Movie Cars That Became More Famous Than The Actors
The DeLorean DMC-12 – Back to the Future
When you think of Back to the Future, the first thing that comes to mind is the DeLorean time machine. Even though Michael J. Fox’s character, Marty McFly, was the star of the movie, it was the DeLorean that stole the show. With its sleek design and ability to travel through time, the car became an instant sensation and a pop culture icon.
The Batmobile – Batman
Over the years, the Batmobile has gone through many transformations, but it was the sleek, black car from the 1989 Batman film that really caught people’s attention. While Michael Keaton did an excellent job as Batman, it was the Batmobile that everyone wanted to take for a spin. From its jet engine to its armor plating, the car was a work of art that perfectly captured the essence of the dark knight.
The Ecto-1 – Ghostbusters
In the original Ghostbusters movie, Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, and Harold Ramis played the starring roles, but it was their car, the Ecto-1, that stole the show. The retrofitted ambulance was the perfect vehicle for the ghost-catching gang, and its siren became an instant classic. Even though the movie spawned a sequel and a reboot, it’s still the sight of the Ecto-1 racing through the streets of New York City that fans remember most.
The Ford Gran Torino – Starsky & Hutch
In the 1970s, Starsky & Hutch was one of the most popular cop shows on television. While David Soul and Paul Michael Glaser played the titular detectives, it was their car, the red and white Ford Gran Torino, that captured viewers’ attention. The car was so popular, in fact, that Ford released a special edition Gran Torino in 1976 complete with Starsky and Hutch branding.
The Shelby Cobra – The Gumball Rally
In the 1976 cult classic The Gumball Rally, a group of racing enthusiasts take on a cross-country challenge. While the cast was made up of familiar faces like Raul Julia and Gary Busey, it was the Shelby Cobra that stood out. The car’s powerful engine and sleek lines made it the perfect choice for a movie about speed and adventure.
The Mustang GT – Bullitt
When it comes to car chases in movies, few can match the excitement of the one in Bullitt. Steve McQueen’s character, Frank Bullitt, is pursuing a hitman through the streets of San Francisco in a Mustang GT. The car’s high-speed pursuit and daring jumps have inspired countless imitators, but none have matched the tension and excitement of the original.
The Interceptor – Mad Max
The post-apocalyptic world of Mad Max was a violent and dangerous place, but at least Max had a cool car. The black Interceptor was a modified Ford Falcon XB GT with a supercharger and plenty of armor. The car’s distinctive design and intimidating presence perfectly matched the tone of the movie and helped establish it as a cult classic.
The Aston Martin DB5 – Goldfinger
When it comes to iconic movie cars, few can match the Aston Martin DB5 from Goldfinger. The car, which was equipped with machine guns, an ejector seat, and other gadgets, instantly became synonymous with James Bond. While Sean Connery played the suave spy, it was the car that stole the show and cemented its place as one of the most iconic movie cars of all time.
The General Lee – The Dukes of Hazzard
While The Dukes of Hazzard was a popular TV show, it was the car that everyone was talking about. The General Lee, a 1969 Dodge Charger with a Confederate flag painted on the roof, was one of the most recognizable cars of the 1980s. Even though the show has been off the air for decades, the car remains a pop culture icon.
Conclusion
While actors may come and go, these cars will always have a place in our hearts. Whether it’s the time-traveling DeLorean or the gadget-filled DB5, each car on this list has become a symbol of its respective movie or TV show. So the next time you watch one of these classics, take a moment to appreciate the real stars of the show: the cars.
