Some movie characters don’t talk.
They roar.
From chrome-heavy classics to futuristic speed machines, famous cars from movies and TV have done far more than shuttle actors from one scene to the next. They’ve chased villains, saved worlds, traveled through time, and in many cases, stolen the spotlight from the humans behind the wheel.
These iconic movie cars stick with us because they have personality. Style. A story. Sometimes even an attitude problem. They become symbols of freedom, rebellion, power or pure fun, and decades later, fans still recognize them instantly.
Many of these best movie cars have gone on to live second lives as museum pieces, collector treasures and show-stopping replicas that travel across the country for exhibitions and car shows. Behind the scenes, professional vehicle transport companies like Global Auto Transportation quietly help keep these legends rolling safely.
Let’s take a ride through time and revisit the most iconic movie cars and famous TV cars, ranked chronologically by era.
The Earliest Legendary On-Screen Rides (1930s–1960s)
1928 Porter
Car Name: The Gang’s Homemade Race Car
Make & Model: 1928 Porter (heavily modified for film)
Movie: Our Gang / The Little Rascals Shorts (1930s)
How it was used: The kids built their own racing car from scraps to compete in soapbox-style races.
Extra Info: Early film audiences loved the creativity. The car had real functional wheels and brake pedals, allowing kids to “race” safely on studio sets.
Fun Fact: Its cobbled-together look helped create one of early cinema’s most lovable “underdog vehicles,” showing personality mattered more than performance even back then.
1938 Phantom Corsair
Car Name: Phantom Corsair
Make & Model: Custom-built prototype by Rust Heinz
Movie: The Young in Heart (1938)
How it was used: Appeared as a futuristic luxury car that stunned audiences with its smooth, aircraft-inspired body.
Extra Info: Only one was ever built, combining Art Deco aesthetics with experimental engineering. Its unique design included hidden headlights and a streamlined silhouette that wowed viewers.
Fun Fact: The Phantom Corsair still appears at concours events today and is considered one of the most ahead-of-its-time designs ever seen on screen.
1955 Sunbeam Alpine Mk I
Car Name: Sunbeam Alpine
Make & Model: Sunbeam Alpine Mk I
Movie: To Catch a Thief (1955)
How it was used: Grace Kelly’s getaway vehicle for romantic sequences along the French Riviera.
Extra Info: The Alpine’s top speed and handling weren’t crucial; it was the image of luxury and speed that mattered. Its cream-colored body contrasted beautifully with the blue Mediterranean backdrop.
Fun Fact: Helped cement the association between British sports cars and Hollywood glamour.
Rolls-Royce Phantom II (Fictionalized)
Car Name: The Yellow Rolls-Royce
Make & Model: Rolls-Royce Phantom II (fictionalized)
Movie: The Yellow Rolls-Royce (1964)
How it was used: Served as a narrative thread connecting three separate European stories.
Extra Info: The car had multiple drivers for the different stories, each dressed for the cultural settings of the storylines: Italy, England and France.
Fun Fact: Rare example of a car acting as a storytelling device rather than a supporting prop.
Aston Martin DB5
Car Name: Aston Martin DB5
Make & Model: Aston Martin DB5
Movie: Goldfinger (1964)
How it was used: James Bond’s spy car, featuring gadgets like a smoke screen, ejector seat and machine guns.
Extra Info: Two DB5s were used for stunts and camera angles. Some gadgets were mechanical; others were post-production effects.
Fun Fact: One DB5 sold for over $4.6 million at auction, making it arguably the most famous movie car of all time.
Batmobile
Car Name: Batmobile
Make & Model: 1955 Lincoln Futura Concept (modified)
TV Show: Batman (1966)
How it was used: Main crime-fighting vehicle with a futuristic design and gadgetry like bat-rays and a Batphone.
Extra Info: Built on a concept car platform and redesigned in just two weeks. Its fins and bubble canopy made it visually unforgettable.
Fun Fact: Instantly recognizable and one of the most famous TV cars of all time.
Mach Five
Car Name: Mach Five (fictional race car)
TV Show/Movie: Speed Racer (1967 anime & 2008 live-action)
How it was used: High-tech racing car with gadgets like jump springs, rotary saws and submersible capability.
Extra Info: Its animated version influenced toy designs and real-world replica builds.
Fun Fact: Inspired die-cast models and remains a symbol of fantastical automotive design.
1968 Ford Mustang GT 390
Car Name: Ford Mustang GT 390
Make & Model: Ford Mustang GT 390
Movie: Bullitt (1968)
How it was used: Star of the legendary San Francisco chase sequence.
Extra Info: Chased a Dodge Charger through hills, streets and alleys. Multiple cars were used for stunts.
