How Iconic Vehicles Drive The Thrill Of Cinema
A few scenes can compete with the raw adrenaline of a perfectly executed car chase. So, which vehicles were the stars of these action-packed sequences?
1968 Ford Mustang GT: Bullitt
Steve McQueen, as Detective Frank Bullitt, is seen slicing through the streets of San Francisco in a 1968 Ford Mustang GT, hunted by two hitmen. The 1968 Ford Mustang GT was a successful hit for the scene, as it could reach 60 mph in about eight seconds.
[HD] Greatest Hollywood Car Chase of All Time - Bullitt (1968) by Kavallero
1968 Ford Mustang GT: Bullitt (Cont.)
Movie critics call this the best car chase of all time, and it has helped solidify Steve McQueen’s status as a car guy. Many believe that this iconic scene made car chases cool, as the pursuit's unfiltered intensity established the gold standard of chase scenes.
[HD] Greatest Hollywood Car Chase of All Time - Bullitt (1968) by Kavallero
1971 Pontiac LeMans: The French Connection
Did you know that the legendary chase in The French Connection was actually shot without permits? That’s not all. It even involved real crashes. This scene with Gene Hackman frantically driving a 1971 Pontiac LeMans to catch a fleeing hitman was probably why this movie became a hit.
THE FRENCH CONNECTION Clip - " Car Chase " (1971) Gene Hackman by JoBlo Movie Clips
1971 Pontiac LeMans: The French Connection (Cont.)
Designed to hit 60 mph in a little below six seconds, the 1971 Pontiac LeMans helped Gene Hackman and Roy Scheider embrace the characters they were portraying. For more authenticity, the director had to pay $40,000 to shoot on the elevated train.
THE FRENCH CONNECTION Clip - " Car Chase " (1971) Gene Hackman by JoBlo Movie Clips
Peugeot 406 And A BMW E34 5-series: Ronin
A Peugeot 406 chasing a BMW E34 5-series were the stars in Ronin’s memorable sequence. The scene was shot with the help of hundreds of stuntmen, and the actors were actually in the car, which was mostly driven by Formula One driver Jean-Pierre Jarier.
Epic Movie Scenes - Ronin: Car Chase Scene (Peugeot 406 vs BMW) by The Dragon Phoenix
Peugeot 406 And A BMW E34 5-series: Ronin (Cont.)
Unlike other car chases that involve supercars, we saw everyday cars like Peugeots and BMWs in a sequence that everyone could relate to. The scene didn’t feel staged with the handbrake used for an immediate stop when Robert De Niro misses a turn.
Epic Movie Scenes - Ronin: Car Chase Scene (Peugeot 406 vs BMW) by The Dragon Phoenix
War Rig: Mad Max: Fury Road
Action enthusiasts swear by the post-apocalyptic hunt in Mad Max: Fury Road. We see Charlize Theron as Furiosa maneuvering the War Rig—a monstrous tanker truck—through hostile wastelands to escape Immortan Joe’s forces. Although most of the movie is shot in the War Rig, this scene stands out.
Mad Max: Fury Road (2015) - Bikers Attack The Rig (4/10) [4K] by Kimer “RawCut” Lorens
War Rig: Mad Max: Fury Road (Cont.)
The massive rig is actually made of Czech Tatra and Chevy Fleetmaster sewn together to become an 18-wheel drive with 2 V8 engines. A fuel pod and a fuel tank hang at the back, while the front is made of a track cabin and a Volkswagen Beetle.
Mad Max: Fury Road (2015) - Chase moves on (2/10) [4K] by Kimer “RawCut” Lorens
The Tumbler: The Dark Knight
Our list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Batman’s one-of-a-kind car chase, where he tries to catch The Joker in The Dark Knight. The Tumbler Batmobile’s sequence was heavily edited with CGI but still captured the essence of the Wacker Drive in Chicago.
The Tumbler: The Dark Knight (Cont.)
Director Christopher Nolan studied several models, and the studio approved the production when they saw that the Tumbler could do what was written in the script. This was the only vehicle not called Batmobile in the movie, and it was stress-tested by an aircraft company.
Car Chase from The Dark Knight - (Part 1 of 2) [HD] by Brutalearll
1985 Chevrolet Impala: To Live And Die In LA
Many regard the 1985 Chevrolet Impala’s scenes in the movie as one of the most unconventional sequences in film history. Directed by William Friedkin, this gritty neo-noir film elevates the genre with a chase that subverts expectations and keeps audiences on edge.
