Ranging from iconic to classic, the following cars are some of the most recognizable in pop culture thanks to being featured in well-known movies that made them famous.
Ford Gran Torino
This muscle car has made many film appearances. Its most notable appearances, however, were in two films: The Big Lebowski, and Starsky and Hutch. In these films, the updated version of the Torino appears. This classic muscle car update features an extended hood, chrome bumpers, and vinyl bucket seats. Its numerous appearances in films just reinforce that the Gran Torino is a popular muscle car mainstay that ages well.
’32 Ford Coupe
Some people claim the bright yellow hot rod that steals the spotlight in American Graffiti is the spark that lit the current million-dollar hot rod market ablaze. In George Lucas’ film debut, the cars were their own characters, and this one was no exception. The 1932 Ford coupe, while affordable, isn’t for amateurs due to its status as an antique, being both high maintenance and difficult to insure. If you choose to own one of these, however, it would certainly be a hit in the many car shows that occur in the San Diego area every year!
Dodge Charger
Whether painted hazard orange like the Dukes of Hazzard’s 1969 model or midnight black like the model featured in The Fast and The Furious, the Dodge Charger is a sleek and sexy machine. The second generation of the Charger, like the one seen in The Fast and the Furious, features sleeker lines and a full-width, hidden headlight grill. With an affordable price tag and incredible performance, what muscle car enthusiast wouldn’t go for feeling a bit like “Dom” from The Fast and The Furious?
’62 Volkswagen Beetle
Famous for appearing as the lovable “Herbie the Love-Bug” with red and blue racing stripes and number 53, the 1962 VW Beetle is a cult icon. The Beetle, which can be found in both hardtop and convertible forms, is low-maintenance and easy on the budget, while still being stylish. If you love to enjoy both the beach with a splash of nostalgia, the ’62 Volkswagen Beetle seems like the perfect car to drive for a picnic and some surfing.
DeLorean DMC-12
The only DeLorean model ever manufactured was the key to the plot line of the Back to the Future trilogy. This stainless steel sports car, featuring gull-wing doors, is transformed into a time machine by the loony Doc Brown, serving as the main plot device. Used DeLoreans are available today at enthusiast-friendly prices. Furthermore, wannabe time travellers should be aware that an exact duplicate of the original Back to the Future time machine is available for rent. If interested, contact your nearest DeLorean Motor Co. branch in nearby Huntington Beach, CA.
For those of us in San Diego that are car enthusiasts, the list above gives some great options for travelling in style with flair. These cars are flamboyant, well recognized, and make their driver feel like they’re a movie star! Normal maintenance factors like battery life and special tires will be of no concern, thanks to our temperate, year-round climate. In addition, our beaches and cliffs are perfect scenery for a cruise around in a convertible or sports car!
