Everyone Gets To Drive A Car-toon
It's every person’s dream to experience what made them happy when they were young in real life. All car, movie, and series enthusiasts, this is for you. Here is a list of 22 on-screen vehicles that we would love to drive, that you would too.
Lightning McQueen: Cars
Pixar’s animated hotshot is inspired by the Chevrolet Corvette C6, with design hints from stock cars. This red racer dominated the Cars trilogy with his charm, speed, and a touch of humility. His swagger even led to full-size replicas hitting NASCAR events that stole hearts faster than a green light.
Best of Lightning McQueen | Pixar Cars by Pixar Cars
Lightning McQueen: Cars (Cont.)
Fans worldwide cosplay as McQueen—though some rely on cardboard creations that are less speedy. Want to see the real McQueen? Visit Disneyland’s Cars Land in California, where he revs up for photo ops. And yes, he’s still teaching us to "float like a Cadillac and sting like a Beemer".
zombieite, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Herbie: The Love Bug
Who needs a fancy engine when you’ve got a pure heart? Herbie, the white 1963 Volkswagen Beetle with a mind of its own, has been zooming through hearts and races since the 1960s. With a bit of magic under the hood, this car's personality shines brighter than his racing stripes.
The Love Bug | Unofficial Official Trailer | Disney+ by Disney Plus
Herbie: The Love Bug (Cont.)
Herbie, the Volkswagen Beetle, was also an absolute show-stealer. There are some real-life Herbies out there—thanks to a cult following—and you might even spot a Herbie cosplay at a car show. Herbie lives on in museums, including one at the LeMay Car Museum in Washington.
Douglas Muth, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
The Batmobile Batman: The Animated Series
The Batmobile is the pinnacle of "cool" in animated cars. Whether it’s the sleek, high-tech beauty from Batman: The Animated Series or one of its many other iterations, this car screams "I’ve got gadgets". It’s a tank and a sports car all wrapped up in black leather.
BEST of the Batmobile! | Batman: The Animated Series | @dckids by DC Kids
The Batmobile Batman: The Animated Series (Cont)
There are tons of replicas around the world, especially at comic conventions. Some cost millions to build and are part of various cosplay efforts, with fans rocking Batman’s logo. Need to see it up close? Head over to The Batcave (okay, the Hollywood Car Museum) in Las Vegas.
Batman | The Batmobile Documentary | Warner Bros. Entertainment by Warner Bros. Entertainment
The Mystery Machine: Scooby-Doo
If you don’t know the Mystery Machine, then you probably don’t know what it’s like to cruise in a colorful van that solves mysteries. From the ‘70s to now, this funky, groovy ride has taken Scooby and the gang on countless adventures. Anyone would love to drive this one.
The Mystery Machine: Scooby-Doo (Cont.)
Real-life replicas of the Mystery Machine? Absolutely. You can find them at conventions, in fan parades, and sometimes even get a glimpse on TV car shows. If you want to see it in all its retro glory, and touch it, head on to Universal Studios Hollywood.
Roman Soto, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Mater: Cars
A lot of people take inspiration from Mater’s goofy, fun-loving character and transform their own trucks into life-size versions. His lovable rusted look can be spotted in cosplays or road trips, and you’ll find full-scale Mater models in places like Cars Land at Disneyland. Who’s Mater, though?
Edward Russell, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Mater: Cars (Cont.)
Mater’s that rusty old tow truck who’s got way more charm than his dented bumper lets on. If Lightning McQueen’s the cool guy at the race, Mater is the hilarious sidekick that keeps us in stitches. His derpy-but-loveable look is somehow charming, and his hillbilly humor gives him extra points.
Best of Tow Mater | Pixar Cars by Pixar Cars
Speed Racer’s Mach 5: Speed Racer
Speed Racer’s Mach 5 is the car for anyone who believes in style and speed; bold, futuristic, and packed with gadgets. The animated racer zooms through dangerous courses and always stays one step ahead of the other guys. Vroom vroom, away it goes.