Fun Fact: Set the gold standard for realistic car chase cinematography.
Herbie
Car Name: Herbie
Make & Model: Volkswagen Beetle
Movie: The Love Bug (1968)
How it was used: Lovable sentient race car winning races on its own.
Extra Info: Several Beetles were modified with motors for stunts, brakes for safety and mechanisms to simulate personality.
Fun Fact: Helped popularize the VW Beetle and spawned sequels and TV spin-offs.
Aston Martin DB5 & Variants
Car Name/Model: Aston Martin DB5 (and later variants)
Movie: James Bond series (1960s–present)
How it was used: Appeared in multiple Bond films, upgraded with new gadgets each time.
Extra Info: Original DB5 used in Goldfinger; stunt DB5s used for driving scenes.
Fun Fact: Closest thing cinema has to a single official car across decades for one character.
From Muscle to Mayhem: Iconic Cars of the 1970s and 1980s
1970 Dodge Challenger R/T
Car Name/Model: 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T
Movie: Vanishing Point (1971)
How it was used: Central to the plot, driving across the American Southwest in high-speed chases.
Extra Info: Known for minimal dialogue and maximal car focus. Car practically became the protagonist.
Fun Fact: Inspired a cult following among muscle car enthusiasts.
1941 Lincoln Continental
Car Name: Vito Corleone’s Lincoln
Make & Model: 1941 Lincoln Continental
Movie: The Godfather (1972)
How it was used: Displayed wealth and status in critical family scenes.
Extra Info: Custom interiors enhanced period authenticity.
Fun Fact: Became a symbol of American pre-war luxury.
Lotus Esprit S1
Car Name: Lotus Esprit S1
Make & Model: Lotus Esprit Series I
Movie: The Spy Who Loved Me (1977)
How it was used: Transformed into a submarine during James Bond’s chase.
Extra Info: Submarine transformation required a combination of miniature models and real stunts.
Fun Fact: Cemented its place as one of the most versatile movie cars ever.
1977 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am
Car Name: Bandit’s Trans Am
Make & Model: Pontiac Firebird Trans Am
Movie: Smokey and the Bandit (1977)
How it was used: High-speed getaway vehicle in comedic action sequences.
Extra Info: Featured horn and stunt driving modifications.
Fun Fact: Movie boosted Trans Am sales and pop culture status.
Dodge Charger “General Lee”
Car Name: General Lee
Make & Model: Dodge Charger R/T 1969
TV Show: The Dukes of Hazzard (1979–1985)
How it was used: Performed jumps, chases and comedic stunts.
Extra Info: Over 300 Chargers used; equipped for jumps with safety mods.
Fun Fact: Its horn played the theme song, making it instantly recognizable.
1973 Ford Falcon XB GT
Car Name: The Pursuit Special
Make & Model: Ford Falcon XB GT
Movie: Mad Max (1979)
How it was used: Max’s post-apocalyptic pursuit car.
Extra Info: Hood supercharger purely aesthetic.
Fun Fact: Became the blueprint for post-apocalyptic car design in cinema.
Bluesmobile
Car Name: Bluesmobile
Make & Model: Dodge Monaco 1974 Police Package
Movie: The Blues Brothers (1980)
How it was used: Former police car performing outrageous stunts in Chicago.
Extra Info: Drivers executed jumps and flips, choreographed with precise timing.
Fun Fact: The car is one of the most beloved classic American film cars.
1982 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am
Car Name: KITT
Make & Model: 1982 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am
TV Show: Knight Rider (1982–1986)
How it was used: AI-powered crime-fighting car with voice and gadgets.
Extra Info: Multiple cars used for stunts, special effects and dialogue recording.
Fun Fact: Red scanner light added in post-production, became an iconic symbol.
1984 GMC Vandura
Car Name: The A-Team Van
Make & Model: GMC Vandura
TV Show: The A-Team (1983–1987)
How it was used: Transported team, weapons, and gear.
Extra Info: Built to be durable and stunt-ready.
Fun Fact: Paint scheme inspired countless fan replicas.
Ecto-1
Car Name: Ecto-1
Make & Model: 1959 Miller-Meteor Futura Ambulance
Movie: Ghostbusters (1984)
How it was used: Paranormal response vehicle.
Extra Info: Equipped with sirens, radar and ghost-detecting devices for filming purposes.
Fun Fact: One of the most recognizable movie cars, still recreated in fan builds today.
DeLorean DMC-12 Time Machine
Car Name: DeLorean DMC-12
Movie: Back to the Future (1985)
How it was used: Time travel car, powered by flux capacitor.
