Some cars don’t just star in movies — they become the movie. From high-speed chases to futuristic time travel, iconic vehicles have captured the imagination of film lovers and car enthusiasts alike. But have you ever wondered what happened to these legendary rides after the credits rolled?
Let’s take a tour through Hollywood’s most famous cars and see where they are today.
1. The DeLorean DMC-12 — Back to the Future (1985–1990)
Where it is now:
The original DeLorean time machine, built for the first Back to the Future film, now resides in the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles, restored to its full movie-spec glory. Several other screen-used DeLoreans are in private collections, and replicas appear at fan conventions worldwide.
Fun fact: The DeLorean’s gullwing doors made it instantly recognizable, but the stainless steel body was a nightmare for filming because of glare from studio lights.
2. Aston Martin DB5 — Goldfinger (1964)
Where it is now:
The Goldfinger DB5 is arguably the most famous James Bond car. Multiple DB5s were used in filming, but one screen-used example sold for $6.4 million at auction in 2019. Aston Martin even built a limited run of 25 “continuation” DB5s in 2020, complete with working gadgets (minus the actual weapons).
Fun fact: The ejector seat in the original movie was real — at least mechanically. The seat never fired a person, but the mechanism worked for a dummy test.
3. 1970 Dodge Charger R/T — The Fast and the Furious (2001)
Where it is now:
Dominic Toretto’s black Dodge Charger has appeared in almost every Fast & Furious film. Several stunt versions were destroyed during production, but hero cars are preserved in Universal Studios’ archives. One authentic hero Charger sold for nearly $200,000 at auction.
Fun fact: The on-screen wheelie was achieved with a custom rig — the real car couldn’t lift its front wheels naturally.
4. Mini Coopers — The Italian Job (1969 & 2003)
Where they are now:
For the 2003 remake, BMW provided 32 new Mini Coopers, many of which were stripped down for stunts. Several surviving stunt Minis are on display at car museums, while others were sold to private owners.
Fun fact: In the original 1969 version, Minis were driven down real sewer tunnels in Turin — something city officials would never allow today.
5. Toyota Supra Mk IV — The Fast and the Furious (2001)
Where it is now:
The bright orange Supra driven by Paul Walker’s character Brian O’Conner was auctioned in 2021 for $550,000. This was one of the hero cars with functional turbo and nitrous props.
Fun fact: Some of the movie’s “Supra” stunts were actually performed with a stunt double car built from a Pontiac Fiero chassis.
6. 1968 Ford Mustang GT 390 — Bullitt (1968)
Where it is now:
Steve McQueen’s Bullitt Mustang is one of the most legendary chase cars in cinema. In 2020, it sold for $3.74 million, making it the most expensive Mustang ever sold. It had been hidden away in a family garage for decades before resurfacing.
Fun fact: Two Mustangs were used for the chase scenes — one was destroyed, the other survived to become a collector’s dream.
7. Ecto-1 — Ghostbusters (1984)
Where it is now:
The 1959 Cadillac Miller-Meteor ambulance-turned-ghost-hunting vehicle has been fully restored and currently appears at events promoting the franchise. It’s housed at Sony Pictures Studios when not on tour.
Fun fact: The original Ecto-1 nearly didn’t make it into the first film — it broke down repeatedly during filming.
8. Batmobile — Batman (Various)
Where it is now:
Multiple Batmobiles exist from different eras — from the 1960s Adam West version to the Tumbler in The Dark Knight. Many are on display in Warner Bros.’ collection or touring exhibitions, while others are in private hands.
Fun fact: The 1989 Tim Burton Batmobile was built on a Chevrolet Impala chassis and actually drivable.
Famous movie cars aren’t just props — they’re cultural icons. Whether locked away in private collections, sitting in museums, or still roaring to life for special events, these vehicles continue to inspire fans across generations.
For many enthusiasts, seeing these cars up close is like meeting a celebrity in person — proof that sometimes, the real stars of the movie have four wheels.
