Hollywood may be known for its flashy stars, but it’s also got its fair share of flashy cars! Here are some of the most famous (and expensive) cars to ever be rolled out onto a production set.
Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas - $2,075
For those who remember the manic pairing of Raoul Duke and Dr. Gonzo from Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, will probably remember the 1973 Chevrolet Caprice. It wasn’t the same car as the “Red Shark,” which boosted through the deserts of Nevada, but it still caught the eyes of some filmgoers.
So much so that even with its small role, the Caprice was still purchased for more than 2 thousand dollars after the film was released. For those wondering how much the “Red Shark” aka the 1973 Chevrolet Caprice Classic was worth, we’re afraid we don’t know, as it went to Hunter S Thompson, the author of Fear and Loathing.
The Italian Job - $8,250
Before getting too excited, just remember that these films aren’t from the 2003 remake of The Italian Job - the style of the cars shows that they are much more reminiscent of the 1969 original. And back in the 60s and 70s, the cars in this film were absolutely iconic.
Unfortunately, the vehicles didn’t exactly get star treatment once the credits rolled. In the film, a total of 16 classic Mini Coopers appeared, but after production, they were taken apart. Over the years the scraps were salvaged and later sold for more than $8,000 in 2005. The car was then lovingly reconstructed.
The Blues Brothers - $24,000
Today, Saturday Night Live is known for its movie spin-offs born from zany sketches. But when the Blue Brothers sketch starring Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi became a movie of the same name, it was a complete novelty. And that novelty quickly turned into one of the most iconic offerings of the early ’80s.
It was a hit not just because of its funny one-liners, but also its strong musical performances and iconic style. And one of the elements that stuck out was the “Blues Mobile.” Two identical 1974 Dodge Monaco’s were used, with one being sold for $24,000, and the other displayed in the Illinois’ Volvo Auto Sales and Museum.
Baby Driver - $34,800
In 2017 we were gifted with the excellent heist film Baby Driver, perhaps best known for skyrocketing teen icon Ansel Elgort into the stratosphere of impressive Hollywood actors. It was his first serious role and he pulled it off, with the film performing exceptionally well in Europe or North America.
And of course, no heist film is complete without a getaway vehicle. And in this case, Elgort’s ride of choice was the 2006 Subaru Impreza WRX, also known as the "ultimate 'street legal' stunt car." Looks like someone wanted to do some off-screen stunts of their own, as the car was later purchased for $34,800.
For Your Eyes Only - $35,569
There’s no way this list could happen without a few entries from the Jame Bond franchise! Well, the 1980 Lotus Esprit Turbo is the first ‘Bondmobile’ on the list - but expect a few more before we reach number one. This was the car that carried Roger Moore in the 1981 film For Your Eyes Only.
Lotus provided the production team with two identical cars that were kitted out to the filmmaker's specifications, with plenty of futuristic additions fit for an international spy at the top of his game. Only one car came out intact after production wrapped, and it was promptly sold for $35,000.
Starsky & Hutch - $40,000
There are few entries that fit this list, as well as, the 1976 Gran Torino, which played a significant role (without lines, of course) in the classic 1970’s tv show Starsky & Hutch. And that’s because it’s not only a truly good-looking specimen, but it was also beloved by its owner.
That’s right, one of the two lead characters, Starsky, was an unabashed car-lover, and the object of his affections? The 1976 Gran Torino. And unsurprisingly, that love quickly spread to fans of the show. Perhaps that’s why the old trusty ride sold for $40,000 after the show ended.
Ghostbusters - $45,000
When someone asks, “who ya gonna call?” Most of us know the answer! And Ghostbusters wasn’t just one of the most beloved film franchises of the 1980s because of its theme song - it was an excellent blend of sci-fi and comedy that entertained filmgoers of all ages.
An unmissable element of the film was the Ectomobile, the striking-looking 1959 Cadillac Superior Hearse which ushered the ghostbusting team around New York City. Considering how much nostalgia and love people have for the first Ghostbusters film, it’s no surprise the Ectomobile sold for $45,000, a hefty sum for the time.
Die Another Day - $73,000
Let’s go back to James Bond, and the iconic bevy of cars that accompanied the titular character. Here we have the Jaguar XKR, which appeared in Pierce Brosnan’s last film playing the iconic spy: Die Another Day, filmed in 2002. But surprisingly enough, it wasn’t Brosnan who drove it.
Instead, behind the wheel of the Jaguar XKR was Bond’s enemy, the enigmatic Tang Ling Zao. But that didn’t stop franchise fans from loving the car’s sleek look, and when the Jaguar went on auction at RM-Sotheby’s, it raked in a solid $73,500 - about what we’d expect for a Bond (or Bond-adjacent?) ride.