To Live and Die in L.A. Car Chase (1985) HD by VaRaces Chase Database
1985 Chevrolet Impala: To Live And Die In LA (Cont.)
Behind the wheel of a 1985 Chevrolet Impala, Richard Chance, played by William Petersen, drove recklessly through industrial areas before heading to a congested freeway. We don’t know if they used the 4.3L V6 or the 5.0L V8, but it definitely added to the film’s plot.
To Live and Die in L.A. Car Chase (1985) HD by VaRaces Chase Database
1967 Mk1 Mini Cooper: The Italian Job
Surprisingly, the Mini Cooper scene in the 1969 movie, The Italian Job, was shot in Turin and in the English Midlands. This unforgettable chase weaved through crowded streets, sewers, and even staircases as thieves executed a daring gold heist.
Mini-Cooper Chase - The Italian Job (6/10) Movie CLIP (1969) HD by Movieclips
1967 Mk1 Mini Cooper: The Italian Job (Cont.)
Mini Cooper provided the production team with six Minis, two of each color. They were all front-wheel drive 1967 Mk1 models, powered by 1275cc 4-cylinder east-west engines to reach 60 mph in 13.2 seconds. In the right hands, an Mk1 could reach a top speed of 88 mph.
Mini-Cooper Chase - The Italian Job (6/10) Movie CLIP (1969) HD by Movieclips
2006 Subaru Impreza WRX: Baby Driver
In the 2017 Baby Driver, Ansel Elgort as Baby maneuvers a 2006 Subaru Impreza WRX with jaw-dropping precision to escape the cops. Rumor has it that Elgort learned high-octane driving for his role and ended up buying a Subaru in real life.
Subaru Impreza WRX 2006 [Baby Driver] by dubas x86
2006 Subaru Impreza WRX: Baby Driver (Cont.)
The 2006 Subaru Impreza WRX features a 2.5-litre flat-four engine that allows the car to reach 60 mph in 5.4 seconds and a maximum speed of 143 mph. Opening the movie with the cherry red machine ditching chasers made it a favorite among automobile lovers.
Subaru Impreza WRX 2006 [Baby Driver] by dubas x86
1970 Dodge Challenger R/T And 1969 Dodge Charger: Death Proof
This movie by Quentin Tarantino is packed with adrenaline as we follow a psycho stunt car driver and his crimes. Stuntwoman Zoë Bell clings to the hood of a 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T when stuntman Mike targets a group of friends while driving his menacing 1969 Dodge Charger.
Death Proof Car Charger VS Challenger by Juan Marchant
1970 Dodge Challenger R/T And 1969 Dodge Charger: Death Proof (Cont.)
The scene shows off Bell’s incredible physicality and driving skills. Later, the chase escalates into a high-stakes pursuit, with the Challenger’s roaring engine matching Mike’s relentless aggression. The sequence ends with the tables turning as the women overpower Mike.
Death Proof Car Charger VS Challenger by Juan Marchant
Aston Martin DB10 And Jaguar C-X75: Spectre
Bond movies are known for their impressive car chases. And Spectre follows the tradition where an iconic Aston Martin DB10 takes center stage as 007 races through Rome’s streets against a Jaguar C-X75. Eventually, The Aston Martin jumps into the Tiber River, while the C-X75 ends up in flames.
Spectre (2015) Car Chase Scene - Aston Martin DB10 and Jag C-X75 by Movie Clippings
Aston Martin DB10 And Jaguar C-X75: Spectre (Cont.)
The Aston Martin DB10s and C-X75s were built exclusively for the film. Viewers see the elegant yet high-powered cars dart through narrow alleys and around historic landmarks. Bond deploys the DB10’s gadgets, including a flamethrower, to evade capture while maintaining his signature cool demeanor.
SPECTRE | Rome Car Chase – Daniel Craig, Dave Bautista | James Bond by James Bond 007
1967 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500: Gone In 60 Seconds
Eleanor, a 1967 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500, is the star of the pulse-pounding sequence in Gone in 60 Seconds. In the movie, Nicolas Cage is a retired car thief, forced back into the game but must steal Eleanor and escape a relentless police pursuit through Los Angeles.
Gone in 60 Seconds - Stealing Eleanor a [4K AI Upscaling] by Upscale Videos
1967 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500: Gone In 60 Seconds (Cont.)
