We’ve been thinking, ‘What makes a good film into a great film?’ The story, the characters, the cinematography and the acting all play a part. And though they’ve never been awarded a gong, cars have played a big role in many movies, too.
In fact, everything from the costumes, right down to all the little props come together to make a performance worthy of an Oscar or BAFTA nomination, and though they haven’t been honoured outright, our automotive favourites have surely contributed to the success of the films in which they star.
At Swansway Group, we ensure that each of our cars perform as they should by providing the very best vehicles and service to our customers. In our eyes, they’re all award-winning. So, let’s take a look at the on-screen motors that have earned a permanent space in our hearts and memories. Here’s our nominations for the ‘Swancar’ awards:
Batman (1989)
- Car: Batmoblie- custom built supercar
- Driver: Batman
- Engine: Jet Turbine
- 0-60 mph: 3.7 seconds
- Max Speed: 530 km/h with booster
- Also appeared in: Batman Returns (1992).
- Unique Feature: Side-mounted grappling hook launchers, disc projectile launchers and bomb dispensers.
The Batman legacy has created so many film versions and sequels that it’s hard to keep track of the different incarnations of The Batmobile. This Tim Burton design sums up the Caped Crusader for us - strong in all the right places with a delicate curve and a few surprises!
They don't make 'em like they used to! Do they, eh? Eh, Batsy? The Joker
The Love Bug (1968)
- Car: Herbie- 1963 Volkswagen Beetle
- Driver: Jim Douglas
- Engine: 1.2L 4 cylinder (40 HP)
- 0-60 mph: 23 seconds
- Max Speed: 83 mph
- Also appeared in: Herbie Rides Again (1974); Herbie Goes to Monte Carlo (1977); Herbie Goes Bananas (1980); Herbie: Fully Loaded (2005).
- Unique Feature: Driverless, mind of its own.
Goldfinger (1964)
- Car: 1966 Aston Martin DB5
- Driver: James Bond
- Engine: 4.0 L 12V (282 bhp)
- 0-60 mph: 8.1 seconds
- Max Speed: 145 mph
- Also appeared in: Thunderball (1965), GoldenEye (1995), Tomorrow Never Dies (1997), Casino Royale (2006), Skyfall (2012) and Spectre (2015).
- Unique Feature: Pop out gun barrels behind the front indicators, bullet shield in the rear window and a 3-way revolving front number plate.
James Bond enjoyed this car so much that it repeatedly turned up in several of his films. Whether he was using it to impress the ladies or chase the bad guys, it invariably left him feeling shaken, but not stirred!
Ejector seat? You're joking! I never joke about my work, 007. James Bond & Q
Back to the Future (1985)
- Car: 1981 DeLorean DMC-12
- Driver: Doc Brown & Marty McFly
- Engine: 2,849 cc PRV V6
- 0-60 mph: 9.5 seconds
- Max Speed: 88 mph - the speed at which it disappears in time!
- Also appeared in: Back to the Future 2 (1989); Back to the Future 3 (1990).
- Unique Feature: Flux capacitor: “what makes time travel possible.”
In the 1980s, the DeLorean DMC-12 was futuristic enough with its gullwing doors. Back to the Future fans would love to get their hands on this uranium-powered car, with or without the flux capacitor.
Roads? Where we're going, we don't need roads. Doc Brown
The Fast & The Furious (2001)
- Car: 1993 Toyota Supra Mk IV
- Driver: Brian O’Connor & Dom Toretto
- Engine: 3 litre inline-6 (544 HP)
- 0-60 mph: 4.3 seconds
- Max Speed: 185 mph
- Also appeared in: 2 Fast 2 Furious (2003).
- Unique Feature: 19-speed gearbox, full roll cage, heavy duty suspension, a set of competition seats and a strengthened fuel tank.
This car helped Vin Diesel and the late Paul Walker bond in the very first Fast and Furious film with Diesel’s character Dom Toretto making his escape in the supercar. Greater love hath no man than to hand over the keys of his Supra to his friend!
I live my life a quarter mile at a time. Dom Toretto
The Italian Job (1968)
- Car: 1968 Mini Cooper S
- Driver: Charlie Croker’s gang
- Engine: 1.0 litre (60 HP)
- 0-60 mph: 14.2 seconds
- Max Speed: 88 mph
- Unique Feature: Stair-climbing, tunnel-riding, stadium-cruising dexterity.
Producers of The Italian Job wanted a very British car to be used and so turned down Fiat’s offer of help in preference of the BMC Mini Cooper. The car is just as classic as the film with the US remake in 2003 being neither as spectacular or memorable.
There are more things to life than breaking and entering. Mr Bridger
Thelma & Louise (1991)
- Car: 1966 Thunderbird
- Driver: Louise
- Engine: 6.4 litre (315 HP)
- 0-60 mph: 9.3 seconds
- Max Speed: 127 mph
- Unique Feature: Two sassy, never-to-be crossed female passengers.
A voyage of discovery, tragedy and laughter shared with two friends and their car in shining armour. These ladies demonstrated that when things go wrong, you can always rely on your trusty motor.
I don't ever remember feeling this awake. Thelma
