Movie and TV Cars

MOVIE AND TELEVISION CARS
Automotive Brief's Top 20 Automobiles from Movies and Television
by Walter E. Johnson 
March 2021

Every year, I evaluate the need to update this list and in the past, revisions weren't necessary. Of course, this is my opinion and I recognize my bias towards Cadillac and Ferrari. This year, I decided to make a few additions. After rewatching the Fast and Furious movies and Bullitt, I believe these are worthy additions. The recent auction of the Bullitt Mustang and the story behind it led me to change my mind about this vehicle and its place. I still prefer the Shelbly GT500 but the Bullitt Mustang's placement is long overdue.

Stay tuned for the update later this month!  

Automotive Brief's Top 20 Automobiles from Movies and Television
by Walter E. Johnson 
February 2007

Last month, the editors at cars.com posted their Top 10 vehicles in movies and television shows. Possibly, they update their list each year as the new television seasons begin. 

In order from 1 to 10, here are their picks for 2010: 1. KITT (Knight Rider), 2. General Lee (Dukes of Hazzard), 3. Mystery Machine (Scooby Doo - Cartoon), 4. Ferrari 308 (Magnum P.I.), 5. Batmobile (Batman), 5. Gran Torino (Starsky and Hutch), 7. El Camino (My Name is Earl), 8. A-Team Van (A-Team), 9. Mach 5 (Speed racer), and 10. Maseratti Quattroporte (Entourage).

Although the editors are on target with majority of the vehicles, the rankings are slightly off and the other vehicles (such as the Mystery Machine, El Camino, and Quattroporte) will not make our list. In my opinion, any list that doesn't include Speed Racer's Mach 5 deserves an editorial debate. Of course, some readers will disagree with this list and/or it's rankings. Depending on the day, I disagree with my own rankings. For example, I love the Batmobile and the Bandit's Trans Am but it is hard for me to decide which ranks higher. One thing is for sure, this list spans over four (4) decades and includes vehicles that any automotive enthusiast can appreciate.