The chase highlights Eleanor’s amazing speed and handling, with some heart-stopping jumps over traffic. Nicolas Cage’s character drives the Shelby GT500, powered by a 7.0L Police-Interceptor V8 engine that cranks out 355 hp. Even though the car was damaged, he managed to deliver it in time to complete the job.
Gone in 60 Seconds - Stealing Eleanor a [4K AI Upscaling] by Upscale Videos
1970 Dodge Challenger R/T: Vanishing Point (1971)
Barry Newman, or Kowalski, drives a white 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T in a cross-country delivery turned high-octane escape in Vanishing Point. Kowalski becomes a target for two cops on motorcycles after crossing the speed limit a couple of times.
'70 Challenger R/T chased by '70 Plymouth by Car Chase Wonderland 2
1970 Dodge Challenger R/T: Vanishing Point (Cont.)
As a cult classic, the movie revolves around delivering the car from Denver to San Francisco. The 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T features a 6.3 L Magnum V8 to deliver 335 hp. By escaping countless attempts to stop him, Kowalski becomes a counter-culture symbol of freedom and defiance.
'70 Challenger R/T chased by '70 Plymouth by Car Chase Wonderland 2
2010 Dodge Charger R/T: Fast Five
In Fast Five, the franchise ups the ante with a highly destructive car chase through the streets of Rio de Janeiro. Dominic Toretto and Brian O’Conner use two 2010 Dodge Chargers to pull an enormous bank vault through the city, with law enforcement and corrupt officials behind them.
Fast Five's Safe Heist | Full Scene 🌀 4K by Boxoffice Movie Scenes
2010 Dodge Charger R/T: Fast Five (Cont.)
The sequence shows the Chargers’ resilience as they smash through buildings, cars, and roadblocks while attached to the vault. R/T Chargers have 6.1 L Hemi engines but in the movie, Dom upgraded the cars to be able to handle the vault’s weight.
Fast Five's Safe Heist | Full Scene 🌀 4K by Boxoffice Movie Scenes
1974 Dodge Monaco: The Blues Brothers
One of the most iconic car chase movies, The Blues Brothers, features a comedic and chaotic pursuit through Chicago. Jake and Elwood Blues portrayed by John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd drive their trusty 1974 Dodge Monaco, known as the Bluesmobile, as they avoid cops and military forces.
'74 Dodge Monaco in The Blues Brothers by Car Chase Wonderland 2
1974 Dodge Monaco: The Blues Brothers (Cont.)
The 1974 Dodge Monaco, aka the Bluesmobile, stole the show during the chase scenes. With engine options like a 5.9 L, 6.6 L, and a massive 7.2 L V8, this car had the power to match the madness, making it the perfect ride for the wild, hilarious pursuit that made the film unforgettable.
'74 Dodge Monaco in The Blues Brothers by Car Chase Wonderland 2
Ferrari F355 Spider And 1992 Hummer: The Rock
Set in the heart of San Francisco, The Rock delivers an adrenaline-pumping scene. FBI agent Stanley Goodspeed, played by Nicolas Cage, pursues rogue Marine John Mason, portrayed by Sean Connery. Goodspeed’s choice of a yellow Ferrari F355 Spider contrasts with Mason’s commandeered Hummer.
The Rock (1996) Chase Scene (2/3) HD by That One Guy
Ferrari F355 Spider And 1992 Hummer: The Rock (Cont.)
As the chase escalates, the cars smash through traffic and leap over intersections. The hardtop HMC4 is unharmed by the end of the movie, while the Ferrari F355 Spider ends up in flames. It was a new one with a 375 hp output from the V8 engine.
The Rock (1996) Chase Scene (2/3) HD by That One Guy
Hummer H2: G.I. Joe: The Rise Of Cobra
Director Stephen Sommers designs an action-packed chase with military-grade technology and high-octane stunts mixed in The Rise of Cobra. This over-the-top run features a modified Hummer H2 outfitted with futuristic weapons and armor. It ends with the convoy destroyed, and the villains escape.
G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra (2009) - (HD) Chase scene! by 5MinuetMovieClips
Hummer H2: G.I. Joe: The Rise Of Cobra (Cont.)
Famously known as The Steel Crusher, the production team added a cowcatcher/battering ram to the front and rocket launchers to the rear doors. Although the dimensions were a bit different from street legal versions, the movie’s H2 was pretty much like the real thing.
G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra (2009) - (HD) Chase scene! by 5MinuetMovieClips
2003 Cadillac CTS: The Matrix Reloaded
Driving a sleek 2003 Cadillac CTS, Trinity slides through oncoming traffic and performs gravity-defying stunts while Morpheus engages in combat atop a moving semi-truck. The Agents, equipped with their ability to hijack vehicles, amplify the danger at every turn.