Mach GoGoGo | Ep 2 | Mach 5, Let's Go! (Part 2) | Speed Racer | Full Episode by TokuSHOUTsu
Speed Racer’s Mach 5: Speed Racer (Cont.)
Speed jumping the car over a dangerous ravine, narrowly escaping death, and earning epic admiration. When it gets to halloween or custom parties, fans often cosplay as Speed, incorporating the Mach 5’s sleek design into their gear—the M and red accents on the white body.
Rmhermen, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Herbie Fully Loaded: Herbie’s 53
The 53 Volkswagen Beetle took over Hollywood in 2005 after the original Love Bug in 1968. Head to The Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles when you want to see all the famous Herbie cars. Herbie 53 in his fully-loaded form is the personification of quirky automotive fun.
Brian Leadingham, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Herbie Fully Loaded: Herbie’s 53 (Cont.)
Racing, romance, and redemption—this car's got it all. Beyond the silver screen, Herbie’s spirit lives on in the car community, making appearances at car shows and film festivals. One of the best scenes is when 53 did a gravity-defying stunt during a pivotal race.
Herbie: Fully Loaded (2005) Desert Race by Jalen Moran
The Ghostbusters Ecto-1: Ghostbusters
Who you gonna call when you need to bust ghosts? Ecto-1. This iconic 1959 Cadillac Ambulance-turned-ghost-hunting-mobile is one of the most legendary vehicles in animated and movie history. Ghosts beware, because this car has enough paranormal detection gear to make any ghosts rethink their career.
The Real Ghostbusters (1986) Intro 1 by DirRudy
The Ghostbusters Ecto-1: Ghostbusters (Cont.)
The Ecto-1, a 1959 Cadillac Miller-Meteor ambulance, is a standout with its unmistakable siren and rooftop mounted ghost-catching equipment. Equipped with radios, lights, and a giant proton pack launcher. This legendary car has been lovingly recreated by fans, often appearing at conventions and car shows worldwide.
allen watkin, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
The Flintstones Car: The Flintstones
No engine? No problem. The Flintstones’ foot-powered car is the perfection of prehistoric ingenuity. It’s the classic "no gas, no problem" car that keeps Fred Flintstone and his family cruising through Bedrock—powered entirely by their own two feet where every “run” is a workout session.
The Flintstones 1960 - 1966 Opening and Closing Theme (With Snippet) by TeeVees Greatest
The Flintstones Car: The Flintstones (Cont.)
While not the kind of car you'd want to race, the Flintstones car has become a fun pop culture symbol. Cosplayers and fans at retro conventions love to create replicas of this hilarious ride. You can even spot a few "Flintstone-style" vehicles cruising in parades or on social media.
Amaury Laporte, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
The DeLorean: Back to the Future
This time-traveling icon is powered by 1.21 gigawatts of electricity and a flux capacitor. The DeLorean, made famous by Doc Brown and Marty McFly, has a design that’s so 80s, it loops back into coolness. Not to mention, it can travel to any point in time.
Back to the Future Trilogy | Every DeLorean Time Machine Scene by Universal Pictures
The DeLorean: Back to the Future (Cont.)
Real-life DeLoreans? You bet! There’s a whole community of fans who’ve swapped out their regular DeLoreans for time-travel replicas with fully functional flux capacitors. Fans often sport their best Doc Brown wig and Marty’s puffer jacket for some fun photo ops.
Dwurban, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
The Incredimobile: The Incredibles
Superheroes need a super ride, and The Incredibles nailed it with the Incredimobile. This bright red, boxy beast is a perfect fit for the Parr family, with room for everyone and a design that screams “we save the day—fast”. It's an unstoppable ride for an unstoppable family.
Incredibles 2 final scene by Komodo Klawz
The Incredimobile: The Incredibles (Cont.)
Want to find one? Check out the Disneyland Resort—you might see one at an Incredibles-themed event. One popular version is a detailed remote control replica of The Incredimobile, featuring working headlights, a light-up hood, and sound effects.These replicas are available as toys and collectibles.
