Is there anything cooler than owning a car that’s a pop culture icon? Some vehicles from movies and TV shows have left such a mark in entertainment history that they’ve gone on to become collectors’ items. If you’ve always wanted to live out your cinematic fantasies and own something from the silver screen, you’re in luck. Here’s a list of famous cars from movies and TV that are available in real life that will make you feel like a movie star.
DeLorean DMC-12 (Back to the Future)
Few cars are as instantly recognizable as the DeLorean DMC-12 immortalized as Doc Brown’s time machine in Back to the Future. With its gull-wing doors and stainless steel body, the DeLorean was already a head-turner before it topped at 88 mph to travel through time.
There are refurbished DeLoreans available from specialty dealers or auctions, often priced between $60,000 and $100,000. While these models won’t come with a functioning flux capacitor, they’ll undoubtedly make you feel futuristic and nostalgic at the same time.
1968 Ford Mustang GT (Bullitt)
Steve McQueen’s legendary car chase in Bullitt made this dark green 1968 Ford Mustang GT an emblem of raw power and coolness. The vehicle’s roaring V8 engine, sleek design, and stunt-worthy handling secured its place in automotive and film history.
Ford released a special-edition Mustang Bullitt in 2018 to celebrate the car’s fiftieth anniversary, complete with dark green paint and a vintage-inspired look. If you’re lucky, you might find one of the original models at an auction, though it may fetch a six-figure price tag.
Mini Cooper (The Italian Job)
The Italian Job brought us thrills, laughs, and unforgettable Mini Coopers. These pint-sized speedsters, zipping through tight corners and narrow alleys, were key players in the movie’s epic heist sequences.
Today’s lineup of Mini Coopers offers plenty of modern takes on this classic. From sporty John Cooper Works models to electric versions, the Mini is one of the most widely available famous cars from movies and TV in real life.
1938 Volkswagen Beetle (The Love Bug)
Who could forget Herbie, the lovable sentient Volkswagen Beetle from The Love Bug? Herbie captured hearts both on-screen and off with his white exterior, red-and-blue racing stripes, and the iconic number “53” painted on his hood.
While 1938 models are hard to come by, vintage VW Beetles from later decades are still widely available, with prices ranging from $10,000 to $30,000 depending on the condition. For die-hard fans, there are many VW Beetle accessories that create a classic look. Turning your Beetle into Herbie is a popular project, and all it takes is a little customization.
Owning a car that’s starred in a beloved movie or TV show lets you connect with a piece of pop culture history. Whether you dream of time travel in a DeLorean, conquering the streets in a Bullitt Mustang, or bringing Herbie back to life, these iconic cars make it possible to bring the magic of the screen to real life.