Grease - $88,550
For the John Travolta, Olivia Newton-John, or Frankie Valli fans out there, we’re sure they’ll remember this next automobile. Though Ford has produced more than its fair share of iconic cars, the 1946 Ford model still holds a special place in many hearts due to its presence in the film Grease.
The 70s musical had plenty of musical numbers, but one of the most memorable had to be the car-lovers anthem “Grease Lightning,” where the 1946 Ford took pride of place as the subject of the song. And it’s due to this 1978 film that the car was taken home by a bidder from San Francisco, who shelled out $88,550 for Grease Lightning.
Speed - $102,400
Yes, believe it or not, but the Matrix wasn’t the only film Keanu Reeves starred in back in the 1990s. He also made a splash playing Jack Tavern, an LAPD SWAT agent in the film Speed. The film centers around his character's attempt to guide a bus full of hostages to safety, but we won’t spoil how it ends!
So well Keanu may have been the leading actor, it’s safe to say he wasn’t the only lead character - after all, we have to admit that the bus played a pretty significant role too! And it was this 1991 General Motors Bus that landed Speed on the list, as in 2018 it officially sold for $102,400!
Herbie: Fully Loaded - $107,250
In an impressive turn, the next car on our list actually appeared in two films - thirty-seven years apart! This Volkswagen Beetle first appeared in The Love Bug back in 1968, and then made its second appearance in the beloved Disney film Herbie: Fully Loaded.
Though it was well-loved in its own time, the 2005 Herbie film only boosted the popularity of the charming little car, which had a major role in the film, driven by Lindsay Lohan and Justin Long. In 2016 the car was officially retired from film and purchased for $107,250 at an auction in California.
That '70s Show - $121,000
For fans of That 70’s Show, the picture of this classic car should ring some bells. In one episode, Michael Kelso claims this 1967 Volkswagen Samba Bus after a grueling session holding on to the bus for the longest in a local competition. He then sets out to use the car in typical Kelso fashion, i.e hitting on women.
Despite seeming to be a one-off prop for the episode, this 21-window bus actually became a mainstay of the series. Considering the popularity of That 70’s Show, it makes sense that the VW Samba went on to rake in $121,000 when it was auctioned off in Palm Beach.
Miami Vice - $151,800
Some aspects of Miami Vice may seem a bit out of place - after all, how many policemen own a blinding white Ferrari (or a Ferrari of any kind)? But it was 80s TV, so who are we to question it? And there’s no denying that Don Johnson’s classic ride looks amazing on-screen. Color us jealous!
Like many productions, there were multiple identical models used on set, and after the film ended they were sold off at auction. One was up for almost $2 million and was thus never sold, but another went on to make $151,800. Though we don’t know the fate of the other models, it’s possible we’ll see another pop up in the future.
Transformers: Age of Extinction - $167,200
Some of us may remember the original Transformers from our childhoods in the 80s and 90s, but today most people associate these car robots with the 2000s franchise. The Transformers films were wildly successful upon release, and the multitude of cars that appeared in them fetch a pretty penny today.
Just look at the 1967 Chevrolet Camaro, which played a significant role in the 2014 film Transformers: Age of Extinction. Though the fourth film may not have been the most popular or the highest earner of the bunch, the classic star certainly caught some eyes. After the film, it was purchased for just over $167,000.
Smokey and the Bandit - $172,000
Though the 70s Burt Reynolds vehicle Smokey and the Bandit is considered a classic today, few could have known that the film would garner such popularity and longevity. But it certainly did, making the second-highest amount of money amongst all films that were released in 1977!
When Bo "Bandit" Darville and Cledus" Snowman" Snow set off across the country with a trunk full of beers, they did so in a 1977 Pontiac Trans Am, a perfect embodiment of the times. The movie was a smash hit and the car played an undeniable role in that, which might be why that very Pontiac went on to be sold for $172,000.
Magnum, P.I. - $181,500
Here’s another classic 80’s TV show with a slick cast and sleek car for audiences to drool over. On Magnum, P.I, Tom Selleck plays a too-cool private investigator plying his trade on the Hawaiian island of Oahu. But it wasn’t just his suave persona that caught viewers' attention.
The P.I’s car was certainly eye-catching too - a super fashionable red 1984 Ferrari 308 GTS Quattrovalvole which quickly became as much of a statement piece of the show as its owner. Today this car is still one of the more memorable on-screen Ferrari’s and was privately sold for $181,500, according to inside sources.
