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The top 10 greatest movie cars of all time… from gadget-packed motors to classic high-powered luxury

These are the pick of the bunch when it comes to impressive and iconic cars from movie history

JUST like casting an actor, choosing the right car for a role can make or break a Hollywood blockbuster.

Fortunately for us, the directors of the following ten films knew exactly what they were doing.

From gadget-laden machines to beautifully kept luxury cars, so many vehicles have played a starring role on the big screen in cinema history, with some costing a small fortune to insure. 

Read on to see the Sun Motors list of the top 10 greatest movie cars of all time.

10. Ferrari 250 GT California - Ferris Bueller's Day Off, 1986

 The Ferrari appeared in the 1986 cult classic Ferris Bueller's Day Off
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The Ferrari appeared in the 1986 cult classic Ferris Bueller's Day OffCredit: shooterz.biz Courtesy of RM Auctions

We start our list with a movie not necessarily known for its cars, but one with a motor too beautiful to ignore.

A seemingly average truancy day became thrilling when Ferris convinced friend Cameron to take his dad's Ferrari 250 GT California out for a spin.

A stunning red model, the Italian sports car was one of just 55 ever made, with a 3.0-litre V12 capable of producing 275bhp when new.

9. Ford Gran Torino - Gran Torino, 2008

 The Gran Torino was kept in near-perfect condition
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The Gran Torino was kept in near-perfect conditionCredit: Twitter

If your movie is named after a car, it had better be a pretty special one.

Special is certainly one way of describing the Ford Gran Torino.

Clint Eastwood's performance in the film was upstaged only by the wonder of his 1972 Gran Torino Sport.

While they might not be the rarest car around - with almost 100,000 made - this immaculately presented Torino is one of a kind.

8. Ford Falcon XB - Mad Max, 1979

 The Ford Falcon's most similar rival is the Holden Monaro
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The Ford Falcon's most similar rival is the Holden MonaroCredit: Getty Images

Hailing from the original Mad Max, the Ford Falcon XB 'V8 Interceptor' set the benchmark for angry on-screen muscle cars.

With a rather large supercharger sticking out of the bonnet, it wasn't just any stock Falcon - but then again, a stock Falcon probably wouldn't have made it to the end of the film.

7. Lotus Esprit S1 - The Spy Who Loved Me, 1977

 Part car, part submarine
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Part car, part submarineCredit: Alamy

It may not have been James Bond's most flashy, most powerful, or even his most economical car, but the Lotus Esprit S1 did have a very useful talent - it could swim.

And any car that doubles as a submarine deserves to be on the list.

The original movie car to star in The Spy Who Loved Me is now owned by Tesla CEO Elon Musk, who bought it for around £600,000.

6. Volkswagen Beetle - Herbie, The Love Bug, 1968

 Herbie was the most loved car in Hollywood
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Herbie was the most loved car in HollywoodCredit: Rex Features

One of the original on-screen legends, Herbie was the car with the personality that stole millions of hearts after the film's premiere in 1968.

Undoubtedly one of the most recognisable cars in the world, the Volkswagen Beetle's shape remained virtually unchanged for more than 60 years.

With just 53 horses under the bonnet, they weren't the most powerful car on the road, but the Beetle has gone on to become one of the most successful car models of all time.


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5. Mini Cooper - The Italian Job, 1969

 The Mini saw a revival after the 2003 remake of The Italian Job
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The Mini saw a revival after the 2003 remake of The Italian JobCredit: Paramount Pictures

One of the most iconic cars in British automotive history, the Mini only became more famous following its starring role in The Italian Job.

With celebrities it was a fashion accessory, while families saw it as a cheap and reliable option.

And as we saw in the film, it can certainly race, and is known as one of the most successful Monte Carlo rally cars ever.

4. Batmobile Tumbler - Batman Begins, 2005

 The Tumbler was built and designed as a working car for Batman Begins
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The Tumbler was built and designed as a working car for Batman BeginsCredit: Splash News

Almost everyone that has bought a black car has at some point in time considered calling it the Batmobile - there's no point denying it.

So iconic is the Dark Knight's car that it has become as much a part of his character as the bat symbol and cape.

Making its debut in Batman Begins in 2005, the Tumbler Batmobile is the meanest, and smartest machine in Gotham.

Fitted with a host of gadgets and its own jet-engine, the prop was actually built as a working car, complete with a 5.7-litre Chevrolet 400bhp engine.

3. Dodge Charger - The Fast and the Furious, 2001

 The ultimate muscle car
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The ultimate muscle carCredit: Universal

The biggest car film franchise in history, The Fast and the Furious gave new life to the Dodge Charger.

Finished with glossy black and highlighted by the giant supercharger coming out of the bonnet, the 1970 Charger was Dom Toretto's baby.

The ultimate muscle car also appeared in Fast Five, and starred in Furious 7.

2. DeLorean DMC-12 - Back to the Future, 1985

 The DeLorean wasn't a great car but won a cult following from the movie
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The DeLorean wasn't a great car but won a cult following from the movieCredit: Alamy

The DeLorean is no doubt the strangest car on the list.

In terms of its job as a car, it was worse than average; underpowered, poorly handling and a bizarre combination of various parts from different companies.

But one particular model became a global superstar due to its ability to time travel.

A host of eager Back to the Future fans went out and bought their own DeLorean in an attempt to create a perfect movie replica.

1. Aston Martin DB5 - James Bond: Goldfinger, 1964

 Sean Connery had the honour of driving Hollywood's greatest car
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Sean Connery had the honour of driving Hollywood's greatest carCredit: Alamy

James Bond's Aston Martin DB5 takes the crown as the greatest movie car, simply for its grand stature and stardom in Goldfinger.

One of the most praised films of all time, it was made complete by the addition of the stunning DB5.

Sleek, powerful and fitted out with more gadgets than you can count, the car epitomises everything we love about the Bond franchise.

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