Car chase scenes in movies have become one of the most iconic moments in cinema. These scenes can elevate a good movie to a great one and leave viewers on the edge of their seats. Many of these cars have become just as iconic as the films they featured in. From muscle cars to luxury sports cars, these movie cars have made a lasting impact on audiences around the world. Here are some of the most memorable car chases in movie history featuring some famous movie cars.
The Italian Job
The Italian Job features one of the most iconic car chases in movie history. The movie follows a group of criminals who pull off a gold heist in Italy. The group uses three Mini Coopers as their getaway cars. The scene involves the three Mini Coopers dodging through the streets and buildings of Turin while being chased by police. The scene ends with the cars driving through a sewer and escaping.
Trivia
Fun fact: The Mini Coopers used in the film were all modified to fit the heist scene. The film used a mixture of original and replica cars.
Bullitt
Bullitt is known for having one of the most iconic car chases in movie history. The movie stars Steve McQueen as Frank Bullitt, a San Francisco police detective. The chase features a 1968 Ford Mustang GT vs. a 1968 Dodge Charger. The scene takes place on the streets of San Francisco and includes high speeds and daring maneuvers. This scene set a new standard for the car chase in film.
Trivia
Fun fact: The Charger used in the film was surprisingly slow and couldn’t keep up with the Mustang, so the film crew modified the car to look faster by adding a fake engine noise.
The Fast and the Furious
The Fast and the Furious franchise has become a staple in the movie car chase scene. The films are packed with high-speed chases and incredible stunts. The cars in the franchise have become just as popular as the films themselves. The movies feature a variety of famous movie cars, including the Nissan Skyline and the Dodge Charger.
Trivia
Fun fact: The Dodge Charger driven by Dominic Toretto (Vin Diesel) in the franchise is a custom-built car with a 528-cubic-inch Keith Black Hemi engine.
Mad Max: Fury Road
Mad Max: Fury Road takes car chases to a whole new level. The movie is filled with high-speed chase scenes that take place in a post-apocalyptic world. The famous movie cars in the film include the War Rig, a tanker truck used in one of the most incredible chase scenes in movie history. The chase involves the War Rig being pursued by dozens of vehicles, including modified hot rods and dirt bikes.
Trivia
Fun fact: The War Rig featured in the movie is built from a combination of a Tatra Truck, a Cadillac Fleetwood, and a Chevy Fleetmaster.
Gone in 60 Seconds
Gone in 60 Seconds is known for its incredible chase scene where a 1971 Ford Mustang Mach 1, nicknamed “Eleanor,” is chased by police. The scene involves high speeds, jumps, and near-misses. The famous movie car, Eleanor, has become just as popular as the movie itself.
Trivia
Fun fact: Eleven different versions of the Eleanor Mustang were used in the film, including replica cars and stunt cars.
The Blues Brothers
The Blues Brothers is a classic movie that features one of the most iconic car chases in movie history. The chase involves a police chase through the streets of Chicago. The famous movie car, a 1974 Dodge Monaco police car, is driven by Jake and Elwood Blues as they try to escape the police. The scene is filled with incredible stunts, including a jump that causes the car to become airborne.
Trivia
Fun fact: The police officers chasing the Blues Brothers were not actors but were actually Chicago police officers.
Conclusion
Car chase scenes in movies have become a staple in cinema. From classics like Bullitt to modern-day action flicks like The Fast and the Furious franchise, car chases have become a popular and entertaining element of film. There’s something incredibly satisfying about watching a perfect chase scene, and these famous movie cars have made a lasting impact on audiences. As we continue to see incredible car chases in film, it’s clear that these iconic scenes and vehicles will continue to stay with us for years to come.
So, the next time you’re watching a movie, be sure to keep an eye out for the famous movie cars that might just steal the show.
