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13 Hollywood Cars That Became More Famous Than The Stars

Klarecon

2025-08-17 21:34:53

DeLorean DMC-12 — Crédit: Alexander Migl/commons.wikimedia.org

Those distinctive gull-wing doors that made the DeLorean famous also presented unexpected filming challenges, proving surprisingly awkward for actors to open with ease. With only 9,000 units produced before the company's bankruptcy, this rare car became even more legendary through the “Back to the Future” franchise.

1967 Ford Mustang Fastback

It is said that the production teams used two identical Mustangs to handle the demanding stunts, with one being found in a Mexican junkyard decades later. Steve McQueen's insistence on doing his own driving made the ten-minute San Francisco chase scene in “Bullitt” authentically thrilling.

1977 Pontiac Trans Am

“Smokey and the Bandit” didn't just entertain audiences; it triggered a sales boom that added 25,000 Trans Am purchases the following year. Burt Reynolds worked with four different automobiles. The movie's "Bandit" CB radio handle became so popular that it entered the permanent vocabulary of truckers.

Aston Martin DB5

James Bond's gadget-loaded DB5 in “Goldfinger and Thunderball” redefined what movie cars could be. It featured ejector seats and bulletproof windows that thrilled audiences worldwide. Only two vehicles received the complete spy treatment, making the disappearance of one all the more intriguing.

1973 Ford Falcon XB

“Mad Max” turned an ordinary Australian Ford Falcon XB GT into the cinema's most intimidating post-apocalyptic vehicle. Apparently, that menacing supercharger was completely fake and was added purely for visual impact. The machine's cult status eventually drove collector prices beyond $2 million for this dystopian icon.

1970 Dodge Charger R/T

As we all know, Toretto's signature Charger dominates “Fast and Furious” mythology with its claimed nine-second quarter-mile performance. However, surprisingly, fewer than five actual cars were destroyed across the entire franchise. One original hero car from 2001 eventually sold for $95,000 at an auction.

Mini Cooper S

“The Italian Job's” brilliant use of red, white, and blue Mini Coopers created an instantly recognizable symbol of British ingenuity. Did you know that sixteen cars were required to achieve those spectacular Turin chase sequences? Michael Caine wisely left the dangerous driving to stunt professionals.

1958 Plymouth Fury

Let’s talk about the 1958 Plymouth Fury, which gained horror icon status as the star of Stephen King's “Christine.” For the film adaptation, over 24 Plymouth Furys were destroyed during filming to capture the automobile’s menacing presence, showcased in the model’s original red and white factory colors.

Volkswagen Beetle Herbie

Herbie, the Volkswagen Beetle from “The Love Bug” and its sequels, is a 1963 VW Beetle distinguished by its pearl-white paint and red, white, and blue racing stripes. Producer Bill Walsh chose the number 53 as a tribute to his favorite Los Angeles Dodgers baseball player, Don Drysdale.

1961 Ferrari 250 GT

In “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,” the "borrowed" Ferrari was actually an affordable replica, protecting genuine vintage vehicles from destruction. Around three replicas were built specifically for different scenes, including the spectacular garage crash. The "Save Ferris" license plate also became an enduring cultural reference.

Ford Gran Torino

“Starsky and Hutch's” remarkable red and white patrol car became television's most recognizable ride. That bold white racing stripe was explicitly added to improve visibility on small screens. Ford supplied two Torinos for the first season, though over ten cars eventually served throughout the series' run.

Lotus Esprit S1

That submarine car from “The Spy Who Loved Me” required six different Lotus Esprits to achieve both land and underwater sequences, with the aquatic version functioning as a genuine wet sub operated by professional divers. Elon Musk later purchased the famous submarine masterpiece for $997,000.

1967 Shelby GT500

"Eleanor" has to be the most desired car name in cinema. A total of eleven GT500s were used during filming. Interestingly, the nickname actually originated from the original 1974 film version, giving rise to decades of automotive mythology. Nicolas Cage had even dedicated himself to practicing driving stunts.

General Lee Dodge Charger

Every episode of “The Dukes of Hazzard” featured the beloved "Dixie" horn melody, though the Confederate flag roof design later sparked significant controversy. It came with a 440-cubic-inch Magnum V8 engine pumping out around 375 horsepower, with the number "01" painted on the doors.