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1981 DeLorean DMC-12
As Seen In: Back to the Future
Year: 1985
IMDb
While the car sales were not necessarily spectacular, collectors and the like have raved about this car. And because the film was such a cult classic, the actual car used in the film is particularly valuable. Current estimates put it at around $100,000. That’s quite a bit of money for a car that’s most famous for going 88 MPH!
1949 Mercury Series 9CM Custom
As Seen In: Grease
Year: 1978
Few movies have so clearly defined a generation (several generations, in fact) like Grease. The movie, starring the up-and-coming John Travolta, was an immediate hit and has since been rendered a classic among movie-goers everywhere. Who can forget Danny and the T-Birds fixing up the car while they were singing and dancing on it?
And, because of this, the car used in the film — none other than Grease Lightning — it has grown to become worth a lot of money. And just how much money, you ask? A whopping $600,000. That is for sure a pretty penny. But completely worth it, to own even a piece of such a beloved movie!
1966 Ford Thunderbird Convertible
As Seen In: Thelma and Louise
Year: 1991
Thelma and Louise is another classic movie we all remember. And, of course, as we follow the two along their roadtrip of chivalry and mayhem, we experience an affiliation between their final moment and a certain motor vehicle. That motor vehicle was practically the third star of the film!
And of course, this vehicle is the 1966 For Thunderbird Convertible. The car, piloting Thelma and Louise into their final thematic moment, is a classic. Predictably, this reputation has earned it a fetching price of $71,500. It might seem a little high for this make and model, but if it’s good enough for Thelma & Louise, then it’s good enough for us!
1940 Buick Phaeton
As Seen In: Casablanca
Year: 1940
It’s rare to find a car from the 1940s that is so admired. Yet here we are, admiring the likes of a 1940s Buick Phaeton. Not only is this car a commodity to collectors, but it’s famous for its role in the film Casablanca. And this car is sleek, beautiful and classic, just like the stars of one of the most classic movies of all time.
The specific car that was used, hosting 42,000 miles on the odometer, was eventually restored. So while you get the look of the classic, you get the vitals of a newborn. That’s giving you the best of both worlds. And so, the car is estimated at a whopping $500,000.
1963 Volkswagen Beetle
As Seen In: Herbie Goes to Monte Carlo, Herbie Goes to Bananas
Year: 1969
The Herbie movies are something of a classic. Generations have fallen in love with the movies! They follow the likes of a sentient and charismatic little Volkswagen Beetle. As we witness the car get itself into all sorts of antics, we develop an affinity to the odd creature. For many, it’s the beginning of a lifelong love for the VW Beetle.
Not necessarily because of the sentience, but rather because of its reputation, the car has accrued quite an impressive appraisal. In fact, it is estimated to be valued at around $126,500. That’s definitely a handful of cash. Unfortunately the car doesn’t come with the consciousness. Your Herbie won’t quite talk to you, but you’ll still have plenty of fun driving it.
1993 Toyota Supra
As Seen In: The Fast and the Furious
Year: 1993
The Fast and the Furious has become one of the most valued enterprises in all of cinema history. In total, there are something like 15 different installments (just kidding). While the series has since deviated from its original racing roots, it still has many dear fans. And if you are one of those many fans, you’ll know that the impressive cars quite often steal the scene during these movies.
The most famous car is the one used by the late Paul Walker. A fan favorite, tributes to him pour in every year. This racer is privately owned and apparently set to play in another installment of the series this year. Until then, the car is currently valued at around $185,000.
The Original Batmobile
As Seen In: Batman: The Movie
Year: 1966
The Batmobile needs no introduction. Having served as the primary vehicle for the most human of superheros, the car developed quite the reputation. Not only possessing an abundance of gadgets, the car boasts the most keen specs of its time. The tech-filled convertible was one of the most forward-thinking parts of the show.
The original Batmobile, having launched all future Batmans to come from the 1960s onward, is now estimated to be worth around $4.6 million. While it’s not really as high tech as you might want a Batmobile to be, it is still a neat car. And just think of all the attention you’ll get if you drive it around town!
1992 Peterbilt 379
As Seen In: Transformers
Year: 1992
It might look like just a regular truck, but we know better. While it doesn’t appear like much on the surface, the car is actually much more than meets the eye. And if you get that reference, you likely don’t need much more info on this semitruck bereft of payload. But we’ll give it to you anyways.
This is the car that starred as Optimus Prime in the Transformers series. The robot was cleverly disguised as one of the most iconic road vehicles of the time. Having played as the leading robot protagonist, it makes sense that the car would accumulate some fame. And with that fame comes the price tag of around $121,000.
