‘Cinematic Speedsters’ – famous cars modified for movies!
Anglo Scottish (vehicle finance specialist; www.angloscottishfinance.co.uk) tells us…
With the seemingly unlimited budgets that movie directors have to play with these days, they’re forgiven for going a little overboard when it comes to cars. If they can dream it, they can usually do it and that tends to make us everyday petrolheads a bit envious.
With the release of the new Twisted Metal TV series just around the corner, car mods are on everyone’s mind. Here, the vehicle finance experts at Anglo Scottish take a look at 10 of the most iconic car modifications seen on the big screen.
Now, it’s worth noting these are a selection of the most iconic modifications – not necessarily the best, or even the most valuable! It’s fair to say that some of these modifications won’t be adding any value to the car, but they’re certainly memorable.
Aston Martin DB5 – Goldfinger (1964)
There aren’t many movie characters that could feature on this list as many times as James Bond. He’s had enough modded supercars to put the entirety of Dubai to shame, but we’ve focused on what’s arguably his best and most iconic.
The Aston Martin DB5, first seen in 1964’s Goldfinger, features gadgets and mods that seem futuristic today, almost 60 years later. Complete with an ejector seat, revolving number plates, an advanced GPS system and tyre slashers to combat car chasers, the DB5 turned a generation of men into petrolheads.
Chevrolet Nova – Death Proof (2007)
One of two modified cars in Quentin Tarantino’s 2007 film Death Proof, this 1970 Chevy Nova was modded by Kurt Russell’s Stuntman Mike to be – as the film’s title suggests – death proof. Featuring custom skull decals, a special roll cage designed to protect the driver in the event of any crash and a ridiculous duck-shaped hood ornament, the film helped the black Chevy earn iconic status.
Fun fact: the Chevy’s licence plate, JJZ-109, mirrors Steve McQueen’s Mustang in the 1968 film Bullitt – another Tarantino homage.
Ectomobile – Ghostbusters (1959)
The fictional Ectomobile – aka the Ecto-1 – is the iconic set of wheels behind the original Ghostbusters film! It’s a 1959 Cadillac that is converted into a Miller-Meteor ambulance and is admittedly a little rickety in the film. The Ectomobile carries the Ghostbusters and their ghoul-hunting gear around New York City, with a modified rack to store their proton packs.
The Ectomobile also has plenty of bells and whistles on the top – the function of which are never revealed.
DMC DeLorean – Back to the Future (1985)
No list of iconic movie cars is complete without the DeLorean. Often criticised for a poor driving experience and build quality, the DeLorean has retained legendary status thanks to Robert Zemeckis’ film trilogy.
Fitted with a flux capacitor, the DeLorean allows for time travel once the car hits 88 mph – which the real car was actually incapable of doing, apparently maxing out at 85 mph! You can’t beat the classic suicide doors though…
2007 Chevrolet Camaro Replica – Transformers (2007)
Adding an actual Transformer to a list of car modifications feels a little like cheating. But if we’re talking iconic cars on the big screen, it’s hard to get better than Bumblebee. He first appears as a battered but charming ’77 Camaro, but transforms into an ‘07 edition during the film.
Not everybody’s car can put together a playlist to help you woo the woman of your dreams – but Bumblebee can, helping to wingman Shia LaBeouf’s character with some cultured music selections.
Hulk Volkswagen Touran – The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift (2006)
Out of all the cars in the Fast and the Furious franchise the Hulk-themed ’05 Volkswagen Touran, driven by Bow-Wow in Tokyo Drift, has to be the oddest. His character, Twinkie, is a serious Hulk enthusiast and drives a car to reflect his passion.
It’s green, of course, featuring an angry Hulk face adorned on the front grille. But it’s the side panel décor which stands out most, featuring custom foot and fist dents as if the Hulk is trying to break out of the car himself!
Ford Falcon – Mad Max (1979)
Driven by Mel Gibson’s Max Rockatansky in Mad Max and the 1981 sequel, this Ford Falcon was originally modified to be a police interceptor and is then modified further to stand up to the demands of the post-apocalyptic wasteland.
Fitted with fat tyres, a new nose and eventually a double fuel tank for longevity, it’s the perfect car for Max’s requirements. It even gets a special seat added for Max’s dog!
Ford Econoline – Dumb and Dumber (1994)
The Ford Econoline seen in Dumb and Dumber, and its 2014 sequel, is no traditional van. Harry Dunne, the film’s bumbling protagonist, spends his life savings to transform the humble van for his job as a dog groomer.
The Mutt’s Cutts van is covered in fur, with eyes, a tail, floppy ears and even a tongue. Want to put a tank of petrol in? All you’ve got to do is lift its rear leg…
Chevrolet Silverado Fleetside – Kill Bill: Vol. 1 (2003)
This bright yellow Chevrolet pickup truck is Beatrix Kiddo’s first mode of transportation after she wakes from a coma and heads out to Kill Bill. It’s adorned with a custom paint job and some X-rated decals, adding to the vehicle’s notoriety.
The Chevrolet also featured in music videos for Missy Elliott and Lady Gaga.
Mustang S197 – Death Race (2008)
Yet another iconic Mustang from the big screen – there’s something about the ‘stang’s silhouette that translates perfectly to an aggressively modded motor. In this 2008 remake of the 1975 cult classic, Jason Statham’s modded Mustang S197 takes ‘muscle car’ to the next level.
Covered boot-to-bonnet in rugged armour, Statham’s car features dual mounted Gatling guns as well as ‘the Tombstone,’ a six-inch thick solid steel shield to protect him from other drivers.
Now, even if you could become the owner of one of the aggressively modded cars like Statham’s Mustang, it’s going to be hugely impractical – if it’s even road-legal. Besides, we don’t think many people will be too jealous of the Mutt’s Cutts van, will they?
About Anglo Scottish Asset Finance:
They tell us: Anglo Scottish Asset Finance, founded in 2007, is an experienced group of finance brokers with a unique portfolio of funders. Specialising in vehicle finance, Anglo Scottish’s extensive range of funders has enabled individuals around the country to become the owners of their dream vehicles.