And something a little more fun…
1. Aston Martin DB5
Courtesy of its frequent cameos in James Bond films, the Aston Martin (particularly the DB5) has gained iconic status from car and movie lovers alike. After first hitting our screens in Goldfinger and Thunderball in the Sixties, this car caught everyone’s attention for not only its stunning appearance, but modifications that make it the perfect 007 sidekick. From an ejector seat to an oil-slick sprayer, this killing machine is the ultimate accessory for Bond’s missions. Continuing the Bond legacy, this sophisticated vehicle has made a dramatic comeback in the latest blockbuster Skyfall, and it certainly does not disappoint. We are reminded of its classic beauty as it is unveiled in pristine condition from under a dusty sheet, only later to discover its hidden enemy-fighting modifications still intact. It’s these gadgets that make the car a timeless favourite, even up to half a century later. It’s no wonder that one of these Bond Aston Martins was sold for a staggering $4.6 million. Definitely a bit more than your student car insurance fund would be able to cover!
2. DeLorean DMC-12
It’s the magic machine that famously helped Marty McFly transport himself Back to the Future in 1985. Granted, it’s not the most attractive car ever invented – reinforced by its lack of popularity on the market in the 80s – but for the classic sci-fi adventure it couldn’t have been more perfect. With a stainless steel exterior and futuristic gullwing doors opening from a hinged roof, the car is visually spectacular in its role as Doc’s time machine. Although the real-life spec of the original DeLorean DMC-12 could be somewhat disappointing, impressive adaptations and movie trickery transformed the car and earned it a cult following. When famously powered by a harnessed thunder bolt directed to the ‘flux capacitor’, the DeLorean’s street cred rocketed almost as quickly as the vehicle itself – and that admiration, it seems, is also timeless.
Image credit: http://www.autoblog.com
3. Pontiac Firebird Trans Am
Super intelligent, reliable and allows you to sit back and enjoy the ride without even shifting a gear; it’s no surprise that Michael Knight’s crime-fighting mobile was envied by children and adults across the globe. KITT, the modified Trans Am (fully named Knight Industries Two Thousand) rose to fame in Knight Rider in 1982. The sleek, black beauty could not only speak to his driver (with a lot more personality than your average navigation system), but could see, hear, smell and self-drive– what more could you ask for? Created by the designer of the Back to the Future DeLorean, this car was made to protect human life, giving it a compassionate quality that is irresistibly loveable. But, it’s not just its personality that is admirable, this model is virtually indestructible! Strong, capable of decision making and a model caring citizen – KITT is the car that you can only dream of owning!
Image credit: http://www.ianfleming.com/
4. Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
A childhood favourite, this 17-foot-long flying car first took to its wings in 1968 in the famous film Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Created by wacky inventor Caractacus Potts (played by Dick Van Dyke), the family car is saved from the scrapheap and transformed thanks to the persistence of Potts’ children – or that’s how the story goes. In reality, the Ford Racing Team built this inspiring vehicle using handcrafted boat deck, Edwardian brass car fittings and a sparkling polished aluminium bonnet. It even has a dashboard plate from a British World War I fighter plane. Although there were several of these cars made for the film, only one was actually functional. After 30 years of charity racing, this unique vehicle has now been bought for an estimated £500,000 by DJ presenter Chris Evans and is being restored to its original glory.
5. 1969 Dodge Charger
Famed for its leading role in The Dukes of Hazzard [1979-1985] television series, this car is immediately remembered for its numerous stunts, chases, and scrapes. Driven by the dare devil Duke cousins, this bright machine had its doors welded shut, so the only way for them to get in or out was precariously through the windows. The car – named ‘General Lee’ after Confederate General Robert E.Lee – can be recognised by the ’01’ on its side and the unique confederate flag on the roof. Even its musical horn commands everyone’s attention by blaring out the melody from the song ‘Dixie’. And if that didn’t make you look, then the high speed jumps would definitely get your adrenaline going! The car reached such heights that around 1,000 pounds of sandbags had to be put in the Charger’s boot to stop it flipping over!
