Top 10 Most Expensive Cars From Iconic Films and TV Shows in 2024

It’s hard to imagine Knight Rider without KITT, Batman without the Batmobile, and Mad Max without his Interceptor. Some films and TV series have made their mark in history because of their impact in the industry or how they positively affected people’s lives in general. In a number of instances, some movies and TV shows became popular and attached to their audience because of the 4-wheeled machines lead characters drove around.

A number of cars in films and TV shows have become icons in their own right, cultivating interest and passion among generations of TV and movie fans. Whether it’s a fictional jalopy that defies time and space or a bat-themed, bulletproof beast on wheels, these cars have become the object of desire for those who find themselves enamored with roadsters and sedans that made TV viewing and movie nights more than just a memorable experience. Here are the top 10 priciest cars on films and TV.

#10 DeLorean DMC-12 (Back To The Future)

Price: $541,000

The car that sent Marty McFly on a time-traveling adventure, the DeLorean DMC-12 became an instant hit. Only seven of these models were built. One of which was sold at an auction in 2011 for $541,000. The proceeds went to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, a non-profit organization founded by Michael J. Fox. The actor who played McFly and is now suffering from this terrible disease.

#9 Chitty Chitty Car (Chitty Chitty Bang Bang)

Price: $805,000

The Chitty Chitty car may just have been a prop for a film titled Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, but it could be driven around. The musical stars Dick Van Dyke as Caractacus Potts and Sally Ann Howes as Truly Scrumptious. The story revolves around Potts, his family and his flying car called Chitty Chitty. The car was initially planned to be put on auction but after a couple of failed attempts, arrangements were made and Chitty Chitty was sold for $805,000.

#8 1969 Shelby Mustang GT500 (Gone in 60 Seconds)

Price: $1 Million

The main target of grand theft auto expert Memphis Raines (played by Nicolas Cage) in the film Gone In 60 Seconds, this 1969 Shelby Mustang GT500 is worth stealing (although we condemn theft and any other criminal act). Under the beautifully designed American car exterior is a powerful 400-horsepower engine. Nicknamed Eleanor, three of cars were built for the film. Sadly, only one survived. It netted $1 million when it was sold in 2013.

#7 1929 Duesenberg Model J (Spinout, 1966)

Price: $1.2 Million

Classic car, classic movie, and a classic leading man make the 1929 Duesenberg Model J Dual Cowl Phaeton a sought after vehicle prop. Appearing in the 1966 movie Spinout that stars music icon Elvis Presley, this car got a huge amount of screen time. After a successful restoration, the car was sold for more than $1.2 million at an auction in 2011.

#6 Porsche 911S (Le Mans)

Price: $1.37 Million

It is a mortal sin to discuss iconic cars in TV and films without including the legendary Steve McQueen, his Porsche 911s and the film Le Mans. In the 1971 movie Le Mans, McQueen was a natural behind the wheel of his Porsche 911s during the opening scenes. Aside from being an actor, McQueen was also an amateur racecar driver and had an extensive collection of classic roadsters and sports cars. His Porsche 911s fetched over $1.37 million in an auction back in 2011.

#5 Aston Martin DB5 (Goldfinger)

Price: $4.6 Million

Cars in films? That means you have to include James Bond in the equation. And it is very fitting to rank the Aston Martin DB5 along with the other four-wheelers in this list. The car appeared in the 1964 James Bond movie Goldfinger, which stars the young and dashing Sean Connery. Only two were made for the film. The one gone forever after it was stolen and the other now in display at Union Savings Bank’s president Harry Yeaggy’ private museum.

#4 Batmobile (Batman, TV Series)

Price: $4.62 Million

Would this list be complete without the Batmobile? It is just plain wrong if not one of the many incarnations of the Batmobile does not make the cut. But one did and it’s from the classic TV series Batman that ran from 1966 to 1968. Basically a redesigned and customized Ford Lincoln Futura, this Batmobile is perhaps the most popular TV car of all time. 47 years after the show ended, the car managed to bag $4.62 million at an auction in January 2013.