Incredibles 2 RC Car - THE INCREDIBILE by Prince of Macedon Vlogs
Wacky Races—The Mean Machine: Wacky Races
Remember the racing show on the cartoon network that made us all sit at the edge? That’s Wacky Races and Dastardly’s “Mean Machine” was the ultimate purple villainous ride, complete with an array of gadgets designed to stop the other racers.
LEGO 2K Drive Custom WACKY RACERS Cartoon MEAN MACHINE by THACKER STUDIOS
Wacky Races—The Mean Machine: Wacky Races (Cont.)
With its absurd design—twin engines, traps, and a mustache-twirling vibe—this car is as much about comic chaos. Although Wacky Races has been more of a cartoon than a live-action show, fans recreate the entire Wacky Race scene into a real life face in festivals like the Goodwood Festival of Speed.
Goodwood-Wacky Races by Car Auction Talk
Barney Rubble's Car: The Flintstones
Move over, modern vehicles. There was another car in the Flintstones franchise and we introduce Barney Rubble’s foot-powered car, the Loggin Continental, as the definition of prehistoric cool. Made of stone and wood, this cartoon classic gets its "horsepower" from….. You guessed right: Barney’s quick feet. Another gym session.
The Flintstones 1960 - 1966 Opening and Closing Theme (With Snippet) by TeeVees Greatest
Barney Rubble's Car: The Flintstones (Cont.)
Believe it or not, real-life versions of this iconic vehicle exist. Fans have crafted replicas using modern materials while keeping that Stone Age aesthetic. It’s a hit at theme parks and Flintstones fan events. Imagine cruising in a "stone-wheeled" car while cosplaying as Barney himself—now that’s yabba-dabba-fun.
The Flintstones 1960 - 1966 Opening and Closing Theme (With Snippet) by TeeVees Greatest
The Thunder Tank: Thundercats
The Thunder Tank is the ultimate high-tech catmobile, blending thunderous power and futuristic design. Featuring sleek angles and feline-inspired styling, it’s as fast as it is fierce. This ride helps the Thundercats zoom across Third Earth—probably with a few cool sound effects along the way.
ThunderTank Theme by Cesar Bascuñan
The Thunder Tank: Thundercats (Cont.)
Built from salvaged tech, it’s equipped with grappling claws, laser cannons, and amphibious capabilities—ready to tackle any terrain. Its sleek yet rugged design screams power and adventure. Who wouldn’t want to conquer the world behind its controls?
Super 7 Thundercats Thundertank News 2021!!! Classic LJN Review! By G Newmaster
Optimus Prime: Transformers
Why settle for a car when you can have a transforming robot? Optimus Prime, the noble leader of the Autobots, takes the form of a powerful Freightliner semi-truck. With sleek red and blue flames, he's a symbol of strength and bravery. Imagine the thrill of cruising with a hero.
U.S. Air Force photo/Brad Kimberly, Wikimedia Commons
Optimus Prime: Transformers (Cont.)
Equipped with advanced weaponry and a deep sense of justice, Optimus Prime has proudly taken the role of a guardian. There is actually a human-sized statue of the character being sold for $18,549.00 on pre-order basis by Speculative Fiction Collectables.
Wang65, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
The Gadgetmobile: Inspector Gadget
If you love some detective-equipped ride that speaks with a mind of its own, the Gadgetmobile is a Swiss Army knife on wheels. This high-tech car can transform into almost anything—a submarine or plane. Packed with gadgets like extendable arms and a cloaking device, it’s the ultimate spy car.
Inspector Gadget - Gadget Mobile by Top Clips
The Gadgetmobile: Inspector Gadget (Cont.)
Techies will love driving in this car because of the futuristic design and endless utility. Spy picture fans will love it more because you could switch the car to two distinct modes; van mode and police car mode. Fans have recreated this ingenious car for displays at events.
Inspector Gadget (1999) - The Gadgetmobile by Matthew Bowen
The Turbo Kat: SWAT Kats
This high-speed jet-car hybrid is perfect for adrenaline junkies. The Turbo Kat combines supersonic speed with amazing weaponry, making it a dream ride for those craving action. Its feline-inspired design exudes coolness, and it’s always ready to save the day.
