It was on January 21st, 1981, a remarkable feat in automotive history was achieved as DeLorean began the production of its distinctive sports car in Northern Ireland. Known as the DMC-12, the vehicle boasted gull-wing doors and a stylish brushed stainless-steel exterior. Despite its eye-catching design, the car was criticized for its lack of power, and after just 9,000 units, production came to a halt. However, the DMC-12’s futuristic aesthetic helped it secure a cinematic role in 1985 as a time machine in a beloved science fiction movie franchise. In the films, this car had the magical ability to traverse time when reaching a speed of 88mph. This iconic vehicle is none other than the one featured in the “Back to the Future” series.
The 1982 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am represented a leap forward with its introduction of factory fuel injection and the inclusion of a hatchback design. This model gained substantial recognition after a popular TV series made slight modifications to its design, presenting it in a sleek black color with enigmatic red lights in the front, thereby exuding a futuristic flair. Branded the Knight Industries Two Thousand, or KITT, this car was installed with Artificial Intelligence (AI) and was able to communicate with its driver. Fans of this car can reminisce its adventures in the “Knight Rider” series, accompanied by its unforgettable theme music.
In a short-lived action TV series spanning only 14 episodes, an ex-cop found himself at the heart of a secret government mission, racing against crime with the help of an all-terrain attack motorcycle capable of speeds up to 480 kmph. This high-octane bike, ridden by Jesse Mach, became the hallmark of the “Street Hawk” series.
The wide interior of the GMC Vandura van allowed it to serve as a fundamental aspect of a 1980s action-adventure TV series. The show told the story of four former members of the US Army special forces, framed and on the run as they worked to clear their names and assist those in distress. The iconic black van featuring a bold red stripe was typically under the control of the protagonist Bosco ‘BA’ Baracus in “The A-Team.”
A 1968 Chevrolet Sportvan 108 may not have initially turned many heads, but after it was chosen to be the primary mode of transport for a famous cartoon series, its reputation and sales soared. Known as the ‘Mystery Machine’, the charmingly colorful van was immortalized in the series that took its name from the central character, Scooby-Doo, entitled “Scooby Doo, Where Are You?”
Taking inspiration from marine life, the Lincoln Futura concept car by Ford was designed to mimic the shape of a Manta Ray. It became famous through its role in a 1966 TV series, where it was equipped with futuristic gadgets like infrared cameras, a super-magnet, and even a battering ram. This vehicle is better known as the Batmobile and found its home in the “Batman” series.
Steering away from the fantasy world and into the realm of espionage, the Aston Martin DB5 emerged as an emblem of sophistication with its screen debut in 1964. Unlike the standard model, this car featured a weapons cache, a bullet shield, and revolving number plates, becoming synonymous with the suave and sophisticated character of James Bond, proclaiming it as possibly ‘the most famous car in the world.’
In the 1980s, a series of movies introduced the Ectomobile, or Ecto-1, a converted version of the 1959 Cadillac Miller-Meteor Sentinel combination car. Equipped with a Proton Cannon, this ambulance was ready to assist anyone facing supernatural phenomena, becoming a staple in the “Ghostbusters” franchise.
The Mach Five is a fictional machine birthed from the pages of a manga comic, then transitioning into an animated series and ultimately a full-length film. With a sleek white design and a prominent red ‘M’ on its hood, the car featured a specialized steering wheel with buttons that each served a distinct purpose. This series, which became a global hit, is known as “Speed Racer.”
Finally, the vigorous Ford Mustang Shelby GT500, affectionately nicknamed ‘Eleanor’, roared into the spotlight as it became the centerpiece of a 2000 film where a retired car thief is tasked with stealing 50 cars in a single night. This movie served as a contemporary reimagining of a similar 1974 film with the same premise, although it featured a 1971 Mustang Sportsroof. Both films share the thrilling title, “Gone in 60 Seconds.”
From silver screens to the streets, these iconic vehicles have left a lasting impression on audiences worldwide, as they each carry their own tales of grandeur, intrigue, and otherworldly adventures.