Below is the Automotive Brief's Top 20 Automobiles from Movies and Television:
1) Speed Race. Mach 5
Speed Racer's Mach 5 is a timeless automotive design. Whether defeating Snake Oiler or taking Trixie to a picnic, the Mach 5 is a functional race car. It has a timeless design and a remarkable convenience package. By pressing one of the 7 buttons on the steering, the drive can activate any of the vehicles options. The Mach 5 will continue to be a favorite for generations to come.
2) Batman. 1966 Batmobile
Unlike Speed Racer's Mach 5, the Batmobile doesn't have a timeless design. Despite that fact, I still love this vehicle and would love to have it in my garage. Batman is the ultimate tool guy; he has every gadget imaginable. Having 10 times the gadgets available in the Mach 5, the Batmobile is an automotive enthusiast's dream. From the T-Top to the rocket exhaust to the siren, it is tough to beat the craftsmanship of this vehicle. 
3) Smokey and the Bandit. 1977 Pontiac Trans Am
Any vehicle that can boost manufacturer sales 400% definitely deserves a place on this list. From the T-Top to the honeycomb wheels, this Trans Am is an all-american favorite for outrunning the law and meeting pretty women.
4) Gone in 60 Seconds. 1967 Sheby GT 500 
As a child, I did not care for the exterior design of this car. I recognized its power and what it meant to the industry but that was about it. It was not until I saw this movie that I fell in love with this car, nicknamed Eleanor in the movie. From Eleanor's purring engine to the modified design. The original movie is worth watching but the remake definitely earns this car a place on my list. 
5) Knight Rider. 1982 Pontiac Trans Am
A talking car with a rocket ship dashboard, do I need to say more? T-Top, bullet proof, ejection seat, turbo boost, autopilot, and the list continues. In my opinion, the Knight Industries Two Thousand (KITT) would be a contender for the #1 slot if it had a timeless design. It's possible that the Mach 5 doesn't make it on other lists because Speed Racer Industries prohibits reproduction for personal use. My neighbor has one of these reproduction vehicles with a personalized license plate, "KARR". You have to be a true fan to understand that license plate. 
6) Miami Vice. 1972 GTS/4 Ferrari Daytona Spyder and 1986 Ferrari Testarossa
This show introduced Ferrari to a new generation. I was in elementary school when this Miami Vice debuted. Just when I thought Ferrari could not introduce a better design than the Daytona, they introduce the Testarossa. Of course, car enthusiasts know that the show's Daytona was replica on a Corvette chassis. Enzo Ferrari was disgusted with this depiction of Ferrari so he gave Don Johnson the Testarossa. Now that I am older, my favorite Ferrari remains the Daytona convertible. 
7) The A-Team. 1983 GMC Vandura Van
I love this van and I plan to have it in my driveway! Before SUVs, there was the conversion van. Before the final years of this dying breed, there was one van that served of as the think tank of the A-Team. This van reminded viewers how "cool" and versatile vans can be. "I love it when a plan comes together." 
8) The Dukes of Hazzard. 1969 Dodge Charger
Despite the political implications associated with the flag on this car, this is an awesome car. From the burnouts to unbelievable jumps to high speed chases, The General Lee definitely has earned a spot on any list of movie and television cars. 
9) Starsky and Hutch. 1976 Ford Gran Torino
Before Clint Eastwood's movie, "Gran Torino", there was another famous Gran Torino. It was driven by law enforcement officers, Starsky and Hutch. As a kid, I was amazed by the glovebox siren. It's a muscle car one minute and cool police car the next. Talk about versatility. 
10) The Spy Who Loved Me. 1976 Lotus Esprit S1
James Bond. Cool cars. Awesome toys. This says it all but for those that need me to go one step farther, the sports car that doubles as a submarine is simply brilliant. Can you imagine going to the beach with this vehicle? 
11) Back to the Future. 1982 DeLorean DB12
Made famous by the Back to the Future trilogy, the legacy of John DeLorean will live forever. Before this movie, John DeLorean was most popular for being the former talented designer of Pontiac, a division of General Motors, that pursued his dream of developing his own car company that was unsuccessful. 
12) Goldfinger. 1964 Aston Martin DB5
When you think of James Bond, there are a few things that come to mind. The first may be Agent 007 or a tuxedo but the next will be the Aston Martin DB5. Loaded with more gadgets than Speed Racer's Mach 5, it is a timeless classic that will always associated with James Bond. 
13) Transformers. 2008 Chevrolet Camaro
As a child, I was a huge Transformers fan as well as an automotive enthusiast. One thing that I couldn't figure out was Spike. He has access to the ultimate garage and he decides to ride in a Volkswagen Beetle. Jazz transformed into a Porsche. Sideswipe transformed into a Ferrari and Sunstreaker into a Lamborghini. I can continue on with Mirage and many others. I get it; they were both young so they had a lot in common. With the introduction of a new generation Camaro and Transformers to a new generation, Bumblebee returns as an iconic muscle car. This time, they got it right.
14) Speed Racer. Shooting Star
Racer X's Shooting Star was not a huge standout in the Speed Racer television show or movie but it is a recognizable timeless automotive design. With its missile sharp nose to compliment its design, the Shooting Star is a memorable vehicle.
15) Ferris Bueller's Day Off. 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California
Introducing the American teenage boy's dream. Popularity, pretty girlfriend, best friend, no school, nice weather, and a sleek, high-end convertible. Who could ask for more? One notable scene from this classic 80s movie is when the parking lot attendants take this car for a joy ride. As the car soars mid-air over a hill, the Star Wars theme plays while the attendants' faces display "pure" jubilee.
16) Mr. Destiny. 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL
Granted with the opportunity to change his life, the lead character has the opportunity to experience life if a childhood event had been slightly different. Living this new life, the lead character learns that he has a "Gullwing" but prefers to build a model version instead of driving the actual car. 
17) Krush Groove. 1985 Cadillac Eldorado
The Cadillac Eldorado is an American classic. Briefly shown in the movie, Joseph Simmons exits the Eldorado as he visits his brother's apartment complex. His exit is almost as cool as the Duke Brothers exiting the General Lee.
18) Bourne Supremacy. 2000 Mercedes-Benz G Class
The G Class, previously known as the Gelandewagen, is not known for speed or design. It is known for its ruggedness. In the Bourne Supremacy, the speed chase displays it ruggedness and speed capability. While there is no comparison between this vehicle and the initial 10 on this list, this movie generated awareness of a vehicle that was previously overlooked by so many.
19) Click. 2003 Cadillac Sixteen
Similar to Mr. Destiny, the lead character was granted with the opportunity to change his life if an event had been slightly different. Living this new life, the lead character drives a Cadillac Sixteen. Many Cadillac enthusiasts are patiently awaiting the launch of this potential flagship. Although it has been a few years, enthusiasts remain optimistic. 
20) Michael Clayton. 2006 Mercedes-Benz S550
Released in theaters slightly after Mercedes-Benz introduced the redesigned S Class model to the market, this design became an instant classic. The lead character, Michael Clayton, was an attorney that drove a S550 in the movie. Although the car was not involved in a high speed chase, it fell victim to a car bomb. Fortunately, its syphisticated wiring kept the car from exploding until the Clayton vacated. 
21) Coming Soon
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