The movies we grew up with shape our lives in ways we might not even realize. There are famous phrases and memes that make their way into our vocabulary and iconic film moments we absorb into pop culture. Movies become time capsules to our past.
In fact, films often define an era, which is why it’s easy to become nostalgic. That’s especially true where classic movie cars are concerned. These instantly recognized vehicles are still around today, even if they aren’t necessarily tearing up the silver screen.
Ghostbusters Ecto-1 Car
Who you gonna call? To take a look at this classic ghostbusting vehicle, you’ll want to call the nearest taxi for a trip to Culver City, CA. You’ll find this classic 1959 Cadillac Miller-Meteor ambulance on the Sony Pictures prop lot. Unfortunately, it isn’t in working order; you’ll have to find another way to go ghostbusting on your visit.
The DeLorean From ‘Back to the Future’
This iconic car’s location might surprise you. Filmmakers used seven DeLoreans during the production of “Back to the Future.” Just three survived the filming process.
Head to Universal Studios to see two of the three original 1981 DeLorean DMC-12 cars. They are on display inside the amusement park at all times. The third is currently on display at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles.
Batman’s Batmobile
There have been many Batmobiles over the years. The most recognizable comes from the 1966 series and film “Batman.” The 1955 Lincoln Futura was created as a concept car and was never intended to actually be driven.
A collector eventually bought the Futura and sold it at an auction. You can now find it in Gatlinburg, TN, where it remains a major feature in the Hollywood Star Cars Collection.
‘The Love Bug’ Herbie
Even if you haven’t seen the movies, you’re still likely to recognize Herbie the Love Bug. Producers used 11 cars in the filming of these iconic movies, but only a few remain in existence today. See one of them in Orlando, FL, at Disney’s Hollywood MGM Studios.
Christine
Anyone who’s seen the John Carpenter classic film “Christine” would know the 1958 Plymouth Fury on sight. Twenty versions of the car were on set for this 1980s film; only four of them remain in the world today.
The first version of Christine went to the junkyard before a collector restored it, while another sold at auction before heading to the Volvo Museum in Chicago. A third headed to an owner in Florida. The last eventually showed up in the UK — not, of course, on its own, although we shouldn’t ever underestimate Christine.
General Lee From ‘Dukes of Hazzard’
The 1969 Dodge Charger known as “General Lee” was an iconic part of the classic television show “Dukes of Hazzard.” This original car went to a US golfer named Bubba Watson.
Many other Dodge Chargers contributed to the filming of the show, and most of them made their way into the hands of collectors later. You can find one surviving version of the iconic General Lee at the Volo Auto Museum in Illinois.
Eleanor From ‘Gone in 60 Seconds’
The Ford Mustang GT500 dubbed “Eleanor” in the movie “Gone in 60 Seconds” was gussied up to look like an original 1973 model. Eleven cars were on set for filming, but the one used for close-up shots sold at auction for $1 million.
Some of these iconic vehicles remain on display for movie fans to visit. Others sit in the exclusive hands of private collectors, meaning they (sadly) aren’t accessible to the general public. Still, how great is it that so many of the vehicles we know and love are still around today? Who knows… if you’ve got the cash, you may even be able to purchase one of your favorite classics for yourself.