1912 Rolls Royce 40/50HP Open Drive Landaulette
As Seen In: My Fair Lady
Year: 1964
For a few of the cars on this list, we have to dip way back in time. These cars are those that are among the first few, so of course they — because of collectors and the life — are going to fetch a handsome sum. So here we have the 1912 Rolls Royce 40/50HP Open Drive Landaulette. Naturally, a Rolls Royce of any sort would be worth quite a bit, but this particular one is going to be worth even more.
This car was used in the movie My Fair Lady, an award-winning film of the 1960s. The movie starred Audrey Hepburn and Rex Harrison and was an instant hit. The car was designed by Henry Royce, the company’s founder. Ultimately, this combination of factors put the car at a staggering $550,000.
1968 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 NART Spider
As Seen In: The Thomas Crown Affair
Year: 1968
Few movies parallel the class exhibited in the original The Thomas Crown Affair. Everything about this movie was slick, expensive, and luxurious. And so, the shiny red “Italian thing” used by Steve McQueen in the film is predictably famous. The cherry red Ferrari was used by the debonair banker to languorously commute his way around town.
The car is one of the most valuable on this list — in part due to its rarity and in part due to its use in the film. Plus it’s a Ferrari, which instantly ups the price. Current estimates place the car, which is in private possession — at around $20 million. That’s a whole lotta money.
1969 Dodge Charger
As Seen In: Dukes of Hazzard
Year: 1968/69
This is likely one of the most recognizable cars on this list. Hosting a very distinct color (orange) along with a very distinct “01” on its doors, this cars tops the list in terms of familiarity. Who can forget Bo and Luke, jumping in and out of the window instead of using the door?
And, as you likely could have guessed, this car is from the show The Dukes of Hazzard. Nicknamed the General Lee, this was the car young boys dreamt of. Having performed through numerous jumps and stunts, it’s amazing that a functional version of the car still exists. Estimates value the car at around $79,995.
1968 Ford Mustang GT390 Fastback
As Seen In: Bullitt
Year: 1968
While not as recognizable as the ‘69 Charger, this car is equally formidable. Having performed as the go-to car in the movie Bullitt (pronounced bullet), it has performed its fair share of stunts. It’s not for the faint of heart. With its roaring engine and barely-tethered speed, it leaves no doubt that it was built for speed.
But unlike its orange counterpart, the Ford Mustang from Bullitt does not fetch as high an asking price. Rather, it lingers at around $43,000. This makes this famous movie car almost affordable. You might want to shell out the cash and buy this car if you can. Just don’t drive it like they did, okay?
1967 Shelby Mustang GT500
As Seen In: Gone in 60 Seconds
Year: 1974/2000
Gone in 60 Seconds was one Nic Cage film that didn’t have us reeling in madness and confusion. Rather than force us to wonder what Cage was doing, we were left feeling the film was natural. It felt at home. And so, when his most prized car was a 1967 Shelby Mustang, we sat and listened. And we learned just why this car was so important to him.
The car in the film was the car to steal — the last on his list and the most infamous. This was the car of Nic Cage’s dreams. It was the one car he was determined to own at whatever personal cost. So, as the most valuable car to him, it makes sense that it might fetch a value and real life. And so it does — the car is estimated at a whopping $1 million.
1964 Aston Martin DB5
As Seen In: Goldfinger, Thunderball
Year: 1964, 1965
It’s not everyday that you see a car that has starred in several high profile movies. Yet, that is exactly what we have here. The car, an Aston Martin DB5, has starred leading roles as the prefered vehicle in Goldfinger and Thunderball. With its instantly recognizable form, anyone who enjoys watching 007 can tell from miles away that this is *the* car for Bond, James Bond.
Because of its sterling history and reputation (and not to mention beauty and class), the car has earned itself quite the price among collectors. And that price is an impressive $4.6 million. Wowza. That’s a lot of change for the spymaster’s car.
1977 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am
As Seen In: Smokey and the Bandit
Year: 1977
Smokey and the Bandit was a film starring none other than Burt Reynolds. While the show was one of the many that helped launch him into a career of superstardom, it also helped to bring along a few other things as well. One of these was the 1977 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am. Reynolds’ car of choice was almost as important to the movie as the stars themselves were.
The black and gold car was used in countless stunts for the film, making it look indescribably cool. Upping the cool factor was Reynolds, with his infamous swagger. And because of this, the car has earned a little over its natural value — the car is priced at around $76,000.
2004 Lexus Concept Car
As Seen In: Minority Report
Year: 2002
Many movies portray the future in ways that require the making of a new car. And this was exactly the case in the Minority Report, starring Tom Cruise. Rather than having Cruise run about the entire film (his preferred method of travel), Lexus designed a sleek and forward-looking car that would fit the bill. That by itself would raise the value of any car, the fact that it was created specifically for a top star and a top director to use in a high-grossing movie.
