We’ve all seen the famous Nissan Skylines and Bugatti Veyrons, but how sweet was that old clunker of a car the Dude drove in The Big Lebowski? There are plenty of memorable cars featured in movies, inspiring generations of culture and becoming objects of desire for many people, even if some of those cars are a little rough around the edges. We’ve already looked at the coolest movie cars, so now it’s time to take a look at Hollywood’s most famous clunkers. These are Unhaggle’s favourites:
The Dude’s Gran Torino
This 1973 Ford Gran Torino is featured prominently in The Big Lebowski. It’s rare that a car fits its owner so perfectly, but the Dude (Jeff Bridges) and his car are a perfect match. Towards the end of the movie, the car has been put through plenty of undeserved abuse but nonetheless, it trucks on.
Jack Cates’ Cadillac
This beat-up 1964 Cadillac DeVille Convertible, appearing in 48 Hrs., has definitely seen better days, just like its owner. Funnily enough, even with access to Reggie’s (Eddie Murphy) stolen drug money, Jack Cates (Nick Nolte) spends $25,000 to get another worn, old Caddy in the sequel. Still, whether it’s from 1964 or 2014, a Caddy is always a neat car to look at.
Stuntman Mike’s Challenger
Featured in plenty of car chases is a 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T. The iconic Challenger was also seen in Quentin Tarantino’s Death Proof, which belonged to the ruthless sociopath by the name of Stuntman Mike (Kurt Russell).
Bond’s Aston Martin DB5
James Bond’s legacy of famous cars and far-out gadgets can be traced back to one car – the 1964 Aston Martin DB5, which Mr. Bond (Sean Connery) had the pleasure of driving in Goldfinger and Thunderball.
Cobretti’s Mercury
A customized 1950 Mercury Monterey is a focal point of the movie Cobra, but is sadly destroyed by the end of it. We’re sure Marion Cobretti (Sylvester Stallone) wept for it off-camera.
Bond’s Lotus Esprit
Appearing in The Spy Who Loved Me, the 1976 Lotus Esprit Series I is yet another classic Bond car, though it’s not as iconic as the Aston Martin.
Louise’s Thunderbird
A 1966 Ford Thunderbird symbolizes the freedom Louise (Susan Sarandon) yearns for in the movie Thelma & Louise. With such an elegantly designed and perfectly named car, we couldn’t think of a better vehicle to represent the inner turmoil and relationship of the two female protagonists in the film – even if it is an admittedly old clunker.
