Hollywood has a unique power to make cars famous worldwide. For example, remember the movie Footloose and Kenny Loggins’ famous song? Just like that, cars can become legendary thanks to films. James Bond made Aston Martin famous, Michael J. Fox’s time-traveling antics in the Delorean DMC-12 made it a classic, and even though the black Lamborghini Countach in Cannonball Run wasn’t the focus, we still remember it.
Some cars were cool before Hollywood showcased them, but others gained fame only through the big screen. Here’s a list of cars that became iconic because of Hollywood’s magic.
1. Toyota Supra (A80)
Movie: The Fast and the Furious
The Supra, first released in the 1990s, was mostly known in the tuner and racing scenes until it starred in The Fast and the Furious in 2001. Paul Walker’s orange Supra quickly became an icon. Though the car itself wasn’t exceptional, its Hollywood fame skyrocketed its value, with one of the cars even selling for $550,000 at auction.
2. Delorean DMC-12
Movie: Back to the Future
With its shiny, unpainted metal body and iconic gullwing doors, the Delorean had a futuristic design. But it was the Back to the Future films that made this car famous. Thanks to time-traveling antics and the movie’s unique charm, the Delorean became an enduring symbol of 80s pop culture.
3. Lotus Esprit S1
Movie: The Spy Who Loved Me
James Bond’s white Lotus Esprit made a splash when it transformed into a submarine in the 1978 film. This quirky British car went from an average sports car to a global sensation, thanks to its role in the Bond franchise.
4. Aston Martin DB5
Movie: Goldfinger
The Aston Martin DB5 became famous when James Bond used it in Goldfinger (1964). With its bulletproof glass, machine guns, and ejector seat, it became the ultimate spy car. Without Bond, the DB5 might have remained a rare and expensive British sports car.
5. Ford Mustang
Movie: Bullitt
Steve McQueen’s 1968 Ford Mustang GT 390 in Bullitt (1968) made this muscle car a symbol of power and style. Even though the Mustang was already popular, the high-speed chase in Bullitt cemented its place in automotive history.
6. Pontiac Firebird Trans-Am
Movie: Cannonball Run
In 1978, the Pontiac Firebird Trans-Am became a star after Burt Reynolds drove it in Cannonball Run. The Trans-Am was already well-loved, but its bold appearance and powerful V8 engine made it an instant legend after the film’s success.
7. VW Beetle
Movie: The Love Bug
The 1968 Disney film The Love Bug turned the Volkswagen Beetle into a beloved character. The story of Herbie, the car with a mind of its own, gave the classic Beetle a personality, making it a hit worldwide.
8. Chevrolet Camaro
Movie: Transformers
When Chevrolet revived the Camaro in the mid-2000s, it was featured in Transformers as Bumblebee’s vehicle mode. The car quickly became a fan favorite, thanks to the film’s action-packed sequences and the Camaro’s aggressive design.
9. Ferrari GT Spyder
Movie: Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
The 1961 Ferrari 250 GT California became famous after Ferris Bueller crashed it in the 1986 movie. Even though the Ferrari in the film was a replica, the car’s iconic status soared, and it remains a collector’s item today.
10. Mini Cooper
Movie: The Italian Job
The 1969 film The Italian Job showcased the Mini Cooper in thrilling car chases through Italy. Though the Mini was already popular, the movie’s wild chase scenes made it a cult classic, instantly elevating its status.
FAQs:
How did Hollywood help make these cars famous?
Hollywood gave these cars starring roles in movies, making them instantly recognizable. Some cars were already popular, but their appearances in iconic films made them unforgettable to a wider audience.
What makes the Toyota Supra so legendary?
The Toyota Supra became legendary after its appearance in The Fast and the Furious. Paul Walker’s character drove the orange Supra, making it a symbol of car culture and street racing.
Why is the Delorean so iconic?
The Delorean is iconic because of its role in Back to the Future. The car’s unique design and time-traveling capabilities, powered by the “flux capacitor,” captured the imagination of fans worldwide.
How did the Ford Mustang become a symbol of power?
The Mustang became a symbol of power after starring in Bullitt, where Steve McQueen drove it in one of the most famous car chase scenes in movie history. This solidified its reputation as the ultimate muscle car.