Some Of The Most Valuable Cars From Movies And Television
Cars used in movies and television have a variety of fates, if they manage to survive production. Some are sold right away while others are kept by those involved in the production and only go to auction decades after the movie or television series. Here are some of the most valued cars from Hollywood.
Note: Dollars amounts are in USD.
1998 Jaguar XKR, Die Another Day (2002)
The 20th (depending on how you count them) James Bond film, and Pierce Brosnan’s last as Bond, revived the Astin Martin car for Bond’s use. The villain—in this case, Zao—drove a Jaguar XKR, which was decked out with a Gatling gun mounted behind the seats. It could launch missiles fired through the front grille and rocket launchers from the doors. One of eight Jaguar XKRs used in the film, it sold for £56,000 ($88,385) in 2010.
Jaguar XKR from James Bond Film Die another Day, Peter Happer
1964 Volkswagen Beetle, Herbie: Fully Loaded (2005)
The six-film Herbie series went through many Volkswagen Beetles. In the sixth, and final (for now) installment, a 1964 Volkswagen Beetle was used. That car went for $93,500 in 2018 when it went to auction.
Herbie: Fully Loaded (2005) Street Race, Jalen Moran
1921 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost, Boardwalk Empire (2010-2014)
Built in 1921 in Springfield, Massachusetts, this car was originally owned by Maine Supreme Judicial Court justice Frederick Alton Powers. Acquired by Cars for Films, it was used as the vehicle for Atlantic City politician Enoch “Nucky” Thompson, played by Steve Buscemi in Boardwalk Empire. It went to auction after the series’ run in 2014, fetching $100,000.
Thesupermat, Wikimedia Commons
1991 General Motors Bus, Speed (1994)
The main vehicle featured in Speed is a city bus, specifically a 1991 General Motors Bus. For the production, 11 General Motors TDH-5303 buses were used. One sold at auction for $102,400 in 2018.
Speed (2/5) Movie CLIP - Jumping the Gap (1994) HD, Movieclips
1976 Jaguar XJ12C, The New Avengers (1976-1977)
The New Avengers was a British spy series, a sequel to 1960s classic The Avengers. Patrick Macnee returns as John Steed with two new partners. Steed’s car was a 1976 Jaguar XJ12C which sold at auction for £69,440 ($108,628) in 2015.
The New Avengers S01E11 - Scene 4, TV Stunter
1904 Winton Flyer, The Reivers (1969)
An adaptation of William Faulkner’s novel, this was an atypical Steve McQueen film. His vehicle in the film was a 1904 Winton Flyer. At auction in 2006, it fetched $117,000.
Michael Barera, Wikimedia Commons
1992 Peterbilt 379, Transformers (2007)
This Peterbilt truck played the role of Optimus Prime. As a stunt truck, it is not legal for highway use. In 2016, it was sold for $121,000 at auction.
1967 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible, Con Air (1997)
For the 1997 film starring Nicholas Cage, John Cusack, and John Malkovich, a 1967 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible appeared. After that, it was restored and sold at auction for $121,000 in 2012.
'67 Corvette C2 in Con Air, Car Chase Wonderland
1985 Modena Spyder, Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986)
Three Ferrari replicas were used in this classic teen film. The other two were also sold at auction at different times. This one sold for £79,600 ($121,493) in 2010.
The 1985 Modena GT Spyder California from Ferris Bueller's Day Off, STA-BIL Brand
1963 Volkswagen Beetle, Herbie Goes To Monte Carlo (1977)
Many VW Beetles were used throughout the six movies in the Herbie series. This model appeared in two movies in 1977 and 1980 and was authenticated as the car that sprayed oil during the race in Herbie Goes to Monte Carlo. In 2015, it set the record for a Volkswagen Beetle, selling at auction for $126,500.
Professor Xavier's Wheelchair, X-Men (2000), X2 (2003) & X-Men: The Last Stand (2006)
We’re moving away from cars and turning to wheelchairs—Professor Xavier's wheelchair, to be exact. A custom-built wheelchair, it used a repurposed wheelchair motor and was modified with a fiberglass body and given the appearance of a sleek and high-tech wheelchair. Used for three films, the wheelchair went to auction in 2012 and fetched $135,000.
