Most Iconic Classic Cars Made Popular by Hollywood

Some of history’s most memorable classic cars became famous from movies and television. Below, we look at some of the most iconic classic cars that Hollywood has made popular.

1981 DeLorean DMC

Are any car and movie pairing more closely associated with one another than the DeLorean and the Back to the Future franchise? The car and films are so entwined that mentioning one without the other is nearly impossible.

One of the reasons that the DeLorean became so memorable was that it was unique and unheard of—only 6,000 sold during its short production between 1981-1983. But by 1985 and the smash success of Back to the Future, everyone wanted to know more about Marty McFly’s funky-looking car with a distinctive name.

1963 Aston Martin DB5

Perhaps no movie character is more associated with the stylish cars they drive than James Bond. Today, we all know James Bond drives the coolest cars, but we can trace much of that reputation to the popularity of the 1963 Aston Martin DB5 when it debuted in 1965’s Goldfinger.

Filled with slick gadgets and featuring an unmistakably British style of cool, the classic Aston Martin DB5 is what many imagine when they think of Bond behind the wheel.

Interesting Fact

Other Bond films the DB5 has appeared in include: Thunderball, Tomorrow Never Dies, Casino Royale, Skyfall, Spectre, and No Time to Die.

1967 Austin Mini Cooper

Many people consider the chase scene of 1969’s The Italian Job to be the best car chase scene in cinema history. What makes it so captivating is its use of the unheralded 1967 Austin Mini Cooper as it trapezes through the streets of Turin, Italy—racing down stairs, navigating sewer tubes, and generally causing chaos!

The small, nimble, and colorful Mini Coopers were unique when many car-chases featured high-powered muscle cars and vehicular mayhem. The Minis were so beloved that the American reboot brought them back 30 years later.

1968 Ford Mustang GT

Perhaps no iconic classic car became more famous from its Hollywood popularity than the 1968 Ford Mustang GT. When the Mustang GT starred alongside Steve McQueen in 1968’s Bullitt, the car was as integral to the story as any flesh-and-blood character.

The high-powered Mustang GT wowed audiences everywhere, and the film became one of McQueen’s biggest hits. Today, the Mustang GT models used during the filming are some of the world’s most valuable collector’s items.

1969 Dodge Charger

Whether or not someone’s ever watched an episode of the Dukes of Hazzard, they almost certainly know about the General Lee. The General Lee was a 1969 Dodge Charger, and its bright orange paint and “01” racing number on its door (which famously doesn’t open) made it one of the most famous cars in American TV history.

The General Lee became a favorite character on the show and was frequently featured helping the Duke Boys (and Daisy Duke) escape trouble and the law with spectacular practical stunts and jumps.

If you can’t get enough iconic cars, Ideal Classic Cars have many classic custom cars for sale. Browse our inventory online or visit our showroom to see these classics.