Christine - $198,000
So far we’ve had action, comedy, thrillers, and heist films - all the genres that we can expect to feature prominent retro cars. But what about… horror? Let’s take a look back at the 1978 film Christine, an adaptation of the Stephen King novel of the same name, which turns the typical horror film on its head.
The film follows the actions of the murderous main character, that happens to be… a possessed car. A 1968 Plymouth Fury, in fact. And with such a unique position in a Hollywood film, it's hardly a surprise many horror fans would want to get their hands on it. And one such lucky viewer managed to purchase ‘Christine’ for $198,000.
The Beverly Hillbillies - $275,000
The Beverly Hillbillies was one of the earliest hit tv shows, taking America by storm when it was released in the 1960s. Jed Clampett and his family were an endearing clan who struck gold and made the move from the Ozarks to Beverly Hills, a narrative that many viewers found compelling.
The move was made possible with the family’s beat-up old truck, which they drove 24 hours across the country to California. Unsurprisingly, their old truck would become a beloved mainstay of the show. After some time spent as a relic at the Ralph Foster Museum, it was sold at auction for $275,000 - a true piece of TV history.
Need for Speed - $300,000
There are plenty of video games that have been adapted into feature-length films, but few of them have been a great success. Need for Speed is one of those exceptions, made in 2014 and based on the 90s racing game by the same name, and even sporting the same car models!
But getting the film as accurate as possible didn’t come cheap - to obtain the 2013 Ford Mustang Fastback, the film producers had to shell out $300,000 to Ford! But before any eyebrows are raised, it appears that the car company donated the sum to the Edith Benson Ford Heart and Vascular Institute.
Grease - $385,000
It turns out that “Grease Lightning” wasn’t the only hot seller after Grease wrapped production. The “Hot Rod,” with its sleek look and orange flame decals, was practically salivated over by young fans of the film, who wanted to emulate the boy racers who drove it.
The 1949 Mercury Series 9CM Custom Convertible was considered hot property after Grease was released in 1978, and its value shot up considerably. So years later when it was put on the market again, it fetched a hefty price - $385,000 in Los Angeles, at Julien’s Auction.
The Monkees - $396,000
While the UK had their own iconic 60s boy band, The Beatles, Americans had their own group of talented, tow-headed young musicians. We’re talking about The Monkees, who shot to massive fame after scoring their own NBC TV show, aptly named The Monkees.
The TV show was the perfect vehicle for their wholesome tunes, like the world-famous track I’m a Believer, but it isn’t the only vehicle we’re here to talk about. That’s right, the Monkeemobile Pontiac GTO was an invaluable piece of the set and of TV history, and would go on to fetch an appropriate fee of $400,000!
The Dark Knight Rises - $406,184
We may be pulling out a bit of a fluke here, but it’s hard to deny that the Batpod from Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight Rises is one of the most iconic vehicles in film history, even if it isn’t technically a car. It’s sleek, speedy, and sexy, and this list just wouldn’t feel right without it.
And the price point of this particular motorbike seems to support that, as it sold for considerably more than other ‘real’ cars on this list. One fervent (and financially robust) DC fan shelled out more than $400,000 for this motorbike, even though it didn't technically work at the time…
Ferris Bueller's Day Off - $407,000
Here’s an unusual one - this is a film car that initially caused a bit of controversy after the film was released to the public. We’re talking about the Ferrari in the 1985 film Ferris Bueller's Day Off, which was branded as a 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spyder but was actually a 1985 Modena Spyder. The horror!
The California Spyder was intended to be a more modern counterpart to the 1961 model but had an understandably lower price point. So much lower in fact, that where the California Spyder sold for as much as $17 million in 2018, the same Modena Spyder that appeared in Ferris Bueller only sold for $407,000. *Cough* only.
Knight Rider - $450,000
Now here’s a truly famous car that is well-known for its “personality”, similar to the car from Christine. The Knight Rider car from Knight Rider was known for its self-driving feature, turbo-boosting, ability to shoot bullets, and the fact that it can talk.
And while the car may not be a talking, sentient being in real life, it was still iconic enough to sell for $450,000 at auction. According to Car and Driver, this was a bit of a letdown, as David Hasselhoff’s old friend was expected to sell for at least $1 million. Ah well.
Transformers - $500,000
Though the 1967 Chevrolet Camaro was a big-ticket item from the Transformers set, it was far from the most iconic vehicle in the franchise. Of course, that title goes to Bumblebee, the star car that appeared in every installment in the series. And what’s more, there were four Bumblebee’s that later went to auction.
