Hobbs and Shaw hits theaters this week. Although it will undoubtedly less about the cars than the first few installments of the Fast and the Furious franchise, and more of a cartoon for adults, it is still technically a Fast and the Furious movie. With that said, I’m using this opportunity to count down the Top 10 most iconic cars in film.
10. The Tumbler – The Dark Knight Trilogy
“…Does it come in Black?”
Now, you can really make an argument for any iteration of the Batmobile to be included on this list, but the 1960’s version was featured in the TV show more prominently, and Tim Burton’s/Michael Schumacher’s Batmobile left the scene with a bad taste in everyone’s mouth (thanks Batman and Robin). For those reasons, and because Nolan’s “Batmobile” is undeniably recognizable, The Tumbler lands at 10.
9. 1970 Dodge Charger R/T – The Fast and the Furious
“I live my life a quarter mile at a time….”
Before the franchise jumped the shark (or in this case, the Tank/Parking garage), The F&F Franchise was all about the cars, and no other car stood out like Dom’s 1970 Charger, which is impressive considering all of the ridiculous paint jobs and decals throughout the first few movies that have aged so poorly. This just further proves the clean look of Dom’s Charger is truly timeless.
8. 1974 Dodge Monaco “The Blues Mobile” – The Blues Brothers
“Cars got a lot of pickup.”
This decommissioned cop car with seemingly impossible abilities (but no cigarette lighter) lands fittingly on this list. It’s the perfect vehicle to take Jake and Elwood’s Band on the road, and pull off some crazy stunts along the ride. While it may look like any old cop car on its own, when you place the Fedora/sunglass wearing duo behind the wheel, it’s an icon.
7. 1961 Ferrari 250 GT California Spyder – Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
“My Father loves this car more than life itself.”
This red convertible that was the source of freedom for Ferris and co. (And some valets) finds itself rightfully on this list. Sleek, stylish, and the perfect car for a joyride while playing hooky, there are more than enough reasons to justify why it was Cameron’a dad’s passion.
6. 1965 Shelby Mustang GT500 “Eleanor II” – Gone In 60 Seconds (2000)
“Speed is a byproduct.”
This elusive beauty dubbed “Eleanor” due to its cursed nature, rounds out the bottom half of the list. While the original Eleanor was very cool in its own right, the distinct modifications on this Shelby are what set it apart from the rest.
5. 1977 Pontiac Trans Am – Smokey and the Bandit
“You chasing someone, Sheriff? Someone chasing you?”
To this day, 40+ years later, it’s hard to see a Trans Am without relating it to Smokey and the Bandit. With enough speed to smuggle beer across state borders while evading the law, and with super star Burt Reynolds behind the wheel, you can’t go wrong.
4. 1968 Ford Mustang GT390 Fastback – Bullitt
“Time starts now.”
The coolest car, in the coolest movie, with the coolest actor of the late 60’s. Bullitt’s Mustang Fastback became the centerpiece of one of the greatest automotive films of all time, and for that reason lands high on this list.
3. 1959 Cadillac Miller-Meteor “Ecto-1” – Ghostbusters
“Everybody can relax, I’ve found the Car.”
This converted ambulance (resembling a hearse) and it’s unmistakeable siren were a staple to 1980’s pop culture, right alongside the team that rode in it. The Ecto-1, as named by the ghostbusters, is a loud, unique, and kind of crazy way to get around, but was perfectly suited for the gear it is required to carry. With flashing lights, the big logo on the door, and nostalgia inducing siren, the Ecto-1 was the perfect car to see rolling up after you knew who to call.
2. 1965 Astin Martin DB5 – Goldfinger
“Ejector seat? You must be joking.”
A sophisticated and suave super spy needs a car that reflects that, and my god does the DB5 succeed. Not only did the car look the part, but with ejector seats, machine guns, oil slick, and smoke screen, it’s a spy’s dream car. Fiction aside, the DB5 really does look amazing, and is the car any person who wants to look suave and sophisticated, like James Bond, would want to drive.
1. 1982 DeLorean DMC-12 – Back to The Future
“Are you telling me that you built a time machine… out of a DeLorean?”
The king of all movie cars, The DeLorean DMC-12. An absolute reflection of the time and the iconic film it is a part of. Signature gull wings, a stainless steel body, and outfitted with the wacky gadgets and flux capacitor, all of which reflect the character of Doc Brown, make it a truly one of a kind automotive masterpiece. The DeLorean’s legacy is not that of automotive achievement like many other cars on this list, but is directly relevant to the iconic film it was a part of.
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