What makes a car a classic? That answer depends on the discussion and the people taking part. Fortunately, in the movie and TV world, it’s much easier to find an answer.
The history of television and cinema features thousands of cars, vans, and trucks. Protagonists have used some to swoop in and save the day. They have used these vehicles to escape from villains — or lawmen, depending on the situation.
Other times, they have used these vehicles to simply take part in street races while launching a franchise.
Narrowing a list of thousands down to only a few is an almost impossible task. Yet, we gave it a shot while picking out three vehicles that should forever remain classics.
NOTE: This list does not feature the Batmobile, Condormobile, or Ghost Rider’s Hell Cycle. The list focuses on production cars.
No. 1 – The “Bullitt” Ford Mustang
Steve McQueen was the star of 1968’s “Bullitt,” yet it was his car that took center stage during a hectic chase through San Francisco. This chase started with two hitmen following McQueen’s character through the Bay Area city, but it quickly changed as he became the pursuer.
The hitmen raced through San Francisco in a 1968 Dodge Charger while McQueen chased them in his green 1968 Ford Mustang GT fastback.
For just under 10 minutes, they squealed tires, slid through turns, and caught air off the steep city streets. The chase ultimately ended with the Charger careening off the road and into a gas station, which exploded.
What was so special about the Ford Mustang GT fastback? The Highland Green exterior was a strong starting point. It contrasted beautifully with the black Dodge Charger.
The 390-cubic-inch V-8 engine was another crucial factor. It had the power to chase down the monstrous Charger with its 440 Magnum. The “Bullitt” Mustang’s engine also delivered the powerful growl that added to the car chase.
This 1968 Ford Mustang GT had the look, it had the sound, and it had one of the most memorable chases in cinematic history. This was the perfect trifecta needed to make a classic.
This car was so iconic that Ford Motor Company brought it back in spirit with multiple tributes. The most recent was the 2019 Ford Mustang Bullitt Edition.
No. 2 – “The A-Team” van
TV history includes a wide assortment of classic cars. The General Lee, the “Starsky & Hutch” Gran Torino, and K.I.T.T. are only some of the examples. Yet, one of the true classics is actually a van.
Back in 1983, NBC introduced viewers to “The A-Team.” This show featured four ex-special forces members traveling the country while helping those in need.
Bosco “B.A.” Baracus, John “Hannibal” Smith, H.M. “Howling Mad” Murdock, and Templeton “Faceman” Peck fought biker gangs, corrupt lawmen, and taxi companies. They rescued the innocent from prisons and helped a woman escape a violently arranged marriage.
The star of all these adventures was the 1983 GMC Vandura van. The show’s creators did not simply put the actors in a standard van, however. They completely customized it while creating a memorable vehicle.
This Vandura had an iconic dark silver and black exterior separated by a red stripe. It had a matching red spoiler and wheels. The front-facing push bar added toughness to the exterior.
The four captain’s chairs provided upgraded seating for the team’s members and anyone else they encountered. The hidden compartments in the rear of the van provided ample storage for the M3 submachine gun (grease gun) favored by the A-Team.
On paper, a van with a small-block V8 engine shouldn’t be capable of major stunts. Yet, “The A-Team” used it for frantic car chases all over the country. The show even jumped the van over a canyon with some help from “laughing gas.”
A key factor in whether a car becomes a classic is the number of tributes it inspires. “The A-Team” van reigns supreme in this regard. Many people around the world have made era-appropriate recreations of the GMC Vandura. Others have used the design to personalize modern sprinter vans.
This van is not the fastest vehicle in TV and film history, but it certainly is one of the most recognizable.
No. 3 – “The Fast and the Furious” Toyota Supra
“The Fast and the Furious” has split moviegoers for more than two decades. Some people love the street racing film that spawned a cinematic juggernaut. Others strongly dislike the franchise, the cars, and the characters.
Comedian Kyle Kinane just appreciates the ridiculousness of the series and how its stars can bounce back from physical trauma.
Divisiveness aside, it’s impossible to deny the impact that the 2001 film’s cars had on a generation. These souped-up imports inspired car owners around the globe, and they responded by customizing their Hondas, Acuras, Mazdas, and Toyotas.
The standout car from the first film, which has lasted over the decades since, was the Toyota Supra. This was the “10-second car” that Paul Walker’s character, Brian, used to become friends with Vin Diesel’s character, Dominic.
What made this car unique? The bright orange paint was a solid starting point, as was the massive spoiler on the rear. It also helped that the mid-1990s Supra had a styling that pleased many car enthusiasts.
The design choices continued with Robert Wilson’s graphics. His “Nuclear Gladiator” certainly was over the top, but it stood out on screen and became iconic for fans of the film.
Another reason why this car has become a classic is how the filmmakers used it. Think about the big scenes featuring the car. Brian took part in a street race against a Ferrari, and then he used the Supra to rescue injured members of the crew after a hijacking gone wrong.
The finale of the film also featured Brian using the Supra to chase down a murderer on a motorcycle and in a street race against Dominic in a Dodge Charger.
All of these scenarios were certainly ridiculous, but they helped cement this Supra’s place in cinematic history.