Swat Kats: The Radical Squadron TV Show Intro by Reza The Rizzler
The Turbo Kat: SWAT Kats (Cont.)
The Turbo Kat comes with advanced targeting systems and sleek aesthetics. The things that will make you want to fly in this one would be a thrill of speed, technological curiosity, and a tinge of nostalgia. Fans cherish this iconic vehicle, building models and dreaming of piloting it.
Swat Kats: The Radical Squadron TV Show Intro 2 by Reza The Rizzler
The Mach 6: Speed Racer
A step up from the Mach 5, the Mach 6 brings futuristic innovation and design to Speed Racer’s world. With eco-friendly energy and unmatched speed it’s a dream for modern-day racers. Its aerodynamics ensure it’s both a visual and performance marvel. Remember the M, it's now part of the design.
Speed Racer - Mach 6 by UltraBlasterPrime
The Mach 6: Speed Racer (Cont.)
The Mach 6’s advanced features, including a self-repairing mechanism, case-hardened dampeners for a higher jump, custom-designed suspension system, and adaptable tires, make it irresistible. Speed Racer fans and collectors never miss this model on their shelves.
Speed Racer Battle Rig & Mach 6 (vehicle playset) by Prince of Macedon Vlogs
Penelope Pitstop’s Compact Pussycat: Wacky Races
This pink, flower-adorned car is as charming as its owner—Penelope "Penny" Pitstop, the only female racer. The Compact Pussycat is a delightful blend of beauty and brains, featuring built-in beauty gadgets and defensive mechanisms. It’s perfect for a glamorous, thrilling ride.
Penelope Pitstop’s Compact Pussycat: Wacky Races (Cont.)
Ladies will especially love this car because it was built for you with beauty parlor gadgets like a lipstick dispenser, hairdryer, and compact mirror. There is more: An automated glam kit that did Penelope’s makeup to ensure she was always looking great as she beat the boys.
Bumblebee: Transformers
Bumblebee, the fan-favorite Autobot, transforms into a classic yellow Chevrolet Camaro with black racing stripes. His car form is both stylish and practical, and this makes it the perfect mix of charm and muscle, whether racing down highways or converting into a robotic hero.
Erwin Sooputa madre, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Bumblebee: Transformers (Cont.)
Bumblebee’s Camaro design has inspired countless car enthusiasts to modify their own vehicles to replicate his look. Kids today are lucky to enjoy Bumblebee transform in real life, but as a toy sold by toy distributors like Hasbro. At comic conventions and car shows, replicas of Bumblebee are an attraction.
Kevin Ward, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
The Pizza Planet Truck: Toy Story
If you would like to make an unforgettable entrance at any cosplay event, why not recreate The Pizza Planet truck. This vehicle is a delightful Easter egg in Pixar's Toy Story series and beyond. Buzz and Woody's escapade to save their friends unfolds thanks to this iconic ride.
Toy Story 2 (1999): Driving Pizza Planet Truck by YouClips Family
The Pizza Planet Truck: Toy Story (Cont.)
What makes this truck so memorable is its recurring cameos across nearly every Pixar film. Fans love spotting it in new movies, it's practically a game. With its quirky charm, the Pizza Planet truck is a legend in its own right and we would love to drive it. Would you?
Benny The Cab: Who Framed Roger Rabbit
Closing our list is Benny the Cab, a character full of personality. This animated yellow taxi from Who Framed Roger Rabbit offers quick wit, faster driving, and a knack for getting out of tight spots. With his expressive eyes and cheeky remarks, Benny adds a layer of comedy.
Benny The Cab: Who Framed Roger Rabbit (Cont.)
Benny’s ability to jump curbs and outmaneuver bad guys makes him more than a simple ride; he’s a hero in his own right. Fans have brought him to life in theme parks and car shows. New generations might not remember him, but through these shows, his legacy continues.
Roger Rabbit's Car Toon Spin - Mickey's Toontown - Disneyland 2022 by Daps Magic
