Most cars in movies go unnoticed, but there are a rare few that are unforgettable. For their innovation and impact on audiences, these are four of the most famous movie cars.
1964 Aston Martin DB5
The Aston Martin DB5 gained its fame from being James Bond’s ride of choice in Goldfinger. Bond is well known for his use of cool gizmos and souped-up wheels, and the DB5 was the first to sport some cool modifications. Featuring machine guns, a smoke screen, an ejector seat, and an oil slick sprayer, the DB5 in the Bond movie was equipped to handle everything the bad guys threw at it. While the real DB5 lacks the gadgetry of the movies, it’s just as sleek and beautiful. Despite its age, the Aston Martin DB5 remains one of the most iconic cars in pop culture—so much so that in 2022, Aston Martin gave the car a brief revival with the release of 25 limited edition DB5s.
1977 Pontiac Trans Am
Prior to appearing on the big screen in Smokey and the Bandit, the 1977 Pontiac Trans Am was not considered anything special by the masses. It was only after they saw the car jumping over busted bridges, whipping around corners, and evading the authorities in a high-speed chase that everyone started running to the closest Pontiac dealer. With a T-top roof and better speed and handling than the competition, the 1977 Corvette, the 1977 Pontiac Trans Am cemented its place among the most well-known cars.
1981 DeLorean DMC-12
The DeLorean DMC-12 gained fame after its appearance in Back to the Future. While Hollywood magic transformed the DMC-12 into a cool time machine, this stainless-steel beauty couldn't quite hit the mark with consumers. Early models of the DMC came off the production line with several mechanical issues hidden beneath the sleek bodywork. The car was recalled four times to correct issues such as the front suspension, brake rotors, and lack of clutch pedal adjustment. Despite its poor performance in real life, the DeLorean DMC-12 has retained a loyal following of modern car enthusiasts. It may see better luck in the future, if DeLorean Motors makes good on their plans to revive the model with some much-needed improvements.
1970 Dodge Charger
With several appearances on the big screen, the 1970 Dodge Charger is one of the most iconic cars of all time. One of its most memorable performances was alongside Vin Diesel in The Fast and the Furious. The car in the movie features a beast of an engine, huge rear tires, and a supercharger that keeps it ahead of all the others during the film’s thrilling street-racing sequences. And it’s not just movie magic—all of those mods are possible in real life. Though, with stock models equipped with a powerful V8 440 Magnum engine, the 1970 Dodge Charger is already rearing to go. It's easy to see why this car remains a favorite of audiences around the world.
