If you’re anything like us, you’re likely drawn to the vehicles that populate your favorite films and television series.
Take, for instance, the 1999 Nissan Skyline GT-R from "2 Fast 2 Furious" or the iconic 1963 Aston Martin DB5 featured in "Goldfinger." Such vehicles are not merely props; they’re integral characters in their narratives, often garnering as much admiration as the actors themselves.
Certain films and series are celebrated not only for their storytelling but also for their automotive icons. Passionate car aficionados can’t help but feel a sense of awe when considering the legendary vehicles from franchises like "Fast and Furious," "Mad Max," and even animated features like "Cars."
The realm of beloved cinematic vehicles is vast—and each one has its own unique story to tell. To explore this topic further, we consulted with our team at CarExpert about their personal favorites from film and television, encouraging them to select any car from any era that resonated with them. While links to new car models were welcomed, they were not a necessity.
We invite you to join the conversation in the comments section, sharing your own favorite cinematic cars!
Paul Maric: 1981 DMC DeLorean – Back to the Future
The DeLorean is undoubtedly the epitome of ‘cool’ cinema cars. Featured in this quintessential 1980s film, it spotlighted a fledgling company on the brink of collapse, transforming it into an emblem of pop culture.
The saga behind the DeLorean brand reads like a dramatic screenplay, but its reality is indelibly unique. While the vehicle itself wasn’t particularly renowned for performance—some early components have even struggled to endure the test of time—it remains an iconic sight even today. Owning one is firmly on my bucket list.
Recently, the DeLorean brand has been reborn, with plans to unveil a new electric vehicle. They’ve also introduced a cryptocurrency—DMC Token—along with a series of NFTs.
Marton Pettendy: 1968 Ford Mustang GT Fastback – Bullitt
Not only did the 1968 classic Bullitt skyrocket Steve McQueen’s stardom, but it also includes what is often considered one of the finest car chases ever captured on film—an adrenaline-fueled segment that rivals those found in The Italian Job and Ronin.
The exhilarating chase unfolds more than an hour into the movie, taking nearly 11 minutes as McQueen’s character, Frank Bullitt, employs a four-speed manual Mustang GT Fastback to confront a crime lord who has taken the life of his informant.
This film was instrumental in establishing the Mustang as an American icon, ultimately leading to the original model becoming the most valuable Mustang at auction. At the 2018 Detroit Auto Show, Ford honored the film’s legacy by reuniting McQueen’s granddaughter, Molly, at the unveiling of the limited-edition Mustang Bullitt, which coincided with the film’s 50th anniversary. As she noted, Bullitt’s car chases still hold court as the standard for excellence in this genre.
James Wong: Nigel Gearsley (Aston Martin DBR9) – Cars 2
My fascination with Aston Martin dates back to childhood, where I would zoom miniature models across the floor. It comes as no surprise that my favorite character from Disney Pixar’s Cars is Nigel Gearsley, the DBR9.
Based on the GT1-class race car, Nigel was named in homage to Sir Nigel Gresley, a prominent British locomotive engineer known for crafting steam marvels such as the Flying Scotsman and the Mallard. Interestingly, before my passion for cars sparked, I was enthralled by locomotives, and my grandmother gifted me a wooden model of the Mallard.
Though he may not take center stage in Cars 2, Nigel Gearsley would be my pick if I were to participate in spinoff video games. A true nod to British engineering!
Jack Quick: 2003 Honda S2000 – 2 Fast 2 Furious
Having grown up with the Fast and Furious franchise, I have a treasure trove of iconic vehicles to choose from. Yet, Suki’s vibrant pink Honda S2000 from 2 Fast 2 Furious remains etched in my memory.
I’ve always admired her ricer Veilside body kit, those eye-catching pink flames, and the delightful animated character adorning the dashboard, famously uttering, “Bend over boy.” While Honda doesn’t currently offer a modern equivalent, the Mazda MX-5 serves as a close competitor.
William Stopford: 1977 Pontiac Firebird Esprit – The Rockford Files
With so many cinematic cars worth mentioning—from the unforgettable Toyota 2000GT in You Only Live Twice to the Dodge Challenger from Vanishing Point—it’s hard to pick a favorite.
Yet, I find it hard to overlook the understated gold Pontiac Firebird Esprit driven by James Garner in The Rockford Files. While the series predates my time, I have a soft spot for the second-generation Firebirds, especially from 1977 to 1978. The Esprit’s subtle elegance stands in contrast to its sportier counterparts like the Formula and Trans Am.
Though it may not have garnered the same attention, that polished gold finish encapsulated the ethos of the era. One can’t help but ponder what kind of vehicle Jim Rockford would drive in a modern reboot.
Jordan Mulach: The Pursuit Special (1973 Ford Falcon XB GT) – Mad Max
Initially, I considered selections like McQueen’s iconic Bullitt Mustang or the Dodge Monaco from The Blues Brothers. However, the XB Falcon Hardtop Pursuit Special from the original Mad Max can’t be overlooked.
Though based on a Monaro, it’s the Pursuit Special that cemented its fame over 45 years ago. From the moment it roars onto the screen, with its striking black paint and signature design, it ignites something within me.
Its legacy continues, having appeared not just in the 1979 original but also in Mad Max 2 and more recently in Mad Max: Fury Road.
Max Davies: 2007 Subaru Impreza WRX – Baby Driver
Few things are as exhilarating as watching a beloved car zoom across the silver screen, and for me, that vehicle is the hawkeye Impreza WRX featured in 2017’s Baby Driver.
While numerous cars grace the film, the WRX driven by Ansel Elgort truly captivates. Aesthetically, it may not have the timeless iconic status of other vehicles here, but its portrayal as a relatively unpretentious WRX makes it special.
As the first hero car revealed, it sets the tone for the action to follow. Capturing the thrilling spectacle of a WRX speeding through Atlanta streets, the film executes its driving sequences with commendable realism—contrasting starkly with the absurd gear shifts often seen in the Fast and Furious saga.
Josh Nevett: 1994 Toyota Supra – The Fast and the Furious
My passion for cars can be traced back to three cultural touchstones: Top Gear, Need for Speed, and, of course, the Fast and Furious franchise. Choosing a standalone vehicle is a daunting task, yet the fourth-generation Toyota Supra, driven by Brian O’Conner in the original film, stands out for several reasons.
Visually arresting with its striking orange paint, the Supra also represents one of the film’s key vehicles, driven by both Brian and Dom Toretto. This movie played a pivotal role in elevating the Mk4 Supra to its legendary status in the history of Japanese automobiles, ultimately leading to the development of a fifth-generation model currently on the market.
On a side note, I encountered a replica of that eye-catching orange Supra while in Tokyo, and I can confirm it’s just as mesmerizing in real life!
We look forward to hearing your take on these iconic vehicles, along with your own favorites, in the comments below.
Source:www.carexpert.com.au
