9 Famous Cars We Wish We Could Drive
February 28, 2014
We’re mighty fond of our fleet of Zipcars. Given that each one is equipped with its own name and personality, a memorable trip is part of the package. But ours aren’t the only cars with character. Across pop culture, cars are an entertainment staple. Here’s our list of the nine famous cars (from the small screen to the silver screen) that we wish we could drive. Did we miss one? Post it in the comments.
The DeLorean DMC-12, Back to the Future: No one, and we mean no one, has ever watched Back to the Future without wanting to test drive a DeLorean. Its kitschy '80s vibe, cool-ass doors and stainless steel finish would be enough to make it a retro favorite, but the fact that it can travel through space and time? Top that. Despite the dubious science behind the plutonium-fueled flux capacitor, we’re lobbying for this to become NASA’s next project.
Photo courtesy of theNerdPatrol
The 1961 Ferrari 250 GT California Spyder, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off:It’s fair to say that the bright red Ferrari in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off has as much of a starring role as the lead actors. Whether it’s being taken around downtown Chicago for a joyride or (spoiler alert) busting through a plate glass window, this car is one of our film favorites. Fun fact: the vehicle that John Hughes used when filming the movie isn’t actually a Ferrari (which would have cost close to $300,000), but a replica created by Modena. Despite the questionable pedigree, it still brought in $235,000 when auctioned in 2014.
Photo courtesy of Varin Tsai
Ecto-1, Ghostbusters: When rogue ghosts take over New York City, a special kind of team is called in to clean up the mess. The Ghostbusters tricked-out 1959 Cadillac Miller-Meteor ambulance, known as the Ecto-1 in the movie, is fully equipped for supernatural battles with its sirens, weapons, and other ectoplasm-blasting gear. Not the sleekest or most aerodynamic vehicle on the planet, but it clearly got the job done. Can’t wait to see if the Ecto-1 will make an appearance in the upcoming Ghostbusters film, or will be replaced by some new rad ride.
Photo courtesy of Doug Kline
The Mystery Machine, Scooby Doo: Since the original Scooby Doo, Where Are You! series debuted on TV in 1969, the beloved gang of teenage detectives has appeared in films, more recent television shows, and even a live-action movie. One constant that’s accompanied the characters during the past 45 years is The Mystery Machine. Their primary mode of transport, the psychedelic van, is done-up in a groovy color scheme and 1960s-inspired design. We’d happily clamber in for an adventure any time –Scooby Snacks required.
Photo courtesy of LizardJedi
The Batmobile, The Dark Knight Trilogy: There have been many incarnations of the Batmobile – Batman’s personalized ride – over the years, but our favorite has to be the Tumbler version that appeared in Christopher Nolan’s recent trilogy. All heavy-duty armoring, the tank-like vehicle also has an extra special feature: the so-called ‘Batpod’ motorcycle that it ejects. For sheer badassery, this vehicle takes some beating.
Photo courtesy of William Warby
Aston Martin DB5, Goldfinger: What’s James Bond without his toys? He’d still be one sexy, swaggering, Martini-swilling spy, but it’s hard to argue that without Q’s technology, he’d have trouble getting out of more than a few tight spots. One of Bond’s more memorable high-tech cars, Goldfinger’s Aston Martin DB5 famously came equipped with rotating number plates, tire slashes, GPS, an ejector seat, and, oh yeah...machine guns. 2012’s Skyfall played tribute to the vehicle, with another starring DB5.
Photo courtesy of Janos Tamas
Herbie, The Love Bug: Finally, a film where the car actually is the lead character. No offense to Lindsay Lohan, but our favorite Herbie flick isn’t 2005’s Herbie: Fully Loaded, but the 1968 original. A cute little Volkswagen Bug with a personality all of his own, Herbie pairs up with down-on-his-luck racing driver Jim Douglas to create the ultimate dream team. Emblazoned with blue and red stripes and a number 53, Herbie’s moxie is what ultimately sees them to victory.
Photo courtesy of Loren Javier
The Stair Car, Arrested Development: While the Stair Car from Arrested Development will appear on only the most ardent fan’s list of dream vehicles, this quirky car was one of the most popular running jokes in the series. Whether it’s providing a method of escape for prisoners or tearing down banners, the car is both a running gag and something of a public menace. Best to be careful: with any stair car you’re gonna get some hop-ons.
Photo courtesy of Justin Krebs
Ford Anglia, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets: For most people, the Ford Anglia isn’t a particularly noteworthy vehicle. But the Ford Anglia that appeared in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets is an exception to the rule. In the second film in the Harry Potter series, the enchanted car not only flies, but is also protected by an invisibility spell. Bit of a shame, then, when it takes a wrong turn into the Whomping Willow.