Cadillac CTS 2003 [The Matrix Reloaded] by dubas x86
2003 Cadillac CTS: The Matrix Reloaded (Cont.)
Introduced as the first generation, the CTS was powered by a 3.2 L LA3 V6, which was later upgraded to a 3.6 L DOHC V6. The Wachowskis mixed CGI and practical effects to create a visually stunning and narratively pivotal moment.
Cadillac CTS 2003 [The Matrix Reloaded] by dubas x86
1989 Mini Mayfair MkV: The Bourne Identity
Matt Damon’s Jason Bourne demonstrates his resourcefulness behind the wheel of a modest yet nimble 1989 Mini Mayfair MkV. After avoiding a Paris manhunt, Bourne uses the car’s compact size to travel through narrow streets and even staircases while outmaneuvering police and agents hunting him.
Mini Cooper Car Chase | The Bourne Identity | All Action by All Action
1989 Mini Mayfair MkV: The Bourne Identity (Cont.)
The Mini Mayfair MkV is one of the limited edition Minis. It’s a 2-door sedan with a 1.0 L I4 or 1.3 L I4 engine. Weighing 2205 lbs, it could reach 60 mph in 17.7 seconds with an 82 mph top speed, as declared by the factory.
Mini Cooper Car Chase | The Bourne Identity | All Action by All Action
Plymouth Valiants: Duel
Duel tells the story of a traveling salesman riding his car through rural California. Steven Spielberg chose four red Plymouth Valiants for production. An older 1969 vehicle was modified to look like a 1970 model and was driven off the cliff in the movie’s finale.
'55 Peterbilt 281 chases '71 Plymouth Valiant by Car Chase Wonderland 2
Plymouth Valiants: Duel (Cont.)
Although the production team used 1969, 1970, 1971, and even 1972 models, they made sure that they all looked the same on the screen. These models featured some interior and exterior changes and were successful in the American and international markets.
'55 Peterbilt 281 chases '71 Plymouth Valiant by Car Chase Wonderland 2
1973 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu: Drive
Nicolas Winding Refn’s Drive opens with an interesting chase that sets the tone for the whole film. Throughout the movie, we see Ryan Gosling driving a 1973 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu and blending skillfully into the traffic. The Malibu hides behind trucks to conceal the driver.
Drive - Nightcall Scene - 1080p Full HD by Rammstein Ehrmantraut
1973 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu: Drive (Cont.)
Did you know that Gosling rebuilt the Chevelle Malibu by himself? He also did some of the stunts after taking a course. The Malibu was designed to reach 99 mph when pushed to its limits, and this particular machine was brought from a junkyard for the film’s production.
Drive - Nightcall Scene - 1080p Full HD by Rammstein Ehrmantraut
Aston Martin DBS And Alfa Romeo 159: Quantum Of Solace
Again we see James Bond driving through Italy in an Aston Martin DBS, chased by henchmen in black Alfa Romeo 159 sedans. The car successfully goes through the narrowest streets while dodging gunfire and oncoming traffic. A total of 48 cars were used to shoot the scene.
Aston Martin DBS 2008 [Quantum of Solace] by dubas x86
Aston Martin DBS And Alfa Romeo 159: Quantum Of Solace (Cont.)
The DBS comes in a sleek dark gray, called Quantum Silver. It’s powered by a 6.0-liter V12 engine that produces 510 hp and can go from 0 to 62 mph in just 4.3 seconds. The Alfa Romeo 159, which was produced until 2011, offered a range of both petrol and diesel engine options.
Aston Martin DBS 2008 [Quantum of Solace] by dubas x86
BMW E92 M3: Mission: Impossible–Rogue Nation
Throughout Mission Impossible–Rouge Nation, we see BMW cars displayed in various scenes. Tom Cruise portraying Ethan Hunt gets involved in a high-speed chase through Morocco while riding a BMW E92 M3. Several assassins chase him as he barrels down a staircase, with the E92 M3 somehow managing to survive the wild stunt.
BMW E92 M3: Mission: Impossible–Rogue Nation (Cont.)
The BMW E92 M3 was one of the first BMWs to receive a dual-clutch transmission that could rush to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds. It’s considered the last pure M3, as it comes without turbochargers. Viewers still admire this scene’s stunt driving and breathtaking action.