#3 1965 Shelby Cobra Daytona (Redline 7000)

Price: $7.25 Million

Another Steve McQueen car, this time a 1965 Shelby Cobra Dayton Coupe that appeared in the 1965 film Redline 7000. But more than being a McQueen‘s car, this classic racer has another claim to fame – being the only American car to beat a Ferrari in a race. Like any other car from McQueen’s collection placed in auction, the 1965 Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe bagged a fortune. But the final price of $7.25 million blew everyone away.

#2 1961 Ferrari 250 GT (Ferris Bueller’s Day Off)

Price: $10.9 Million

Ferris Bueller’s Day Off may seem to be an ordinary film reflecting teenager angst and teen rebellion, but it proved to be a commercial and influential hit. Delving on the story of Ferris Bueller (Matthew Broderick), his best friend Cameron (Alan Ruck) and girlfriend Sloane (Mia Sara), the film’s car also became an icon. In 2008, the 1961 Ferrari 250 GT California Spider used in the movie was bought by radio personality Chris Evans, who had to shell out $10.9 million for the car.

#1 1968 Ford GT40 Gulf (Le Mans)

Price: $11 Million

The ultimate iconic car in a film or TV, Steve McQueen’s 1968 Ford GT40 Gulf/Mirage Lightweight Racer is a sight to behold. Driven by the actor during the filming of Le Mans in 1971, this racer was only given a few moments in the movie. But despite the very short exposure, the car easily captured the hearts and minds of moviegoers and car enthusiasts alike. It was an actual race car that participated at the 1968 Le Mans Endurance Race and Daytona. The $11 million price tag for the car is now a record – the biggest amount ever spent on an American car.

How have these cars influenced popular culture?

The cars featured in iconic films and TV shows have significantly shaped popular culture in various ways. Their influence extends beyond the screen, affecting fashion, trends, and even lifestyle choices. Here’s how these vehicles have made their mark:

• Setting Trends: Iconic cars often set fashion trends, inspiring clothing lines, accessories, and even home decor. For example, the stylish Aston Martin DB5 from James Bond films defined luxury and influenced men’s fashion with its sophisticated image. Fans began to emulate the suave style associated with the car, integrating it into their wardrobes.
• Cultural Significance: Certain cars become symbols of eras or movements. The Volkswagen Beetle, for instance, gained popularity during the counterculture movement of the 1960s, representing freedom and individuality. Its appearances in films like The Love Bug helped cement its status as a cultural icon.
• Car Culture and Communities: The fame of these vehicles fosters communities of enthusiasts who celebrate their favorite cars. Events like car shows, rallies, and fan conventions often revolve around the cars from films and TV shows. These gatherings create camaraderie among fans and promote a deeper appreciation for automotive history.
• Inspiring Future Generations: Iconic film cars inspire new generations of car enthusiasts and filmmakers. Young fans often dream of owning or restoring replicas of these vehicles, leading to increased interest in automotive engineering and design.
• Merchandising and Collectibles: The popularity of these cars drives a robust market for merchandise, from model kits to clothing. Collectors seek memorabilia related to these vehicles, creating a thriving industry around iconic film cars.

Key Insights

• Iconic vehicles from films and TV shows have become symbols of pop culture, with some fetching millions at auctions.
• The DeLorean DMC-12 from “Back to the Future” sold for $541,000, its popularity fueled by its role in the film and association with Michael J. Fox’s Parkinson’s research.
• The Chitty Chitty car from “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” was sold for $805,000, demonstrating the enduring charm of this musical film’s whimsical vehicle.
• The 1969 Shelby Mustang GT500 from “Gone in 60 Seconds,” known as Eleanor, fetched $1 million, highlighting the allure of powerful American muscle cars in cinema.
• The 1929 Duesenberg Model J from “Spinout,” driven by Elvis Presley, sold for $1.2 million, showcasing the value of classic cars with celebrity associations.
• Steve McQueen’s Porsche 911S from “Le Mans” sold for $1.37 million, reflecting the actor’s racing legacy and the car’s significance in motorsport films.
• The Aston Martin DB5 from “Goldfinger,” synonymous with James Bond, sold for $4.6 million, underscoring the car’s iconic status in spy films.
• The Batmobile from the 1960s “Batman” TV series sold for $4.62 million, demonstrating the lasting impact of superhero vehicles on popular culture.
• The 1965 Shelby Cobra Daytona from “Redline 7000” sold for $7.25 million, notable for being the only American car to beat Ferrari in a race.
• The 1961 Ferrari 250 GT from “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” was purchased for $10.9 million, cementing its status as a symbol of teenage rebellion and luxury.
• Steve McQueen’s 1968 Ford GT40 from “Le Mans” holds the record for the highest price at $11 million, symbolizing its rarity and the enduring appeal of McQueen’s film legacy.