X-Men (2000) Trailer #1 | Movieclips Classic Trailers, Rotten Tomatoes Classic Trailers
1965 Plymouth Barracuda Custom, Fireball 500 (1966)
This racing film starring Frankie Avalon and Fabian featured a 1966 Plymouth Barracuda “Fireball 500”. The car was built by George Barris, a designer and builder of custom cars in Hollywood. Heavily customized from a 1966 Barracuda, the vehicle used in the movie sold at auction for $137,500.
'66 Barracuda SSXR in Fireball 500, Car Chase Wonderland
1986 Ferrari Testarossa, Miami Vice (1984-1990)
The 80s pastel and neon-soaked crime drama originally featured a Ferrari 365 GTB/4 (two replicas were used until Ferrari sued). With the producers agreeing to destroy the replicas, Ferrari then provided two 1986 Ferrari Testarossas for Crocket and Tubbs’ use. At auction in 2017, one was sold for $151,800.
Miami Vice - Crockett Gets The Testarossa [1986] - 4K resolution, Kalci
1956 Austin Princess, Imagine (1972)
Owned by John Lennon and Yoko Ono, this car frequently appeared in the 1972 documentary about Lennon’s album Imagine. In 2005, it was sold at auction for $155,000, and went up for auction again in 2016, selling for $159,500.
1967 Chevrolet Camaro SS Custom, Transformers: Age Of Extinction (2014)
Director Michael Bay personally owned the 1967 Chevrolet Camaro SS that appeared as Bumblebee in the 2014 installment of the Transformers series. Heavily customized for the movie, Bay put it up for auction in 2016 where it sold for $167,200.
Chevrolet Camaro SS 1967 [Transformers: Age Of Extinction], WESLEY_FTR_X45
1949 Buick Roadmaster, Rain Man (1988)
Two 1949 Buick Roadmasters were used in this Dustin Hoffman/Tom Cruise blockbuster, with one modified for the extra weight of a camera operator and equipment stationed in the car’s trunk. At auction in 2012, this car sold for $170,500.
1949 Buick Roadmaster "Rain Man" Edition, Kyler Auston
1984 Ferrari 308 GTS Quattrovalvole, Magnum PI (1980-1988)
For eight seasons, private investigator Thomas Magnum (played by Tom Selleck) drove his 1984 Ferrari—and his mustache—around Oahu solving cases. A new 308 GTS was used each season, with the car being auctioned at the end of the season. At auction in 2017, this 1984 Ferrari 308 GTS sold for $181,500.
10 Wild Facts About Magnum's Ferrari 308 GTS - Magnum P.I., CarStarz
The Panthermobile, The Pink Panther Show (1979-1985)
Intended to be used in the opening credits of the cartoon spin-off of the Pink Panther movie series in 1969, it cost around £333,000 in today’s money to build. Built on the chassis of an Oldsmobile Toronado, the car was bright pink, with a single seat for the driver at the front of the seven-meter vehicle, with a luxurious pink interior behind the driver. All that for just the opening credits of a kids’ cartoon, the Panthermobile sold for £88,000 ($173,931) at auction in 2007.
The Pink Panther Show opening, TVE One
1993 Toyota Supra, The Fast And The Furious (2001)
Featured in the first movie of the Fast & Furious franchise in 2001, this was the main vehicle for Paul Walker’s character. It went to auction in 2015, just two years after Walker’s death in a car accident, selling for $185,000.
The Fast and The Furious | Supra vs Ferrari, The Fast Saga
1977 Porsche 911S Coupe, The Bridge (2011-2018)
The Bridge is a Nordic noir crime drama from Denmark. The Porsche 911S Coupe was produced between 1974 and 1977, with over 9,500 built. A 1977 Porsche 911S Coupe was utilized in the Danish series and was sold at auction for £141,500 ($187,008) in 2018.
