, nearly all of them were totaled—just as planned.
1958 Plymouth Fury (Christine, 1983)
Stephen King’s Christine gave us one of the most terrifying cars in film history. The 1958 Plymouth Fury in the movie isn’t just a car—it’s a killer. The Fury was carefully chosen for its relatively obscure status, making it a perfect candidate for a haunted, homicidal vehicle. More than 20 cars were used to depict Christine’s various states of destruction, and while many were smashed beyond repair, a few still exist today in the hands of dedicated fans and collectors.
The Wagon Queen Family Truckster (National Lampoon’s Vacation, 1983)
The Wagon Queen Family Truckster from National Lampoon’s Vacation might not be cool, fast, or luxurious—but it’s unforgettable. This 1979 Ford LTD Country Squire was heavily modified to look as ridiculous as possible, embodying everything wrong with 1970s automotive design. The car symbolizes the Griswold family’s hapless journey to Wally World. Even though the Truckster was a joke, it gained a cult following, and die-hard fans still make replica versions of the gaudy green wagon today.
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
