20 Iconic Cars from TV and Movies: Where Are They Now?
From fast rides to classic cars, some vehicles from our favorite shows and movies have become legends. Ever wondered what happened to them? Let’s find out where these famous cars are now and why they remain unforgettable icons.
1. The Batmobile (1966 Batman TV Series)
The original Batmobile, crafted from a 1955 Lincoln Futura, became a symbol of comic book flair on wheels. After its time on screen, it was sold at auction in 2013 for $4.62 million. The car is now often displayed at car shows and comic conventions, still drawing crowds with its futuristic design and nostalgic value.
2. DeLorean DMC-12 (Back to the Future)
The DeLorean DMC-12 is perhaps one of the most famous movie cars, known for its role as a time-traveling machine in the “Back to the Future” trilogy. After filming, several of the cars used were restored and are now on display at various museums, including the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles.
3. 1968 Ford Mustang GT (Bullitt)
The dark green Mustang driven by Steve McQueen in “Bullitt” is known for one of the best car chase scenes in film history. For many years, it was thought to be lost, but it resurfaced in 2018 and was sold at auction in 2020 for $3.74 million. The car is now owned by a private collector.
4. Ecto-1 (Ghostbusters)
The Ecto-1, a modified 1959 Cadillac Miller-Meteor ambulance, was used by the Ghostbusters for their ghost-catching escapades. After the films, the Ecto-1 was fully restored and is frequently displayed at fan conventions and promotional events, capturing the hearts of both new and old fans.
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5. 1977 Pontiac Trans Am (Smokey and the Bandit)
The black and gold Trans Am from “Smokey and the Bandit” became almost as famous as its driver, Burt Reynolds. After changing hands several times, one of the original cars used during filming was auctioned and fetched over $550,000. It’s now kept in a private collection, often making appearances at car shows.
6. Aston Martin DB5 (James Bond – Goldfinger)
The Aston Martin DB5 is arguably the most iconic James Bond car, equipped with gadgets and gizmos aplenty. One of the original cars used in “Goldfinger” and “Thunderball” was sold at auction for $6.4 million in 2019. The car is now often seen at exhibitions and car events around the world.
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7. Ferrari 308 GTS (Magnum, P.I.)
Tom Selleck’s Ferrari 308 GTS in “Magnum, P.I.” epitomized cool in the 1980s. After the series ended, the car was sold to a private owner who occasionally shows it at car events, still in pristine condition, much to the delight of fans.
8. General Lee (The Dukes of Hazzard)
The 1969 Dodge Charger known as the General Lee performed incredible jumps and stunts in “The Dukes of Hazzard.” Despite many Chargers being used and destroyed during filming, a few survived and have been restored. These are now prized possessions in private collections and museums.
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9. KITT (Knight Rider)
KITT, the talking, self-driving car from “Knight Rider,” was based on a Pontiac Trans Am. Several cars were used in the series, and a few remain in existence, often showcased in museums and at special television and film events.
10. Ford Gran Torino (Starsky and Hutch)
The bright red Ford Gran Torino with a distinctive white stripe from “Starsky and Hutch” became a star in its own right. After the show, it was sold to collectors and remains a popular draw at car shows, embodying the spirit of 1970s cop shows.
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11. Volkswagen Beetle (Herbie – The Love Bug)
Herbie, the loveable Beetle with a mind of its own from “The Love Bug,” spawned a series of films and a dedicated fan base. Several of the original cars used in the films are now owned by collectors and appear at car shows and film-related events.
12. 1961 Ferrari 250 GT California (Ferris Bueller’s Day Off)
The Ferrari 250 GT California played a memorable role in “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.” The car, crucial to the film’s plot, was actually a replica, as using a real Ferrari would have been too costly. The replica used in the film has since been sold to a private collector.
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13. Mini Coopers (The Italian Job)
The fleet of red, white, and blue Mini Coopers that starred in “The Italian Job” became icons of British culture. After the film, the cars were returned to the manufacturer and some were displayed in museums and car shows, celebrating their part in the classic heist movie.
14. 1976 Lotus Esprit (James Bond – The Spy Who Loved Me)
The Lotus Esprit that transformed into a submarine in “The Spy Who Loved Me” is one of Bond’s most fantastical vehicles. One of the original cars used in filming is displayed at the Petersen Automotive Museum, attracting Bond enthusiasts and car lovers alike.
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15. Mystery Machine (Scooby-Doo)
The Mystery Machine, the colorful van from “Scooby-Doo,” is easily one of the most recognized vehicles in cartoon history. Replicas of the van are popular at comic cons and children’s events, bringing the fun and mystery of the show to life.
16. 1970 Dodge Challenger (Vanishing Point)
The white Dodge Challenger from “Vanishing Point” symbolized the ultimate car chase across America. Surviving examples of the car used in the film are rare, but those that exist are revered at vintage racing and muscle car events.
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17. Plymouth Fury (Christine)
“Christine,” the possessed 1958 Plymouth Fury from the horror film of the same name, became a character in its own right. Restored versions of Christine are occasionally displayed at horror film festivals and car shows, thrilling fans with its eerie backstory.
18. 1982 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am (Knight Rider – KARR)
KARR, the evil counterpart to KITT in “Knight Rider,” was based on the same model of car. Like KITT, KARR’s remaining models are kept in car museums and sometimes make special appearances at events celebrating the legacy of the TV show.
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19. Ford Explorer (Jurassic Park)
The tour vehicles from “Jurassic Park,” notably the Ford Explorers, offered a memorable visual from the blockbuster film. These cars have been restored and are often featured at movie car exhibits and theme parks, recreating the thrill of the iconic dinosaur park.
20. Audi R8 (Iron Man)
Tony Stark’s Audi R8 in “Iron Man” helped redefine modern movie cars as sleek, high-tech machines. The R8 used in the film series has made appearances at auto shows and promotional events, symbolizing the fusion of technology and luxury in the superhero genre.
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