Valder137, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
1935 Godsal Sports Tourer, Mosquito Squadron (1969)
This one-of-a-kind sports car was designed and built by Charles Godsal, an engineer and designer working for Research Engineers Ltd of London. The British film Mosquito Squadron, about the Royal Air Force during WWII, stars David McCallum, whose character drives the 1935 Godsal Tourer. It was sold for $203,500 at auction in 2017.
LOOKING FOR CLASSIC CARS - GODSAL SPORTS TOURER 1935 FULL HD!, WHEELS OF TIME
1955 Pontiac Star, I Love Lucy (1951-1957)
In the fourth season of I Love Lucy, Lucy, Desi, Fred, and Ethel travel across the US to California in a famous series of episodes. The car they use for the trip is a 1955 Pontiac Star. A beloved piece of television history, it sold for $220,000 in 2015.
No Insurance? No Problem! Lucy's Hilarious Car Wreck Adventure! 😜🚙💥 | I Love Lucy, Kinette
1985 Modena Spyder, Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986)
Because an actual Ferrari would have been too expensive to use, especially since the car is wrecked in the film, three replicas were built by Modena Design & Development. The fake Ferrari was dubbed the Modena Spyder California and two of the three cars were operable (the third was used for the pivotal destruction scene). At auction in 2013, one of the two replicas that could drive was sold at auction for $230,000.
Ferris borrows the Ferrari: Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986), Film Studies Fundamentals
1952 MG TD, Monkey Business (1952)
Not the Marx Brothers classic 1931 movie of the same name, this was a comedy directed by Howard Hawks and starring Cary Grant, Ginger Rogers, and Marilyn Monroe. The 1952 MG TD appearing in the film was sold at auction in 2011 for $258,300.
1967 Toyota 2000GT Targa, You Only Live Twice (1967)
This limited-run Toyota sports car is most famous for its appearance in the 1967 James Bond film, which was meant to be Sean Connery’s last (he ended up making two more, one in 1971 and the other in 1983). At auction in 2010, this one went for £179,200 ($282,831).
Toyota 2000GT from You Only Live Twice (1967), Cars and Movies
1963 Pontiac Bonneville Roy Rogers Nudie Mobile, Various TV Shows
“Nudie” in this instance refers to Nudie Cohn, whose Hollywood shop, Nudie’s Rodeo Tailors, custom-made colorful Western clothing for country and Western stars. Nudie was commissioned by cowboy star Roy Rogers to modify a 1963 Pontiac Bonneville with Nudie’s inimitable style. In 2015, the car sold for $308,000 at auction.
2002 Aston Martin V12 Vanquish Coupe, Die Another Day (2002)
For the 2002 James Bond outing, Pierce Brosnan’s final turn as the British super spy returned to driving the iconic Aston Martin after 15 years. This was the 2002 model and when it went to auction in 2003, it sold for £210,500 ($337,629).
Aston Martin V12 Vanquish from Die Another Day (2002), Cars and Movies
1927 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Playboy Roadster, Giant (1956)
Once owned by cowboy star Tom Mix until his death in 1940, the car went to movie mogul Jack Warner, who gave it to Bette Davis. Aside from its Hollywood provenance, the car was featured in a slew of films, including James Dean’s final film, Giant. Painted dove grey and white, for its most recent auction it was restored to the original black where it fetched $341,000 in 2013.
1927 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Playboy Roadster by Brewster, Cars & Travels ! - REMROB
1949 Mercury Series 9CM Custom Convertible, Grease (1978)
One of many period cars used in the massive hit film Grease, this modified convertible was driven by the antagonist Craterface and was featured in the Los Angeles River Basin race. Reportedly, this car is the only one from the movie known to still exist. It went to auction for the first and only time in 2015, fetching $385,000.
Grease (1978) - Thunder Road Race Scene (10/10) | Movieclips, Movieclips
1966 Monkeemobile Pontiac GTO, The Monkees (1966-1968)
Not quite as famous as the Batmobile, this modified Pontiac GTO is nevertheless iconic. Used by the initially fictional band the Monkees, the Monkeemobile was a key part of the marketing campaign for the series, which included model cars. In 2008, the Monkeemobile was sold at auction for $396,000.