Extra Info: Stainless steel body, gull-wing doors, modifications for “time travel effects.”
Fun Fact: Only 9,000 were made, fewer than 500 remain on roads today.
Shipping Story: In May 2016, we delivered this exact vehicle from the Petersen Museum in Los Angeles to LA Convention Center for a show and then back to the museum. Universal Studios permanently loans the film’s iconic DMC-12 to L.A.’s Petersen Automotive Museum, where you can see it today.
1961 Ferrari 250 GT California Spyder (Replica)
Car Name/Model: Ferrari 250 GT California Spyder
Movie: Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986)
How it was used: Cameron’s father’s “priceless” Ferrari for a joyride.
Extra Info: Real car too valuable; replicas used for stunt and driving scenes.
Fun Fact: Replicas later sold for hundreds of thousands of dollars.
BMW Isetta
Car Name/Model: BMW Isetta
TV Show: Family Matters (1989–1998)
How it was used: Steve Urkel’s quirky personal vehicle.
Extra Info: Tiny size made for comedic visual gags.
Fun Fact: Became a sitcom icon and got the nickname “Urkel Car.”
1990s-Early 2000s: Fast Wheels, Big Screens
1986 Ford Taurus LX Police Package
Car Name: RoboCop Police Car
Make & Model: Ford Taurus LX (modified)
Movie: RoboCop 2 (1990)
How it was used: Patrolling dystopian Detroit with futuristic police tech and high-speed chases.
Extra Info: The Taurus’ aerodynamic shape made it ideal for the “futuristic cop car” look, combined with movie props like light bars and gadget panels.
Fun Fact: This was one of the earliest “futuristic everyday cars” in cinema without heavy CGI.
1992 Ford Explorer XLT
Car Name: Jurassic Park Tour Vehicle
Make & Model: Ford Explorer XLT (1993)
Movie: Jurassic Park (1993)
How it was used: Automated park tour vehicles navigating dinosaur enclosures, before chaos ensued.
Extra Info: Modified with custom glass roofs, interior screens and animatronic safety features.
Fun Fact: Several replicas now exist in private collections and car shows.
1976 AMC Pacer (Mutt Cutts Van)
Car Name: The Shaggin’ Wagon / Mutt Cutts Van
Make & Model: AMC Pacer (heavily modified)
Movie: Dumb and Dumber (1994)
How it was used: Dog-grooming van doubling as the film’s comic cross-country vehicle.
Extra Info: Original van lost for years, rediscovered and fully restored.
Fun Fact: One of the most beloved joke vehicles in film history, appearing at conventions today.
1993 Jeep Wrangler YJ
Car Name: Cher’s Jeep
Make & Model: Jeep Wrangler Sahara
Movie: Clueless (1995)
How it was used: Stylish teen ride through Beverly Hills, reflecting mid-90s fashion and lifestyle.
Extra Info: Modifications were minimal; mostly aesthetic touches for filming.
Fun Fact: Became a fashion symbol for teens and Jeep enthusiasts alike.
1967 Shelby GT500 “Eleanor”
Car Name: Eleanor
Make & Model: Shelby GT500 (custom)
Movie: Gone in 60 Seconds (2000)
How it was used: Central prize in the heist; chased through city streets in high-octane action.
Extra Info: Custom bodywork and paint made Eleanor instantly recognizable.
Fun Fact: Replicas are still built and sold; “Eleanor” remains a dream car for collectors.
1995 Mitsubishi Eclipse
Car Name: Brian’s Green Eclipse
Make & Model: Mitsubishi Eclipse GS
Movie: The Fast and the Furious (2001)
How it was used: Brian O’Conner’s first tuner car in underground street racing scenes.
Extra Info: High-performance modifications for film sequences, including nitrous oxide and aesthetic decals.
Fun Fact: Introduced mainstream audiences to import tuner culture.
1994 Toyota Supra MK IV
Car Name: Orange Supra
Make & Model: Toyota Supra MK IV
Movie: The Fast and the Furious (2001)
How it was used: Built by Brian and Dom for the final race showdown.
Extra Info: Equipped with turbo systems and detailed interiors for filming.
Fun Fact: Skyrocketed in value post-movie; collector status worldwide.
Mini Coopers
Make & Model: Rover Mini Cooper
Movie: The Italian Job (2003)
How it was used: Precision stunt driving during the gold heist sequence.
Extra Info: Lightweight design enabled tight maneuvers through alleyways and staircases.
Fun Fact: Trio of Minis became stars in their own right.
2000s-2010s: Modern Legends Hit the Road
2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS
Car Name: Bumblebee
Make & Model: Chevrolet Camaro SS
Movie: Transformers (2007)
How it was used: Autobot hero disguised as a Camaro, involved in action and transformation sequences.