According to thedrive.com, the cars were sold at a Barret-Jackson auction, and raked in an impressive half a mil! Apparently one of the owners was none other than Rick Hendrick, a NASCAR team owner. Interesting pick for someone in his position, considering that Bumblebee wasn’t exactly street legal at the time.
Back to the Future - $541,000
In another world, this next car might have looked a bit janky and dated to modern audiences - if it wasn’t one of the major props from one of the world’s most popular film franchises! That’s right, we’re talking about the DeLorean DMC-12 from Back to the Future.
It was both a prop for a fictional time-traveling machine and an essential piece of nostalgia for children of the 80s and 90s. Even a simple replica of the DeLorean that took Doc Brown and Marty McFly through space-time is over a hundred grand, so naturally, the real thing came with a whopper price tag - $541K, as of 2011.
The Fast and the Furious - $550,000
For those of us familiar with the franchise, we know that The Fast and the Furious franchise has plowed through a lifetime of different flashy cars. But by far the most iconic vehicle from the series was the orange Toyota Supra, driven by the late Paul Walker, and also showing up in the second installment of the series.
Considering the popularity of the early installments, and the tragic fact that its driver (beloved actor Paul Walker) had recently passed away, the price tag of the Toyota Supra skyrocketed. Dubbed as “a car that started a cultural revolution," a 2013 Barret-Jackson auction sold it for $550,000.
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang - $805,000
Here we have a car that has far more celebrity significance than the average film vehicle. This car not only appears in the film Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, but the book that the film was based on was actually written by Ian Fleming - the same author of the James Bond series!
As if that wasn’t exciting enough, the car was later auctioned off for an incredible $805,000, and it was bought by a very special buyer. Peter Jackson, the prolific director of the Lord of the Rings series, was a big fan of the film and wasted no time purchasing the car and taking it to his home in New Zealand.
Joe Dirt - $900,000
David Spade has been in plenty of Hollywood flicks, but one of his most memorable has to be as the titular lead of Joe Dirt. Not only did he star in the film, but he was also a lead writer on the script. The film reportedly had a very special place in his heart, which might be why he couldn’t part with one of the film's main props.
The 1969 Dodge Charger Daytona, which Spade drives in the film, was one of only 503 (according to Top Speed). When it went on sale at the Mecum Auction, Spade attended and shelled out approximately $900,000 for the car. Considering the sentimental value it must have had, it’s practically priceless.
The Spy Who Loved Me - $997,000
Another 007 wonder is the Lotus Esprit Submarine, another vehicle manned by Rodger which appeared in the 1977 Bond film The Spy Who Loved Me. And considering its name, many have probably already guessed why it’s so special - in the film, Bond drove it straight off a pier and into the water!
Considering its unique properties it’s no surprise that the Lotus Esprit is one of the most popular (and expensive) cars from the 007 franchise. Though the vehicle is technically inoperable, that didn’t stop it from being purchased by Tesla’s Elon Musk, who bought the vehicle for almost $1 million, according to The Guardian.
Gone in 60 Seconds - $1,000,000
It turns out Herbie the VW Beetle isn’t the only car on this list with incredible longevity! This 1971 Mustang “Eleanor” first appeared on screen in the film Gone in 60 Seconds. And when the screenplay was adapted into a modern reboot, it just made sense to use the same car as a tribute to the original.
So in 2000, the Mustang made its second appearance as Eleanor, shepherding its on-screen owner Nicolas Cage through the film. Because of its affiliation with A-listers and its place in film history, the car was eventually sold for a whopping $1 million!
Le Mans - $1,370,000
For those of us who are both car lovers and film enthusiasts, there are few actors as legendary as Steve McQueen. The “King of Cool” was known for his exhilarating action films, but even more so he was known for the incredibly sleek cars he drove in almost every film.
And when it comes to Le Mans, there are few films that are as well-known for their bevy of jaw-dropping race cars. This cool little Porsche 911S appeared in the film's opening scene and would go to auction decades later in Scottsdale, Arizona. It was sold for $1.37 million, according to sources.
Spectre - $3,410,000
Believe it or not, we still aren’t done with James Bond. As one of the most iconic franchises in film history, the series has countless enviable cars from scene to scene. Here we’re taking a look at the Aston Martin DB10, which appeared alongside Daniel Craig in Spectre.
What is most amazing about this Aston Martin, aside from its egregious good looks, is that it was the only one of its kind ever produced - the car was designed and manufactured exclusively for the 2015 film. No wonder then that the car was sold just a year later for $3.41 million, according to Business Insider.
