Cars have played key roles in many movies throughout the history of cinema, but some models have had more of an impact than others thanks to their time on the silver screen.
Here are just a few of the vehicles that became movie icons when they were committed to celluloid and projected for adoring audiences worldwide.
DeLorean DMC-12
While the DMC-12 may have been a commercial failure when it was originally released, it became a staple of pop culture thanks to its appearance in the Back to the Future franchise in the 1980s and has since become something of a collector’s item.
With its angular lines, gull-wing doors and atypical interior, there is no doubt that the designers at DeLorean were aiming to make something special when they created the DMC-12. It may not have the vintage charm of some other classic cars for sale, but it has a place in the hearts of millions of movie fans thanks to the exploits of Marty McFly and Doc Brown.
Aston Martin DB5
James Bond has jumped behind the wheel of a huge number of different exotic cars over the years, including some hyper-modern models featured in recent outings including 2015’s Sceptre. However, it is the Aston Martin DB5 which has managed to remain the most closely associated with 007 over the decades, first appearing in Goldfinger and then again in Goldeneye and more recently in 2012’s Skyfall.
While the aesthetics of the DB5 are undeniably antique, it still manages to look stunning thanks to the aerodynamic body and superb silver paint job.
Ford Mustang Fastback
Car chases have been pivotal to many great films over the years, but most experts agree that the best pursuit ever shot features in the Steve McQueen-starring classic Bullitt, originally released all the way back in 1968.
Bullitt helped to make the Ford Mustang Fastback an international hit, bringing American muscle cars to an entirely new audience and also managing to make the most of the San Francisco setting.
Volkswagen Beetle
In all likelihood, the Beetle would be a much-loved automobile with or without the help of Hollywood, but there is no doubt that Disney’s comedy caper The Love Bug helped to cement its status as a seriously special car in the late 1960s.
The filmmakers took advantage of the already personality-rich design of the Beetle in order to create a loveable, sentient racer that spawned lots of spin-offs and even a rumoured recent TV revival.
Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spyder
Like the DeLorean, this car got its big break in the mid-80s when it was featured in a knock-about comedy aimed at kids, in this case, the seminal Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.
In the intervening years, this very rare Ferrari has become one of the most valuable vehicles of all time, which may have something to do with the fact that the Italian automaker only produced 37 models during its brief run over 20 years earlier. Since then its appeal to film fans and car nuts alike has only increased.