The car, built in 2004, is supercharged in just about every way. Requested by Steven Spielberg, it was assiduously dialed in to fit the dystopian sci-fi future. If you want this car for yourself, it will cost you $88,000. By no means cheap.
1976 Lotus Esprit Coupe
As Seen In: The Spy Who Loved Me, For Your Eyes Only
Year: 1977
It’s no surprise that a handful of James Bond cars would make this list. Considering that the car is one of the main gadgets used by the ultra-spy superhero — and that it’s designed to accommodate all of his superstar needs — the cars must be fairly cool. 007 would never settle for a car that was less than exciting, on the road or underwater.
And this Lotus Esprit is no different. Designed in the typical ‘70s style, the car has a clean white physique and a beautiful leather interior. Estimates of the car put its worth at around $1 million. That price tag might actually be worth it if you could take it underwater like 007 did. But it’s unlikely you’d get the car without Bond destroying it first.
1961 Ferrari 250 GT California
As Seen In: Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
Year: 1961
Ferraris are the type of car you dream about as a kid: “When I grow up, I want to be rich and own a Ferrari.” Well, for some this dream comes true. And in movies this is especially true. Here, we see it come true for Ferris Bueller. Ferris’s Ferrari isn’t quite his, however. The plot twist here is that it belongs to his best friend’s father – and they don’t have his permission to borrow it.
Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, the film in which the car appears, showcases this beautiful car — which, incidentally, was later inducted into a Smithsonian museum. Anyway, the car’s fame and status afford it the calling price of $375,000. That’s pretty expensive for a car that was driven all over Chicago by a teenager!
1986 Ferrari Testarossa
As Seen In: Miami Vice
Year: 1986
The original Miami Vice was an interesting concept. Having brought a new caliber of grit to a posh lifestyle in Miami, Florida, the series was a strong hit for its time. And so, the equally posh car that these detectives drove around was destined to win. Looking ultra-cool and hip, the two detectives hit the streets of Miami in their preferred vehicle.
But don’t expect anyone to go undercover in their cop car. The car was a 1986 Ferrari Testarossa. In particular, a white 1986 Ferrari Testarossa. There’s something about white that just spells “POLICE.” Okay, maybe not. Either way, the car is estimated to be worth a breathtaking $1.75 million.
The Beverly Hillbillies Car
As Seen In: The Beverly Hillbillies
Year: 1993
Not all cars deserve a perfect look (or name). Well, actually, it might be fair to argue that this truck does have a perfect look — it’s just perfect in a different way. This car perfectly captures the essence of what it means to be a Beverly Hillbilly. It’s ideally suited for their family’s arrival in Beverly Hills, horrifying their neighbors and delighting audiences of the time.
The car began as a 1920s Oldsmobile M46 Roadster, but was quickly modified to meet the particularly hillbilly-ish needs of the cast and crew. After all, no other Oldsmobile needed to have a barrel strapped to the front end. And so we’re left with this car, valued at around $275 million.
1966 Monkeemobile Pontiac GTO
As Seen In: The Monkees
Year: 1966
The Pontiac GTO is a very famous car. It’s been in countless movies and is the dream car of more than one car enthusiast. It’s even more famous by the countless renditions its been forced to endure by people trying to tailor the car to their own specific wants. And this is where the 1966 Monkeemobile comes in.
Designed specifically for The Monkees TV show. This car took center stage in some of their most famous antics. Unique among GTOs, this specialty is one for the books. And so, it catches the outstanding demand price of $396,000. So you decide: either buy a house or buy this car. Our guess is you’ll choose the latter.
1970 Dodge Charger
As Seen In: Fast Five
Year: 2011
We have already talked about the Fast and the Furious franchise, a series of films that went from totally about cars to only tangentially (if at all) related to cars. But Vin Diesel — the enterprise’s mastermind — makes sure the cars still land as impressive. And he makes sure he takes care of his favorite cars.
And that’s what we have here with the 1970 Dodge Charger. The thing has horse power to spare. Hosting such a large engine, you have to wonder how the driver reasonably drives the car. Unless, of course, you’ve watched the movies. Then you would know that reasonable driving isn’t actually the goal for any of the main players. Current estimates place the car at $35,000.
Buick Blackhawk Factory Custom
As Seen In: Bad Boys II
Year: 2001
Custom cars are often the most expensive. This isn’t just because they’re custom — it’s because they’re custom and they’re typically designed by top-tier manufacturers. Because of this, they are often absurdly expensive. This one even looks like it would be expensive, with its unique color and sleek design.