Bullitt - $3,700,000
Another of the most memorable “car” films was the 1968 hit action film Bullitt, starring - big surprise - Steve McQueen. In Bullitt, our King of Cool took to the streets, behind the wheel of the 1968 Mustang GT 390, a model which soared in popularity after the film's release.
And it made more than just an impression on the automobile market. The undeniable style and popularity of Bullitt went on to inspire countless action films after it, particularly with its classic nail-biting car chase. And when the Mustang was auctioned off years later it had a jaw-dropping yield of $3.7 million!
Goldfinger - $4,600,000
Believe it or not, Spectre’s Aston Martin wasn’t the highest-seller of the James Bond cars. No, that prestigious title goes to the outstanding Aston Martin DB5 from the 1964 007 film Goldfinger. This gray masterwork is perhaps the quintessential Bond car.
This is helped along by the fact that it was driven by Sean Connery, who some fans regard as the “best” Bond (though we’ll let readers make their own judgments on that). It only makes sense that when the Aston Martin went to auction, hundreds vied to get their hands on it before it was sold for $4.6 million.
Batman - $4,620,000
Today, Batman is one of the biggest film and tv franchises in the world, and easily DC’s most popular import (with Spiderman a close second). Since readers got their hands on the first Batman comics in 1939 the character has taken the world by storm. And he wouldn’t be Batman without the Batmobile!
Over the years the Batmobile has appeared in many different iterations, but for many, the original car from the 1960s tv series will always be the closest to their hearts. This customized 1955 Lincoln Futura is an incredible piece of pop culture, so of course, it sold for $4.62 million nearly 50 years after its tv debut.
The Love Bug - $6,710,000
When we think of The Love Bug, most of us think of Herbie, the cute little Volkswagen Beetle who already appeared on this list. But what will surprise many people is that it wasn’t Herbie that was the hottest seller on set. Instead, it was the 1956 Ferrari 50 GT LWB Berlinetta.
And the Berlinetta outstripped Herbie by an incredible amount - known as the “Tour de France,” the car was sold decades after the film's release for well over $6 million! It was snapped up in Monterey, California, during an RM auction. But it still isn’t the most expensive Hollywood car to go on the market…
Redline 7000 - $7,250,000
As if Bullitt and Le Mans weren’t enough, we also have another Steve McQueen project - Redline 7000. And in this film, we have the famed 1965 Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe, which made a name for itself as the only American make that could outperform the Ferrari at the time.
Though it was likely a hard pill to swallow for Ferrari fans, it meant that the Cobra Daytona collected a tidy sum when it was put on auction. Due to its film role, incredible performance capabilities, and good looks, it was purchased for a staggering $7.25 million. And it won’t be the last McQueen ride we see on this list…
Dukes of Hazzard - $9,900,500
Starsky and Hutch weren’t the only rowdy, car-loving duo of 70s US television. We also have Bo and Luke Duke, the lead characters of Dukes of Hazzard. And for those who remember watching the show as kids, they know it wouldn’t be the same without the 1969 Dodge Charger that the pair couldn’t be seen without.
Their beloved ride was dubbed “General Lee” in honor of the Confederate General Rober E. Lee, and it became such an icon of American TV that when it was finally sold in 2007 it was nabbed for close to $10 million! We’re sure it helped that the film adaptation was released just two years earlier.
Le Mans - $11,000,000
We’ve already talked about the film Le Mans, and of course, its legendary lead actor Steve McQueen, but we still haven’t covered the two most sought-after race cars from the film. First, we have the 1968 Ford GT40 Gulf, the first race car to use carbon fiber as a way to soup up the horsepower without weighing down the carriage.
Soon after the film was released, the unique GT40 Gulf got the attention of many car lovers and race car drivers. Not only was it an incredible piece of machinery but it was driven by McQueen himself, which might play a part in the $11 million cheques that one buyer put down at its private auction.
Le Mans - $14,000,000
And now we have the final car on our list - the magnificent, jaw-dropping, and eye-wateringly expensive 1970 Porsche 917K. And of course, the most sought-after Hollywood car on our list comes from the 1971 film Le Mans, driven by Steve McQueen. By now, it’s pretty clear that any car he touched practically turned to gold.
And when Le Mans hit the cinema, the hype around the Porsche 917K was completely unprecedented. But many were disappointed when the monolithic car disappeared for many decades, only resurfacing in 2001. A very wealthy car enthusiast quickly leaped on the opportunity to purchase if for - just wait - 14 million dollars.