Star Cars

There are some cars that are destined to blend into the background unsung and never appreciated as anything but a day-to-day conveyance. Then there are some that rise through the ranks to fame and recognition. Often these are the cars we desire, admire eulogise about but sometimes for one reason only; they have had fame thrust upon them by television producers and film directors. How many of you have cars that have played a significant part in major films or TV shows? Quite a few I'd wager. I wonder, given availability and some imaginative effort if we muster a significant display based on this theme. Just for fun like!  If I were to list my favourites they’d be:

Aston Martin DB5 

It goes without saying this is the classic James Bond car first seen in Goldfinger where its range of deadly after-market additions supplied by Q Branch, including the infamous ejector seat, saved 007’s hide on more than a few occasions. Actually, thinking about it, if you could put a Lotus Esprit and a 1930 Blower Bentley (Ian Fleming’s vision of Bond’s car) on the same spot we'd have a grand display before we’ve even got going.

Ford Mustang/Dodge Charger

No prizes for guessing the Ford is the car that Steve McQueen bounced around the steep, swooping streets of San Francisco in Bullitt in one of the most famous movie car chases in celluloid history but for my money the more powerful Dodge is the one I’d prefer to own.  Clad in black and unfeasibly long, the Charger was the perfect villain’s choice both for its throaty V8 menace and its thuggish looks. It’s notable also for the skill the stunt drivers showed in coaxing such an adrenaline-pumping, hub-cap-popping performance out of what is a veritable whale of a car.

Volkswagen Beetle

Ah the ubiquitous Bug. Perhaps not the most exciting car in the list but when presented in white with a circled 53 decal on the doors it becomes Herbie the anthropomorphic Beetle from the eponymous film series. As a kid I loved watching these films usually on a wet Holiday Monday.  I always thought I’d like one of these but went in another direction in the end.  However, if I had unlimited funds there would be one in my garage. Do you think Hitler would have approved when he developed these as the German people’s car?

Hillman Imp

We’re off piste a bit here. But the plucky Scottish-built Imp with its boxy shape, alloy engine and dodgy rubber doughnut driveshaft was the automotive star of the largely forgotten TV series Man in a Suitcase. Not sure if the suitcase referred to the car or the man’s luggage and I only vaguely remember seeing this as it played in the afternoons on ITV back in the days when there were only three UK TV channels (and most shut down for a siesta in the afternoon). I nearly bought one of these for my first car but was talked out of it by my Dad. Still have a soft spot for them though especially the estate version: the Hillman Husky.

Citroen DS

Here I go again: bangin’ on about me motor. What will I reference you wonder?  Day of the Jackal, Scarface or, worse, some obscure French film no one’s heard of?  Actually the ‘D’ got a really good showing in the recent film version of Tinker, Tailor, Soldier Spy ferrying the perspicacious George Smiley around as he searched for the mole in MI6.  Arguably it was the perfect conveyance for Smiley to use as he pondered the clues, cushioned from the outside world by the spongy suspension and generally enjoying the excellent rear leg room. I have one to display if needs be!

BMW 5 Series

Fairly bog standard you might think but in terms of making our display, quite easy to source I would have thought.  However, it is the star of one of the other great film car chases from The Transporter with Jason Statham. Filmed in the south of France whoever drove that car was a genius and helped to create a truly great bit of celluloid car madness.

The Austin Mini Cooper

Michael Caine: ‘You’re only supposed to blow the bloody doors off!’ Nuff said…

Peugeot 403 Grand Luxe Convertible

I had to include this.  The rare, but battered, car of my favourite TV detective Columbo. You usually see it back-firing into shot about a third of the way through an episode when the murder has been committed and the dishevelled cop turns up in it to start his relentless badgering of the criminal. This is the only detective show where it’s actually an advantage to know who’s done the dirty deed so you can watch as Lt Columbo grinds out his case against them. If you're an owner of these remarkable vehicles I'm envious; I'd love to own one. Oh and just one more thing….

Reliant Regal Super Van iii (preferably in yellow)

Often incorrectly described as a Reliant Robin, and much maligned on Top Gear, this is the Trotter family’s grimy workhorse from the much-loved UK sitcom Only Fools and Horses. I’ve always been fascinated by these fibreglass three-wheeled oddities and they do look surprisingly practical for the small business person. I would love to have a drive of one of them just for the hell of it.  Not sure why…

So that’s it. An eclectic list I’m sure you’ll agree. What would you include?  Morse’s Mk 2 Jag?  Simon Templar’s P1800 Volvo? Bodie & Doyle’s Ford Capri?  Each to their own I suppose so perhaps you could write out your list and we can start an ongoing theme...

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