And this Buick Blackhawk is no exception. Completely customized for the movie, the car has some pretty impressive features, including its starring role. Having been featured in the second installment of the Bad Boys series, the car is not to be messed with. It commands one of the most formidable prices on this list with a price tag of $522,000.
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
As Seen In: Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
Year: 1920
As we talked about, custom cars are often the most expensive. So here, when we see the car from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, it should be no surprise that the car is expensive. The car was raced by Ian Fleming, making it more famous than it would be on its own. And even though it’s not quite the Aston Martin driven by his most famous character, Fleming was on to something with this unique vehicle.
But other than that, its unique appearance and drive style lend the car to an unparalleled catalogue of collectibles. There’s no denying that it is one of a kind. But to collect this bad boy, you’d have to shell out something around $805,500. That’s definitely not a marginal sum…
1977 Chevrolet Camaro
As Seen In: Transformers
Year: 2013
The Camaro is another of those cars that has a strong reputation. Everyone knows what this classic car looks like, and they’ve been used in many a film and television show. Having been used in everything from races to stunts in movies, it’s been tested in essentially every possible way. And more than that, this Chevy is the one that played Bumblebee in Transformers.
This side character has been a favorite among fans, eventually earning itself its own show. This original car, however, takes the cake of cool. With its unique bright yellow color, there’s no denying that it’s a piece of movie history. It’s estimated to be worth around $167,000. While not the most pricey, it’s still enough to make you wonder — should I save my pennies?
1964 Lincoln Continental
As Seen In: Animal House
Year: 1978
This car’s starring role is a bit of an anomaly. Few comedy movies build reputations around cars. That wasn’t the case with Animal House, starring the late John Belushi. The movie combined humor with an interesting breed of class, yielding a certain car a solid name. This car was the Lincoln Continental.
While by no means the most valuable car on this list (in fact, it’s definitely ranked toward the other end of the scale), the car is still something of sentimental value to many. An entire generation would love to won this car, if only to remember one of their most beloved actors. If you want to make the car your own, you only need shell out $27,867. That’s pretty much affordable, for a piece of cinematic history.
1970 Dodge Charger (different)
As Seen In: The Fast and The Furious
Year: 2001
Now you may be thinking to yourself, “We’ve already talked about the 1970 Dodge Charger!” And you’d be right — we have talked about such a car. But that specific car was not the one used in the first — and the most original — Fast and the Furious movies. That honor is reserved for this car, which is why it’s also the most collectible.
Because of this, the car has more value. It was the progenitor, if you will, of all Fast movies to come. All of the other movies – and their cars – came thanks to this one. And with good reason, because it inspired an entire series of drag racing vehicles, and their friends-turned-family owners. If you want to make this thing your own, you’ll have to save your pennies — and do so for many years. The thing costs around $200,000.
1968 Ford Gulf GT40
As Seen In: Le Mans
Year: 1968
This rare car, the 1968 Ford Gulf GT40, is used in a perhaps lesser known film known as Le Mans. While the film showcases driver Steve McQueen at his best — racing and winning — it hasn’t remained as popular as other McQueen classics in the modern day. But it’s still a gorgeously sleek racecar driven by one of the top stars of that era, so its appeal is undeniable. And its value reflects it.
Because of its affiliations with McQueen, and because of its original look and appearance, the car is worth an extreme sum of money. And when we say extreme, we mean it. Current estimates place the car at around $2.5 million. This car was actually used in races prior to its time in showbiz, so perhaps that money is worth it…
Porsche 911 Turbo 3.6
As Seen In: Bad Boys
Year: 1995
This is another beautiful car that was featured in a cop movie — Bad Boys, starring Will Smith and Martin Lawrence. The film follows two mildly disobedient cops with a strong sense of renegade justice. And to implement such justice, Smith often drives a fancy car. Such is the case with this film, and the Porsche Turbo that perfectly fits in with his character.
In the original Bad Boys, that car is the Porsche 911 Turbo 3.6. A beautiful car, of course, but not the most special we’ve seen on this list. Unlike the car the used in the second film, this one isn’t customized. Even the color is one you can get from the dealer. All the stats check out, and you can get this car at the reasonable price of $99,000.
Ecto-1
As Seen In: Ghostbusters
Year: 1984
Now, this is the car at the top of our list. Not necessarily because it’s the best car ever made with the most customized specs, but instead because it starred in one of the most cult classic films imaginable — Ghostbusters. Who could say no to the pure fun of driving this iconic car around town? Imagine showing up to the next family reunion in this one.
It’s not difficult to see: all you need to do is go visit the Peterson Auto Museum in LA. While you won’t be able to purchase this car (along with most the others on this list, actually), you will be able to stand by and admire. It’s estimated value is around $120,000. Ghosts not included.