Movies and TV shows have used popular vehicles to tell stories for decades. From comedies to coming-of-age stories, their inclusion has garnered increased sales for many manufacturers.
Some of the most popular cars have had significant roles in the TV and film industry. While the vehicles may have changed, the trend of using them in media continues to this day. Here are ten movie and TV cars to include in your model car collection.
Jurassic Park: 1993 Ford Explorer
Stephen Spielberg released Jurassic Park in 1993 to much acclaim. The film combined traditional special effects techniques with CGI to create a truly magical experience for audiences. It’s also interesting to note that the 1993 Ford Explorer plays a vital role in the story.
In the film, visitors to the park take a tour in ride-on-rail-guided vehicles, expecting to see dinosaurs only to be disappointed when the dinosaurs don’t show up. The movie takes an exciting turn when a T-rex breaks free from its enclosure and attacks the convoy. Luckily, the Ford Explorers had been heavily modified, giving the occupants a chance to escape.
Ghostbusters: 1959 Cadillac Ecto-1
The 1984 movie, Ghostbusters, and its comedic themes defined the decade’s film landscape. The film follows three scientists who discover supernatural events occurring in New York City. After getting some help from a job-seeking candidate named Winston, they form the Ghostbusters.
The movie is punctuated by flashing sirens set atop a Cadillac Ecto-1. The vehicle was for professional use at the time and was often employed by ambulance drivers. The car, a classic from 1959, has become incredibly popular among collectors. This vehicle should be at the top of your list if you’re looking for Cadillac diecast models.
Thelma and Louise: 1966 Ford Thunderbird
Thelma and Louise follows the misadventures of the housewife Thelma and her friend Lousie on a fishing trip that goes incredibly wrong. Louise kills a man after his attempted assault on Thelma, putting them on the wrong side of the law.
Throughout the film, the two can be seen driving their 1966 Ford Thunderbird, which gets its climactic ending in the final scenes. Five of the iconic vehicles were used throughout the movie, making the Thunderbird a considerable part of the overall plot.
Knight Rider: 1982 Pontiac Trans Am
1982’s Knight Rider follows Michael Knight, who, after being shot in the face, decides to spend his time fighting injustice. Alongside his superintelligent car, KITT, he gets into all sorts of scrapes with the criminal underworld.
In the series, KITT is nearly indestructible. The vehicle is fireproof, bulletproof, and can even talk to Knight. A 1982 Pontiac TransAm was used as the basis of the advanced vehicle. It’s an iconic car that many avid viewers still wish they could get a hold of.
The Green Hornet: 1966 Chrysler Imperial
Stemming from a 1930s-era radio broadcast, The Green Hornet aired on television between 1966 and 1977. The show revolves around a newspaper owner who decides to take the law into his hands. He and his partner, Kato, drive a customized Chrysler Imperial dubbed “Black Beauty.”
Black Beauty was showcased throughout the show as being faster and more powerful than the police cruisers chasing it. Unfortunately, the show was canceled after just one season, leaving the Imperial in the memories of those who had seen the show.
American Graffiti: 1958 Chevrolet Impala
George Lucas’s early work is a coming-of-age story set in 1962 amidst the golden era of classic cars. Set on the last day of summer vacation, the film is an homage to the Americana of the period. Fast cars, rock n’ Roll, and adolescence come together in this cultural classic.
While many vehicles are showcased throughout the film, the 1958 Chevrolet Impala is at its heart. Owned by the protagonist, Steve, the car sports a creamy white color with a racing stripe down each side. Many collectors want a 1958 Impala precisely because of this movie.
Planes, Trains, and Automobiles: 1986 Chrysler LeBaron Town & Country
The comedy starring John Candy and Steve Martin is all about getting to your destination, no matter what. Throughout the film, the protagonists attempt to reach their destination in time for the holidays. The automobile they end up driving is none other than the 1986 Chrysler LeBaron.
The convertible station wagon was used to great comedic effect throughout the film. While the company wasn’t happy about its inclusion, it has become well-remembered among the public. Six vehicles were used throughout filming, which becomes evident if you’ve ever watched it until the end.
Rebel Without a Cause: 1949 Mercury Coupe
Rebel Without a Cause was released in 1955 and is highly regarded by car enthusiasts and film buffs alike. The film follows Jim Stark, a teenager in search of a new start after getting into trouble in his hometown.
Throughout the film, Stark drives a 1949 Mercury Coupe. Today, the two-door sedan is housed at the National Automobile Museum in Reno, Nevada. The car is so iconic that every year enthusiasts drive their classic Mercuries to the James Dean festival in what’s known as the “Merc Corral.”
The Blues Brothers: 1974 Dodge Monaco
The plot of the 1980s Blues Brothers musical is somewhat out there, but it results in a great deal of classic comedy still remembered to this day. After Elwood is released from prison, he and his music lover Jake Blues, embark on a quest to save their Catholic school.
The story’s main vehicle, dubbed the Bluesmobile, is a 1974 Dodge Monaco sedan. The brothers maneuver it through all sorts of impossible stunts, giving it a somewhat magical existence. The car was often used as a police vehicle, making its use as a chase car somewhat ironic.
Back to the Future: 1981 DeLorean DMC-12
The DeLorean is one of the most famous cars in popular culture. Appearing in 1985’s Back to the Future, the vehicle was heavily modified with different gadgets and technologies, the most important being the flux capacitor.
The film follows the protagonist, Marty McFly, as he attends a day of high school and visits an elderly friend named Doc, only to find that he’s invented a time machine. After going back to when his parents first met, he must ensure they get together so he doesn’t fade out of existence. The DeLorean is featured heavily throughout the film and is even called out by name. The movie and its two sequels are largely responsible for the vehicle’s continued popularity.
Find the Most Iconic Cars for Your Collection
Car manufacturing and film production have gone hand-in-hand for nearly the entire 20th century. The inclusion of vehicles in popular media can have a knock-on effect that increases auto sales in real life.
All you need to do is watch some of the most popular programming from the past 70 years and visit LiveCarModel if you’re looking for movie and TV cars to include in your model car collection.
