These Cars Deserve A Place At The Top Of The Credits
Some movie stars don't walk the red carpet: they roll. More than just props, cars can be an integral part of a film, propelling the plot forward. Even if they play a small part, they can steal scenes with their beauty, rivaling the most elegant actresses for our attention. They're the heartbeat of beloved film franchises, the objects of our imagination, and our sought-after dream cars. From being driven by Steve McQueen to transporting the A-Team and transforming into Autobots, here are 20 awesome cars that have forever made their mark on cinema.
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1. Aston Martin DB5
Despite there being so many different Bond cars over the years, none are more iconic than the Aston Martin DB5 Sean Connery drove in Goldfinger. In the film, it was outfitted with machine guns, an ejector seat, and revolving license plates, further tantalizing audiences' imaginations.
2. DeLorean DMC-12
The DMC-12 was a notoriously bad car that spelled the beginning of the end of DeLorean as a company, but at least it got its day in the sun thanks to the Back to the Future franchise. We can't imagine a better time-traveling device.
3. Pontiac Trans-Am
Smokey and the Bandit is basically a 90-minute car chase in none other than a fashionable Trans-Am. Even without starring in the movie, this is an iconic car with an aggressive design and impressive performance.
4. Acura NSX
There are many cars making an appearance in Pulp Fiction, but only one lives rent-free in our minds, and that's the Acura NSX. Driven by Mr. Wolf, it screeches away as he makes his memorable exit after a job well done.
5. 1968 Mini Cooper
If it weren't for its appearance in The Italian Job, we would've had no idea what a Mini Cooper was capable of. In one of the most legendary car chases in cinema, three agile Minis outrun the cops, navigating through traffic, narrowly missing the sidewalk cafes and famous landmarks of a small Italian town.
6. 1974 Dodge Monaco
The Dodge Monaco driven by the Blues Brothers in the 1980 movie plays such an integral role in the film, it's basically one of the main characters. Known as the "Bluesmobile," the car is a former police vehicle, modified to signify a sense of rebellion that resonated strongly with audiences.
7. 1969 Dodge Charger
Nicknamed the "General Lee," the 1969 Dodge Charger was, quite frankly, the coolest car after it was featured in The Dukes of Hazzard. That's why it hurts slightly to learn that 317 of them were destroyed on set in the making of the film.
8. Ford Gran Torino
Never have we felt more empathy for a car than The Dude's Gran Torino in The Big Lebowski. The brunt of everyone's frustrations, having been beaten by a baseball bat, stolen, crashed, but somehow still driving in the end, with its radio still blasting Creedence.
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9. 1966 Ford Thunderbird
Pursued by the cops and in over their heads, Thelma and Louis drive off a red rock cliff in their stolen Ford Thunderbird in the Southwestern US. It was one of the most iconic and memorable final movie scenes ever.
10. Volkswagen T2 Microbus
Little Miss Sunshine may not have been the best advertisement for the Volkswagen Microbus, with the family having to get out and push it every time they wanted to go somewhere and the horn getting stuck, but it certainly made a memorable impression. The film wouldn't have been the same without the little yellow microbus and all its character.
11. 1969 Mustang
The vintage Mustang John Wick drove was such a head turner, it attracted the attention of the bad guys, and essentially unleashed his inner hitman, prompting a killing spree that lasted four films. Although the car took a heavy beating, it made it to the second film's opening scene, heavily battered, but that's, sadly, the last we see of it.
12. Chevrolet Camaro
The black and yellow Camaro in Transformers is integral to the core concept of the film and propels the plot forward when the main character, Sam, finds out its true identity. The iconic transformation of the car into an Autobot added significantly to its popularity.
13. MK4 Toyota Supra
There are many iconic cars featured in The Fast and the Furious franchise, but perhaps none so special as the MK4 Supra, driven by Paul Walker's character Brian O'Connor in the first film. Its appearance in the movie showcased its sleek design, power, and maneuverability, making it a highly sought-after car.
14. 1959 Cadillac Miller-Meteor
The Cadillac Miller-Meteor became an instant classic after it was featured in Ghostbusters. Also known as Ecto-1, the specter-fighting crew outfitted their Miller-Meteor with everything from flashing lights to proton pack storage, making it even more iconic.
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15. 1985 Modena GT Spyder California
Would Ferris Bueller's day off be the same without his cherry red Modena GT Spyder California? Director John Hughes wanted a sexy car in the movie, but couldn't afford the real Ferrari. The result was that the Modena replica became an iconic classic car.
16. Ford Mustang GT
The Ford Mustang GT garnered iconic status when it was driven by Steve McQueen in Bullitt. The highland green GT was driven through San Francisco in the movie's most famous car chase scene.
17. 1983 GMC Vandura
We can't see a GMC Vandura without imagining the A-Team busting out of it. It was the unofficial fifth member of the crime-fighting squad. Its role as a surveillance vehicle, arsenal, and more elevated the van from being associated with blue-collar work to the coolest action hero vehicle on the road.
18. BMW 735i E38
The BMW 735i underwent some modifications for its role in The Transporter when it was famously driven by Jason Statham, including a sleeker blacked-out design and hidden compartments. In addition to its role in some of the film's coolest action sequences, Statham's character is frequently shown caring for and maintaining the car, something rarely seen in movies.
19. 1967 Shelby GT500
The Shelby GT500 became an instant classic when it was featured in the longest car chase in cinematic history. Affectionately known as Eleanor, the car was driven recklessly through Southern California for a total of 40 minutes in 1974's Gone In 60 Seconds, culminating in an impressive 128-foot long jump.
20. 1979 Ford LTD Country Squire
The quintessential station wagon, the Country Squire, was comically modified for the film National Lampoon's Vacation. As much of the movie is centered around car problems, it's hardly an advertisement for the vehicle, but it plays an integral role in the film and instills plenty of nostalgia in those who grew up with a family station wagon.
