Iconic Movie Cars: Where Are They Now?

Ever wonder what happens to the iconic cars from your favorite movies after the credits roll? Do they end up in museums, private collections, or just fade away in some old garage? How much would it cost to own one of these legendary rides today?

1. DeLorean DMC-12 – Back to the Future

The DeLorean DMC-12, famed for its role as a time-traveling machine in “Back to the Future,” is currently on display at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles. Restored in 2013 by a dedicated team of fans and Universal Studios, this piece of cinematic history is now valued at over $500,000 due to its unique modifications and movie fame.

2. 1968 Ford Mustang GT – Bullitt

Steve McQueen’s 1968 Ford Mustang GT from “Bullitt” became legendary for its high-speed chase scenes. One of the original cars was sold at a Florida auction in 2020 for $3.74 million. The remaining Mustang is rumored to be in a private collection, hidden away from the public eye, continually appreciating in value.

3. Aston Martin DB5 – James Bond Series

The Aston Martin DB5, the quintessential Bond car, featured in multiple films across the decades. One of the original DB5s used in “Goldfinger” and “Thunderball” was auctioned in 2010 for $4.6 million. Another restored version equipped with Bond gadgets was sold in 2019 for over $6 million, proving the enduring allure of 007’s ride.

4. 1977 Pontiac Trans Am – Smokey and the Bandit

The 1977 Pontiac Trans Am from “Smokey and the Bandit” epitomized cool in the ’70s. One of the cars used in the filming was recently restored and is now part of a private collection in Florida, occasionally making appearances at car shows and fetching a hefty sum when auctioned, with values reaching up to $550,000.

5. Batmobile – 1989 Batman

The Batmobile from Tim Burton’s 1989 “Batman” is one of the most iconic movie cars ever. After changing hands several times, the original Batmobile now resides in a private museum in California. It’s estimated to be worth over $1 million, reflecting its status as a pop culture powerhouse.

6. 1959 Cadillac Miller-Meteor Ambulance – Ghostbusters

The “Ecto-1” from “Ghostbusters” was a modified 1959 Cadillac Miller-Meteor ambulance. After years of neglect, it was fully restored and is now a star attraction at the Sony Pictures lot in California, where it is used for studio tours and promotional events.

7. Ferrari 250 GT California Spyder – Ferris Bueller’s Day Off

The Ferrari 250 GT California Spyder from “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” was actually a replica, but that doesn’t diminish its fame. One of the replicas used in the film sold for nearly $400,000 in 2020. Original models of the car are exceedingly rare and can fetch tens of millions at auction.

8. 1976 AMC Pacer – Wayne’s World

The 1976 AMC Pacer, famously known as the “Mirthmobile” from “Wayne’s World,” was auctioned off in 2016. It found a new home for $37,400. True to its humble origins, it’s not the most expensive movie car, but it holds a special place in the hearts of fans for its down-to-earth charm and role in the beloved comedy.

9. Mini Coopers – The Italian Job

The Mini Coopers from “The Italian Job” (2003) are emblematic of heist movie vehicles. Several of these cars were sold after filming, fetching around $40,000 each. They often appear at car shows and are popular with collectors who appreciate both their cinematic history and zippy performance.

10. 1982 Pontiac Trans Am – Knight Rider

The 1982 Pontiac Trans Am, known as KITT from “Knight Rider,” has multiple surviving examples. Some are displayed in museums, while others are owned by private collectors. One of the original cars used in the show was sold for $100,000 in 2017, a testament to its status as a symbol of 1980s television.

Where Rubber Meets the Road

So, how feasible is it for the average Joe to park one of these beauties in his garage? Not very, unless you’re ready to fork out a small fortune. These cars aren’t just vehicles; they’re pieces of history, each with a story that continues to captivate and intrigue car enthusiasts and movie buffs alike.

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For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.