The Original Monkeemobile, Hagerty
1969 Dodge Charger (General Lee), Dukes Of Hazzard (1979-1985)
The Dodge Charger featured in this comedy action series is famous for its rooftop painted with the Confederate flag and for its over-the-top chase scenes. Throughout six seasons, the show went through 309 Chargers, mostly 1969 models but also 1968. Around 17 Chargers used in the show are known to exist in various states of disrepair, while the car sold at auction in 2008 for $450,000 was a replica owned by series star John Schneider.
Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA, Wikimedia Commons
1948 Tucker Model 48, Tucker: The Man And His Dream (1988)
Preston Tucker designed and built this car in 1948, with a limited run of 51 cars before his company declared bankruptcy and ceased production in 1949. His story was brought to the screen by Francis Ford Coppola in 1988 and Tucker’s Model 48 was featured. It sold for $461,500 in 2005.
TUCKER: THE MAN AND HIS DREAM - Trailer, Rialto Pictures
Kookie's Kar, 77 Sunset Strip (1958-1964)
77 Sunset Strip was an American private detective series, and the breakout character was Kookie Kookson, a wise-cracking greaser often shown combing his hair. Kookie’s hot rod was a modified ‘22 Ford Model T roadster body, mounted on an altered ‘31 Ford Model A frame and powered by a highly modified Cadillac V8. The car was sold for $484,000 at auction in 2018.
Buick Blackhawk Factory Custom, Bad Boys II (2003)
Built to celebrate Buick’s 100th anniversary, this Blackhawk is a custom 2+2 convertible. It was featured in the 2003 action-comedy sequel. At auction, the car went for $522,500 in 2009.
1930 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Transformal Phaeton, Morocco (1930)
This 1930 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Transformal Phaeton was a gift from director Josef von Sternberg to Marlene Dietrich when she moved to the US in 1930. Prior to being sold at auction for $742,500 in 2015, a $500,000 restoration was completed. The car appeared in Dietrich’s first American film, Morocco.
1930 Rolls Royce Phantom I Transformal Phaeton, Cars & Travels ! - REMROB
1970 Aston Martin DBS Sports Saloon, The Persuaders (1971-1972)
This 1971 action-comedy series starring Roger Moore and Tony Curtis only lasted one season. They solve crimes that others have given up on and the 1970 Aston Martin DBS Sports Saloon is featured. At auction in 2014, it sold for £533,500 ($897,267).
The Persuaders! - Ultimate Car Chase (set to opening Theme Music), oocrikey
1967 Shelby Mustang GT500, Gone In 60 Seconds (2000)
A remake of the 1974 cult classic, this 2000 film featured a 1967 Shelby Mustang GT500 as the hero’s car. At auction 13 years later, it sold for an even $1,000,000.
1929 Duesenberg Model J, Spinout (1966)
The first Duesenberg on our list, this one appeared in the 1966 Elvis outing Spinout. It didn’t appear onscreen for too long but its association with Presley is enough to make it sought after. In 2011, it sold for $1,237,500 at auction.
Craig Howell from San Carlos, CA, USA, Wikimedia Commons
Captain America Harley-Davidson Chopper, Easy Rider (1969)
When you think of Easy Rider, you think motorcycles. The cult classic featured two hippies crossing the country on Harleys, and Peter Fonda’s Captain America rode this Harley-Davidson Chopper. It was listed at $1,620,000 at auction in 2014 but, reportedly, the bid was withdrawn and the bike remains with the vendor.
1929 Duesenberg Model J Murphy Convertible Coupe, The Gay Divorcee (1934)
Duesenbergs were popular among Hollywood’s elite in the 1930s. This musical comedy starring Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers features the 1929 Duesenberg Model J Murphy. The car sold for $2,365,000 at auction in 2013.