FAQ

1. What makes the DeLorean DMC-12 from “Back to the Future” so valuable? The DeLorean DMC-12 became an instant hit due to its role in the iconic time-travel film “Back to the Future,” starring Michael J. Fox. Only seven models were built, with one selling for $541,000 in 2011, and the proceeds went to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.
2. Why is the Chitty Chitty car from “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” so memorable? The Chitty Chitty car is memorable because of its role in the beloved musical “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang,” where it was depicted as a magical, flying car. Despite initial auction difficulties, it eventually sold for $805,000, reflecting its cultural significance.
3. What is special about the 1969 Shelby Mustang GT500 from “Gone in 60 Seconds”? The 1969 Shelby Mustang GT500, nicknamed Eleanor, is special due to its central role in the film “Gone in 60 Seconds” as the main target of the protagonist. Its powerful 400-horsepower engine and iconic status led to it selling for $1 million in 2013.
4. How did the 1929 Duesenberg Model J gain its value? The 1929 Duesenberg Model J gained value from its association with Elvis Presley and its significant screen time in the movie “Spinout.” After a successful restoration, it sold for $1.2 million at an auction in 2011.
5. What is the significance of Steve McQueen’s Porsche 911S from “Le Mans”? Steve McQueen’s Porsche 911S is significant not only because of its use in the film “Le Mans” but also due to McQueen’s personal passion for racing. This connection helped it fetch $1.37 million at auction.
6. Why is the Aston Martin DB5 from “Goldfinger” highly valued? The Aston Martin DB5 is highly valued due to its association with the James Bond franchise, appearing in the 1964 movie “Goldfinger.” Its iconic status and rarity contributed to its $4.6 million auction price.
7. What makes the Batmobile from the 1960s “Batman” TV series iconic? The Batmobile from the 1960s “Batman” TV series is iconic because of its unique design and central role in the show. It sold for $4.62 million, demonstrating the enduring appeal of superhero vehicles.
8. What is unique about the 1965 Shelby Cobra Daytona from “Redline 7000”? The 1965 Shelby Cobra Daytona is unique for being the only American car to beat Ferrari in a race. Its connection to Steve McQueen and racing history helped it sell for $7.25 million.
9. How did the 1961 Ferrari 250 GT from “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” achieve its high price? The 1961 Ferrari 250 GT achieved its high price due to its prominent role in “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,” a film that became a cultural phenomenon. It was bought by radio personality Chris Evans for $10.9 million.
10. What sets Steve McQueen’s 1968 Ford GT40 from “Le Mans” apart? Steve McQueen’s 1968 Ford GT40 is set apart by its rarity, racing pedigree, and connection to the film “Le Mans.” It holds the record for the highest price paid for an American car at $11 million.

Here are other interesting stories:

• 10 Most Expensive Desserts
• 10 Really Expensive Gold Infused Food
• 10 Most Expensive Coffee In The World

By Jenny Chang

Jenny Chang is a senior writer specializing in SaaS and B2B software solutions. Her decision to focus on these two industries was spurred by their explosive growth in the last decade, much of it she attributes to the emergence of disruptive technologies and the quick adoption by businesses that were quick to recognize their values to their organizations. She has covered all the major developments in SaaS and B2B software solutions, from the introduction of massive ERPs to small business platforms to help startups on their way to success.