Most of us can recall a film or more where the presence of a specific car model has been so distinct and successful during the movie, that its name has become a synonym of the film’s title. In this article we host classic V8 cars that have had an iconic appearance in Hollywood movies and have become memorable to many car enthusiasts and not only.
In 1967 Bonnie and Clyde, the classic 1934 Ford V8, the vehicle that is used in the violent bank robberies and finds tragic end with the protagonists in a jaw-dropping ending scene.
The Australian made 1973 Ford Falcon XB in Mad Max(1979). The legendary vehicle, called the “Interceptor”, of the highway patrol policeman Max Rockatansky. When Max turns Mad, after his family and friend are killed by a road gang, and his sorrow turns to vengeance, the Interceptor spreads fear to its foes.
A year earlier, in 1978, it is the turn of a 1964 Chevrolet Impala to star in Up in Smoke. In this case the staring car is not fearful or shiny. In fact the interior design of the particular Impala car looks so ridiculously wrong, that let us wonder how deep…Up in Smoke was the fellow that was struck by this inspiration!
The unforgettable 1949 Mercury Coupe in 1955 Rebel Without a Cause. The figure of this car became one of the most memorable in Hollywood’s history after James Dean was placed on its driver’s seat for the purposes of the film.
The 1963 Cadillac Series 62 convertible that stars alongside Tony Montana (Al Pacino) in 1983 Scarface. Its luxurious exterior appearance with an interior tiger design is maybe an indication of the protagonist’s contradictory persona.
The Dodge Charger which hit the market in mid 60’s and has appeared in numerous movies ever after. Probably the “role” that is most dominant in our memory is that of “General Lee”, the legendary orange car in The Dukes of Hazard TV series.
Back in 1968, the film Bullitt came on the big screen staring a Ford Mustang of the same year. During the film a most classic car chase scene takes place, between the Ford Mustang and a Dodge Charger.
The 1970 Dodge Challenger in 1971 film Vanishing Point. Another cult classic car among the circles of muscle cars enthusiasts. In this film we watch a car that could go 150mph and 0-60 in 5.8secs unleashing hell for one and a half hours.
In 1994 Pulp Fiction the gangster Vincent Vega (John Travolta) has returned from abroad and has just got back his 1964 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu convertible in red colour. In a later scene he is forced to wreck the car in order to prevent his boss’ wife dying from overdose.
All these V8 cars could have been a nominee for an award in their corresponding films.