1929 Duesenberg Model J Murphy Convertible coupe roaring down the highway., HemiJoel
1955 Ferrari 750 Monza Spider, On The Beach (1959)
In an apocalyptic film about the aftermath of WWIII, a key moment occurs when the last Grand Prix ever is staged. Over 12 days of filming, eight cars are wrecked while Fred Astaire’s character races the 1955 Ferrari 750 Monza Spider. At auction in 2011, the car went for $2,530,000.
On the Beach (1959) - Grand Prix Scene, acedmacedm
1969 Porsche 908 Group 6 Prototype, Le Mans (1971)
This 1969 Porsche 908 Group 6 Prototype, known as “Flunder”, is famed for being part of Hans-Dieter Dechent's Martini International Racing Team and its appearance in the Le Mans 24 Hour race in 1971. That same year, it was featured in Steve McQueen’s Le Mans, a drama taking place at a fictionalized Le Mans race. With its connection to the actual Le Mans race and McQueen’s cult classic racing film, the 1969 Porsche 908 Group 6 Prototype is a desirable car, selling for £2,185,500 ($3,419,215) at auction in 2014.
1969 Porsche 908/02 | Pebble Beach Auctions 2022, GoodingandCompany
1928 Mercedes-Benz S 26/180 Boattail Speedster, Sylvia Scarlett (1935)
This 1928 Mercedes-Benz appeared in a film starring Katharine Hepburn and Cary Grant, although that film is not as well-remembered as other Hepburn and Grant outings. Owned by Zeppo and Chico Marx, in 1932, the brothers wagered their Mercedes against agent Phil Berg’s Duesenberg Model J LeBaron Phaeton to race in the dried Lake Muroc. The Mercedes was faster but it broke down, losing the race; it’s that race that made the car legendary, earning $3,740,000 at auction in 2010.
REVealed: 1928 Mercedes-Benz S-Type 26/180 Sports Tourer, GoodingandCompany
Aston Martin DB5, Goldfinger (1964) & Thunderball (1965)
As famous as the supervillains, the Bond Girls, the theme songs, and even James Bond himself is, the classic Aston Martin DB5 set the tone for the audience’s expectations for Bond’s vehicles. Used for two films, James Bond’s car went for £2,912,000 ($4,595,998) at auction in 2010. Even if it doesn’t come with built-in high-tech spy gadgets, it is still one of the most desirable cars in the world.
Rutger van der Maar, Wikimedia Commons
The Original Batmobile, Batman (1966-68) & Batman The Movie (1966)
This was the original; everything that came after was an homage. The classic Adam West series brought the Batmobile out of the comic book pages and onto the screen, creating a template for how Batman’s car should look. Naturally, it is a highly desired car to own and, in 2013, it sold for $4,620,000 at auction.
Jennifer Graylock (cropped by FordFE com), Wikimedia Commons
1965 Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe, Redline 7000 (1965)
Here is another case where the car’s value is based on its racing history rather than from appearing in this film. Although it’s a cult classic among racing enthusiasts, the movie in this instance is overshadowed by the car. At auction in 2009, the car went for $7,685,000.
Bernard Spragg. NZ from Christchurch, New Zealand, Wikimedia Commons
1968 Ford Gulf GT40, Le Mans (1971)
The Steve McQueen film Le Mans is a fictionalized depiction of the actual 24 Hours of Le Mans race in France and of course, there were many cars featured. This 1968 Ford Gulf GT40 would probably be one of the most expensive cars in auction history even without the movie connection (but a connection to a Steve McQueen racing film didn’t hurt). It went for $11,000,000 at auction in 2012, the most ever paid for an American car.
1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider, Yesterday, Today And Tomorrow (1963)
One of the highest winning bids of a car in history, it was the first time this car had been to auction. Only 37 SWB California Spiders had ever been built, and this particular car had only three owners. It was featured in the Sophia Loren and Marcello Mastroianni film Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow in 1963, and in 2016, it sold for $17,160,000.
1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider | Pebble Beach Auctions 2024, GoodingandCompany
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