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Car chase scenes in movies have always been a thrilling spectacle, leaving audiences on the edge of their seats. These high-octane sequences often feature iconic cars that become as legendary as the films themselves. In this article, we’re going to embark on a journey to discover the fates of 10 iconic cars from classic car chase films. From the 1968 Mustang in “Bullitt” to the Dodge Challenger in “Vanishing Point,” we’ll uncover the whereabouts of these cinematic legends.
Gone in 60 Seconds: Eleanor’s Dual Fate
Our journey begins with the cult classic “Gone in 60 Seconds,” featuring a 1973 Mustang Mach 1 named Eleanor. Interestingly, both Mustangs that played Eleanor were impostors, being 1971 models with a makeover. The hero car met a mysterious end, but the stunt car survived a 128-foot jump and remains in the possession of the Halicki family.
Two-Lane Blacktop: The Mystery of the Chevy and GTO
“Two-Lane Blacktop” stars James Taylor and Dennis Wilson as drag racers in a cross-country race. The Chevy met a fate of restoration and sale, while the GTO’s whereabouts remain a mystery, leaving us to wonder if it’s still racing on Route 66.
The Blues Brothers: The Legacy of the Bluesmobile
In “The Blues Brothers,” Jake and Elwood Blues tear through the screen in a 1974 Dodge Monaco, famously known as the Bluesmobile. Of the 13 versions used in filming, only three are known to survive, with some replicas claiming authenticity. One of the originals is displayed at the Volo Museum in Illinois.
Death Proof: The Survivors of Tarantino’s Mayhem
Quentin Tarantino’s “Death Proof” features three main cars, including the 1970 Dodge Challenger. Two of the Challengers were sold after filming, one going to a stuntman and the other auctioned on eBay. The fate of the third one remains a mystery. The Chevrolet Nova, with nine iterations, met various fates, including sale to a collector.
Smokey and the Bandit: The Iconic Trans Am
The black and gold 1977 Pontiac Trans Am from “Smokey and the Bandit” made a star out of Burt Reynolds and significantly boosted Trans Am sales. Although all four Trans Ams used in filming were destroyed, one was sold to Burt Reynolds, and it changed hands several times, fetching a substantial price in auctions.
Goldfinger: The Legendary James Bond Aston Martin
The 1963 Aston Martin DB5 from “Goldfinger” remains one of the most iconic James Bond cars, equipped with machine guns, smoke screens, and an ejector seat. There were two DB5s used for filming; one was a road car, the other an effects car. The road car was stolen in 1997 and has never been recovered.
Mad Max: The Fate of the Pursuit Special
In “Mad Max,” Max Rockatansky drives the legendary Pursuit Special, a modified 1973 Ford Falcon XB GT. The fate of the car is a rollercoaster, from being ignored to museum display and eventual sale for a high price.
McQ: The Green Hornet’s Secret
In “McQ,” John Wayne drives a rare 1973 Pontiac Trans Am super duty 455, nicknamed The Green Hornet. While the fate of three or possibly four cars used in the film is uncertain, one might still be waiting for restoration, hidden away in a collector’s garage.
Vanishing Point: The Enigmatic Challenger
“Vanishing Point” features a 1970 Dodge Challenger RT 440, driven by Barry Newman on a high-speed mission. The fate of the cars used in the film remains shrouded in mystery, with conflicting reports of whether they were all scrapped or if one has survived.
Bullitt: The Mustang and Charger Chase
“Bullitt” stars Steve McQueen and his legendary 1968 Mustang GT390 in a thrilling chase with a 1968 Dodge Charger RT 440. The fate of the Charger remains uncertain, with reports of it being sold on eBay and replicas surfacing. As for the Mustang, one was wrecked, and the other disappeared for decades before resurfacing and selling for millions in 2020.
Conclusion
These legendary cars from classic car chase films have captured the hearts of movie enthusiasts for generations. Their fates, filled with twists and turns, mirror the thrilling action they once starred in. As we delve into their stories, we’re reminded of the enduring legacy of these cinematic icons.
FAQs
What is the most valuable movie car ever sold? The most valuable movie car ever sold is the 1968 Mustang from “Bullitt,” which fetched a staggering 3.74 million dollars in 2020.
Are there any surviving original Bluesmobiles from “The Blues Brothers”? Yes, there are three known surviving original Bluesmobiles from “The Blues Brothers.”
What is the fate of the GTO from “Two-Lane Blacktop”? The whereabouts of the GTO from “Two-Lane Blacktop” remain a mystery, leaving room for speculation that it might still be racing on Route 66.
Has the stolen Aston Martin DB5 from “Goldfinger” ever been recovered? No, the stolen Aston Martin DB5 from “Goldfinger” has never been recovered.
Are there any confirmed surviving Dodge Challengers from “Vanishing Point”? The fate of the Dodge Challengers from “Vanishing Point” remains uncertain, with no definitive evidence of any survivors.
