From the silver screen to the hearts of fans worldwide, there’s no doubt that iconic movie cars shape cinematic experiences. Some four-wheeled stars of the big screen have moved beyond transporting our favourite characters. They have become cultural symbols in their own right.
In this blog article, we thought we’d rev the engine of four of our favourite and iconic movie cars. So, buckle up and read on!
Iconic Movie Cars
M505 Adams Brothers Probe 16
The M505 Adams Brothers Probe 16 is an automotive marvel that emerged from the realms of science fiction into the real world. It captivated enthusiasts and film buffs alike. Designed by Peter Wheeler and built by Alan and Dennis Adams, it debuted in the 1971 film “A Clockwork Orange,” directed by Stanley Kubrick. The Probe 16’s appearance in the movie fits marvellously into the dystopian setting.
This iconic movie car became an instant symbol of avant-garde design and innovation.
With its low-slung profile, scissor doors, and radical wedge-shaped body, the Probe 16 pushed the boundaries of conventional car design. Its compact dimensions and eye-catching aesthetics were a true testament to the creative ingenuity of the Adams Brothers.
Despite its initial fame on the silver screen, the Probe 16’s production life was short-lived. Therefore, only three vehicles were ever made. There is a school of thought that the movie’s dark and controversial themes could have had mixed effects on the car’s potential in the real world. However, one of the three cars produced sold at a Bonhams Auction in Los Angeles in 2020 for US$184,800 (inc. premium).
Delorean DMC-12
In stark contrast to the M505 Probe 16, this iconic movie car has potentially made Delorean a household name.
The “Back to the Future” films reignited interest in the DeLorean DMC-12 and, by extension, the DeLorean brand. The film’s popularity brought the car back into the spotlight and introduced it to a new generation of enthusiasts. The time-travelling DeLorean became an icon, and its appearance in the movies helped create a positive perception of the car and its producers.
8,987 DeLorean DMC-12s were built between January 1981 and December 1982. While there have been rumours for many years that DeLorean might revive the DMC-12, this hasn’t happened to date. Therefore, the only way to currently pick up one of these iconic movie cars is to keep your eye on auctions. This one recently sold with Bonhams for £30,750.
Batman’s Tumbler
Batman, one of our most enduring superheroes, has driven various vehicles in TV shows and movies over the years. But the one that stands out to us that we’ve chosen to feature here is his Tumbler from Christopher Nolan’s Batman Trilogy (Batman Begins, The Dark Knight and The Dark Knight Rises).
Nolan’s vision for Batman’s Tumbler was to create a more realistic interpretation of the Batmobile than previous on-screen versions. Practicality and functionality were required for this modern interpretation of Batman’s crime-fighting persona.
The result was a rugged, military-inspired vehicle with advanced technology designed and built in Britain, with a 20-strong team working on the project.
Barbie’s C1 Corvette
In case you haven’t heard, Barbie is the new Queen of the silver screen, breaking box office records galore! And so, we had to include her iconic movie car, the C1 Corvette, in this article!
As America’s first mass-produced sports car, the Chevrolet Corvette C1 is significant in automotive history. It was introduced late in the 1953 model year and produced through 1962
Mattel introduced the Barbie doll around the same time (in fact, 1956). Following her introduction, Mattel cultivated various interests, careers and hobbies for their Barbie dolls. As a result, her accessories range extended to include cars. One was a pink Chevrolet C1 Corvette, establishing the association between Barbie and stylish vehicles.
Of course, Barbie is not the only screen hero to fall in love with a C1 Corvette. A unique blend of timeless design and cultural significance means it has added a touch of elegance, a dose of Americana, and a dash of classic style to many productions; here are just a few.
- Its first major screen appearance was in 1955 in Robert Aldridge’s Kiss Me Deadly.
- TV’s Lucifer drives a Tuxedo Black 1962 Chevrolet Corvette C1.
- A red 1959 C1 Corvette appeared in the comedy film Animal House.
- Another red C1 Corvette appeared in the 1994 action-adventure-comedy True Lies.
- A Tuxedo Black version became the feature vehicle in the 1993 movie ‘Mr. Wonderful’, which starred Matt Dillon and William Hurt.