Media post: The Most Iconic Car Accessories in Movie History
Cars have played an integral role in countless films, often acting as more than just vehicles but as extensions of the characters themselves. Some of these cars come equipped with iconic items that have left a lasting impression on audiences. From sleek gadgets to powerful weapons, these items often become synonymous with the car and contribute to the film’s legacy. Below is a look at some of the most iconic items in movie cars, ranging from action-packed thrillers to futuristic adventures.
James Bond’s Aston Martin DB5 – Gadgets Galore
Arguably the most famous car in movie history, James Bond’s Aston Martin DB5 is loaded with gadgets. First appearing in Goldfinger (1964), this stylish silver vehicle is more than just a fast ride. It’s packed with concealed weapons and high-tech devices built for the spy game, including:
Ejector Seat: One of the most memorable features, allowing Bond to jettison an unwanted passenger. Would not recommend trying this one on your own.
Machine Guns: Hidden behind the headlights, these retractable weapons are the ultimate in vehicle self-defense.
Oil Slick and Smoke Screen: Classic spy gadgets used to disable or evade pursuers. Fans of Mario Kart know what we’re talking about.
Bulletproof Shield: A retractable rear screen protecting Bond from gunfire during high-speed chases. Hopefully it works a little better than the Cybertruck’s attempt at bulletproof glass.
Each gadget has been vital to Bond’s escapes, cementing the Aston Martin DB5’s place as the quintessential spy car.
The DeLorean – Time Circuits and Flux Capacitor
The DeLorean DMC-12 from the 80’s classic Back to the Future (1985) is one of the most iconic cars ever, largely thanks to its futuristic, time-traveling capabilities. The items that make this car unforgettable include:
Flux Capacitor: The core component that enables time travel, once it reaches the necessary speed of 88 mph. A pretty cool design by someone who came up with it after bumping their head in the bathroom.
Time Circuits: An interface that allows Doc Brown and Marty McFly to input the exact date and time to which they want to travel.
Mr. Fusion: Introduced in *Back to the Future Part II*, this home energy reactor powers the DeLorean using household waste instead of plutonium, making time travel eco-friendly. Doc Brown was ahead of his time (quite literally).
Gull-Wing Doors: Forget about the cool time travel technology and focus on how cool those doors were. While they’ve been used on other cars throughout time, including the Aston Martin Valkyrie, they’ll forever be tied to the DeLorean.
The combination of these futuristic items transformed the DeLorean from a mere car to a symbol of adventure across time. Every teenager in the 80’s wanted one of their own.
The Batmobile – High-Tech Arsenal
Batman’s Batmobile has evolved throughout decades of films, but it has consistently been loaded with incredible items. In The Dark Knight trilogy (2005–2012), the Tumbler version of the Batmobile stood out for its military-grade equipment, which includes:
Jet Engine: Allowing the Batmobile to achieve incredible bursts of speed, making it almost impossible to catch. I’m sure Bruce can afford that gas bill to run it.
Stealth Mode: This feature turns off all exterior lights and muffles the sound of the engine, allowing Batman to disappear into the shadows.
Grappling Hook: A tool for quick, agile cornering during car chases or pulling down obstacles.
Batpod: A detachable motorcycle hidden within the car, used when the Batmobile is damaged or for tighter urban environments.
The Batmobile’s combination of power, weaponry, and technology makes it one of cinema’s most iconic cars.
Ecto-1 – Ghost Hunting Gear
In Ghostbusters (1984), the Ecto-1, a converted 1959 Cadillac ambulance, is as much a part of the team as the Ghostbusters themselves. Its equipment is specialized for paranormal activity:
Proton Pack Storage: The Ecto-1 carries the Ghostbusters’ proton packs, essential for capturing ghosts.
Ghost Trap: A compartment on the side holds portable ghost traps used to contain spirits. Useful when you don’t want to stop back at the station after catching a pesky ghost.
Roof-Mounted Radar and Sirens: Essential for detecting paranormal entities and alerting civilians of the team’s presence, these features make Ecto-1 instantly recognizable.
While the Ghostbusters may have captured the ghosts, Ecto-1’s equipment made sure they had the tools to get the job done. And it’s iconic design is embedded into the minds of everyone who has enjoyed the film series.
Repo Man – Little Trees Air Freshener
Repo Man (1984) starring Emilio Estevez has become a cult classic that is enjoyed decades after its original release. The black comedy that features a repo man searching for a Chevy Malibu that may or may not be tied to aliens shows off a rather common car accessory, an air freshener.
Each vehicle on screen has the iconic Little Trees air freshener on the rearview mirror. Even a police motorcycle sports one. It’s a bit of a running gag throughout the movie that helped popularize the brand of air fresheners. While we’d prefer a custom air freshener with a cool design, the pine tree shape design has made it’s way into film history. And it’s one of the only items on the list you can actually own for just a few bucks.
Mad Max’s Interceptor – Survival Gear
In the post-apocalyptic wasteland of the Mad Max franchise, Max Rockatansky’s V8 Interceptor isn’t just a car; it’s his lifeline. Packed with survival essentials, this rugged vehicle is equipped with:
Nitrous Oxide Boosters: These provide an extra surge of speed, crucial for escaping marauders.
Supercharger: Enhancing the car’s power, giving Max the edge in pursuit or battle.
Weaponry: The Interceptor is often fitted with makeshift weapons, such as a mounted saw or harpoon, helping Max survive in the lawless desert.
Fuel Tanks: In a world where fuel is more valuable than gold, the Interceptor carries extra tanks to extend its range.
The Interceptor is a memorable movie car and a symbol of endurance and survival in an unforgiving world.
Herbie – The Living Volkswagen Beetle
Herbie, the loveable 1963 Volkswagen Beetle from The Love Bug (1968) and its sequels, may not have weapons or time machines, but it has its own unique items that give it character:
Self-Driving Ability: Long before modern autonomous cars, Herbie could drive itself, steering and shifting gears without a driver. Bet Tesla would love to get their hands on that technology.
Racing Modifications: Herbie is fitted with racing tires and other upgrades, allowing it to compete in high-speed races.
Personality: The most iconic “item” in Herbie is its personality. It can express emotions, honk on its own, and even perform tricks, making it more than just a car. Herbie is a beloved character in its own right and popular among moviegoers of all ages.
Herbie’s charm lies in its character and surprising capabilities, making it an unforgettable car.
The Fast and Furious Cars – Nitrous Oxide Systems (NOS)
In the Fast and Furious franchise, souped-up street racing cars are the stars (well Vin Diesel and Paul Walker too), and one item stands out above all others: Nitrous Oxide Systems (NOS). These robust systems deliver short bursts of speed, propelling the cars to insane velocities. Characters like Dominic Toretto and Brian O’Conner use NOS to gain the upper hand in races, and it has become one of the most recognizable symbols of the franchise.
The sight of a driver hitting the NOS button, followed by the rush of speed and blurred visuals, has become iconic, symbolizing the high-octane action that *Fast and Furious* is known for.
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End Credits
From time-travel devices and ghost-hunting gear to military-grade weapons and racing modifications, these iconic items have made their respective cars unforgettable. Whether they’re helping our favorite characters escape danger, traveling through time, or saving the world, these cars and their gadgets have earned their place in cinematic history. Each item, no matter how fantastical, adds to the car’s personality, making them as important to the story as the heroes who drive them.