Extra Info: Multiple Camaros were modified with hydraulics for transforming stunts.
Fun Fact: Relaunched Camaro brand for a new generation.
2008 Audi R8
Car Name: Tony Stark’s R8
Make & Model: Audi R8
Movie: Iron Man (2008)
How it was used: Displayed Stark’s wealth, tech obsession and lifestyle.
Extra Info: Audi provided engineering support for film-ready driving shots.
Fun Fact: Boosted global awareness of the R8; a marketing win for Audi.
Tumbler Batmobile
Make & Model: Custom-built (not street model)
Movie: The Dark Knight (2008)
How it was used: Fully functional stunt vehicle with tank-like handling for Batman sequences.
Extra Info: Achieved real-world speeds and maneuvers, replacing many CGI shots.
Fun Fact: A true “practical effects hero” in modern cinema.
The Newest Era of Movie Cars (2010s-Present)
1970 Dodge Charger R/T
Make & Model: Dodge Charger R/T
Movie: Fast & Furious franchise (2001–present)
How it was used: Dom Toretto’s signature muscle car for multiple high-octane stunts.
Extra Info: Over the franchise, various Chargers were built for stunts, drifts and explosions.
Fun Fact: Became synonymous with Dom’s character and muscle car culture.
Lightcycle
Make & Model: Custom futuristic design
Movie: Tron: Legacy (2010)
How it was used: High-speed energy vehicles racing in the Grid.
Extra Info: Fully CGI and practical bike hybrids used for filming.
Fun Fact: Inspired real-world motorcycle design concepts.
2012 Lamborghini Aventador
Car Name: Bruce Wayne’s Lamborghini
Make & Model: Lamborghini Aventador
Movie: The Dark Knight Rises (2012)
How it was used: Civilian luxury car for Bruce Wayne, included in chase scenes.
Extra Info: Stunt coordination involved multiple Aventadors for shots.
Fun Fact: Lamborghini sales spiked following the film’s release.
2014 Lykan HyperSport
Car Name: Lykan HyperSport
Make & Model: Lykan HyperSport
Movie: Furious 7 (2015)
How it was used: Jumped between skyscrapers in Abu Dhabi.
Extra Info: One of seven HyperSports built; CGI supplemented stunts.
Fun Fact: Cost over $3 million per car, making it one of the most expensive movie stunts ever.
2018 Jeep Gladiator
Car Name: Dino Response Vehicle
Make & Model: Jeep Gladiator Concept / Wrangler-based builds
Movie: Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom (2018)
How it was used: Off-road transport for dinosaur containment and action sequences.
Extra Info: Custom-built with suspension mods for rugged terrain.
Fun Fact: Jeep has collaborated with the Jurassic franchise since 1993.
1969 Ford Mustang Boss 429
Car Name: Shelby Performance Mustang
Make & Model: Ford Mustang Boss 429
Movie: Ford v Ferrari (2019)
How it was used: Showcased Ford’s muscle car engineering in racing scenes.
Extra Info: Period-correct builds and practical footage used; minimal CGI.
Fun Fact: Highlighted the golden age of Ford racing tech.
2017 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat
Car Name: Dom’s Modern Charger
Make & Model: Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat
Movie: F9: The Fast Saga (2021)
How it was used: Modern evolution of Dom’s signature car in extreme stunts.
Extra Info: Several Chargers used for stunts, drifts and action setups.
Fun Fact: Dodge collaborated with the franchise to maintain the Charger’s relevance.
2019 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500
Car Name: John Wick’s Mustang
Make & Model: Ford Mustang Shelby GT500
Movie: John Wick: Chapter 4 (2023)
How it was used: High-speed chase and precision drift sequences.
Extra Info: Keanu Reeves performed many driving stunts himself.
Fun Fact: Mustang’s performance helped make action sequences highly realistic.
2011 Nissan GT-R R35
Car Name: GT Academy GT-R
Make & Model: Nissan GT-R R35
Movie: Gran Turismo (2023)
How it was used: Featured in racing sequences inspired by a real gamer-turned-pro driver.
Extra Info: Custom liveries, tuned suspension and racing modifications applied for cinematic effect.
Fun Fact: Nissan leveraged the movie for real-world racing and GT Academy promotion.
Conclusion
From vintage classics to futuristic sci-fi rides, cars in movies and TV have shaped pop culture, inspired automotive trends and created lasting memories. Each vehicle has its own story, charm and fan base, and many have become priceless collector items. If you own a car like these or dream of showcasing one, services like Global Auto Transportation can safely move it.