Photo courtesy of Doug Kline
The DeLorean DMC-12, Back to the Future: No one, and we mean no one, has ever watched Back to the Future without wanting to test drive a DeLorean. Its kitschy '80s vibe, cool-ass doors and stainless steel finish would be enough to make it a retro favorite, but the fact that it can travel through space and time? Top that. Despite the dubious science behind the plutonium-fueled flux capacitor, we’re lobbying for this to become NASA’s next project.
Photo courtesy of theNerdPatrol
The 1961 Ferrari 250 GT California Spyder, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off:It’s fair to say that the bright red Ferrari in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off has as much of a starring role as the lead actors. Whether it’s being taken around downtown Chicago for a joyride or (spoiler alert) busting through a plate glass window, this car is one of our film favorites. Fun fact: the vehicle that John Hughes used when filming the movie isn’t actually a Ferrari (which would have cost close to $300,000), but a replica created by Modena. Despite the questionable pedigree, it still brought in $235,000 when auctioned in 2014.
Photo courtesy of Varin Tsai
Ecto-1, Ghostbusters: When rogue ghosts take over New York City, a special kind of team is called in to clean up the mess. The Ghostbusters tricked-out 1959 Cadillac Miller-Meteor ambulance, known as the Ecto-1 in the movie, is fully equipped for supernatural battles with its sirens, weapons, and other ectoplasm-blasting gear. Not the sleekest or most aerodynamic vehicle on the planet, but it clearly got the job done. Can’t wait to see if the Ecto-1 will make an appearance in the upcoming Ghostbusters film, or will be replaced by some new rad ride.
Photo courtesy of Doug Kline
The Mystery Machine, Scooby Doo: Since the original Scooby Doo, Where Are You! series debuted on TV in 1969, the beloved gang of teenage detectives has appeared in films, more recent television shows, and even a live-action movie. One constant that’s accompanied the characters during the past 45 years is The Mystery Machine. Their primary mode of transport, the psychedelic van, is done-up in a groovy color scheme and 1960s-inspired design. We’d happily clamber in for an adventure any time –Scooby Snacks required.
Photo courtesy of LizardJedi
The Batmobile, The Dark Knight Trilogy: There have been many incarnations of the Batmobile – Batman’s personalized ride – over the years, but our favorite has to be the Tumbler version that appeared in Christopher Nolan’s recent trilogy. All heavy-duty armoring, the tank-like vehicle also has an extra special feature: the so-called ‘Batpod’ motorcycle that it ejects. For sheer badassery, this vehicle takes some beating.
Photo courtesy of William Warby
Aston Martin DB5, Goldfinger: What’s James Bond without his toys? He’d still be one sexy, swaggering, Martini-swilling spy, but it’s hard to argue that without Q’s technology, he’d have trouble getting out of more than a few tight spots. One of Bond’s more memorable high-tech cars, Goldfinger’s Aston Martin DB5 famously came equipped with rotating number plates, tire slashes, GPS, an ejector seat, and, oh yeah...machine guns. 2012’s Skyfall played tribute to the vehicle, with another starring DB5.
Photo courtesy of Janos Tamas
Herbie, The Love Bug: Finally, a film where the car actually is the lead character. No offense to Lindsay Lohan, but our favorite Herbie flick isn’t 2005’s Herbie: Fully Loaded, but the 1968 original. A cute little Volkswagen Bug with a personality all of his own, Herbie pairs up with down-on-his-luck racing driver Jim Douglas to create the ultimate dream team. Emblazoned with blue and red stripes and a number 53, Herbie’s moxie is what ultimately sees them to victory.
Photo courtesy of Loren Javier
The Stair Car, Arrested Development: While the Stair Car from Arrested Development will appear on only the most ardent fan’s list of dream vehicles, this quirky car was one of the most popular running jokes in the series. Whether it’s providing a method of escape for prisoners or tearing down banners, the car is both a running gag and something of a public menace. Best to be careful: with any stair car you’re gonna get some hop-ons.
Photo courtesy of Justin Krebs
Ford Anglia, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets: For most people, the Ford Anglia isn’t a particularly noteworthy vehicle. But the Ford Anglia that appeared in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets is an exception to the rule. In the second film in the Harry Potter series, the enchanted car not only flies, but is also protected by an invisibility spell. Bit of a shame, then, when it takes a wrong turn into the Whomping Willow.
Photo courtesy of Doug Kline
