From horror movies to spy flicks and everything in between, Hollywood has seen some pretty pricey vehicles roll out of their sets. Here's a list of the expensive cars in the biz and their price tag!
Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas - $2,075
Starting of the round-up of pricey Hollywood rides is the 1973 Chevrolet Caprice used in Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. However, it wasn't the 'Red Shark' that sped across the Nevada desert with Raoul Duke and Dr. Gonzo aboard.
But nevertheless, this muscle car gained some star power post-production. According to eBay auction reports, this muscle car was sold after filming for just over two grand. The film's original 1973 Chevrolet Caprice Classic, on the other hand, was last reported to belong to Hunter S. Thompson, the book's author.
The Italian Job - $8,250
From a quick glance at the picture, it's fairly clear that these cars in question came from the 1969 original film, not the 2003 heist remake with Mark Whalberg, Charlize Theron, and Jason Statham. But there are few that can deny that this classic car movie made a lasting impression.
And while the reputation remained, the cars didn't. The 16 Mini Coopers used during filming were all trashed after, but one enthusiast purchased scraps for just over $8,000 back in 2005. And flash forward to 2011, many couldn't even tell the difference. They are now ensured for over $75k.
The Blues Brothers - $24,000
What started as a sketch on Saturday Night Live turned into a Hollywood blockbuster and a full-on music gig for Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi. Their characters, Jake and Elwood Blues, went down in American history in addition to becoming Chicago icons. And it only got bigger when their skit was turned into a movie in 1980.
The Blues Brother took the plot to a whole other level and featured guest performances from the likes of Aretha Franklin. Another staple of the film was the "Blues Mobile." While one of the cars used during filming can be found in the Volvo Auto Sales and Museum in Illinois, another 1974 Dodge Monaco was sold for $24,000.
Baby Driver - $34,800
For those who remember the 2017 release of Baby Driver, the action film took Ansel Elgort from John Greene's teen heartthrob, and transformed him into an adult capable of serious roles. The film went on to do extremely well on the North American and European market, reinvigorating the heist genre once more.
Ansel's character went hand-in-hand with his ride of choice: the 2006 Subaru Impreza WRX. It was dubbed as the "ultimate 'street legal' stunt car" by many car enthusiasts. And following the film's wide success, the original car used during production was sold for $34,800.
For Your Eyes Only - $35,569
This may be the first James Bond car on our list, but it certainly won't be the last. This sleek red ride was 007's ride of choice in the 1981 British spy film starring Roger Moore: the 1980 Lotus Esprit Turbo. Photographed below was one of the two futuristic cars provided by Lotus for the film's production.
According to supercarnostalgia.com, the Lotus Esprit required some fine-tuning to be fit for Bond film - plus all the Q modifications, of course. And while one of the cars suffered from pyrotechnics, the other was sold post-production for over $35,500.
Starsky & Hutch - $40,000
No matter the TV show or the movie, it's pretty hard to ignore a smokin' Hollywood car - especially if one of the main characters takes car-loving to a whole new extreme. And nowhere is this more apparent than in the 1970s action series, Starsky & Hutch.
But can you blame Starsky? His character loved his wheels so much that it soon became an obsession for the show's loyal fanbase as well. And because of that, one lucky car-lover walked away with this prized 1976 Gran Torino after paying $40,000 for it.
Ghostbusters - $45,000
"Who are you going to call?" Thanks to the catchy tune and widely recognizably logo, many sci-fi lovers could point out the Ghostbusters Ectomobile from a mile away. The supernatural comedy became a huge hit around the world and is arguably one of Hollywood's most iconic sci-fi comedies.
And for diehard lovers of the film, the Ghostbusters just weren't the Ghostbusters without their trusty ghost-fighting mobile. The Ectomobile became a hot commodity over the years. And according to multiple sources, this 1959 Cadillac Superior Hearse was sold for $45,000.
Die Another Day - $73,000
It might have been Pierce Brosnan's fourth and final trip around the 007 sun, but he sure went out with a bang with his last Bond car: the one and only Jaguar XKR special effects car made for the 2002 action film, Die Another Day. But unlike most of the cool gadgets in the franchise, this car wasn't one of Bond's.
Rather it belonged to the film's evil villain, Tang Ling Zao. But in loyal Bond fans' eyes, a franchise car is a franchise car - and this electric green Jaguar drew a lot of attention after its film debut. And after the hype continued to build, this sleek ride was sold for $73,500 at an RM-Sothebys auction in London.
Grease - $88,550
Ever since breaking onto the American consumer scene in 1908, Ford has been churning out some of the most iconic cars on the market. And thanks to movies like Grease, their brand was taken to new heights because of all that Hollywood buzz. This 1946 Ford model became an icon due to the dance number.
Besides catchy musical numbers and amazing choreography, the 1978 musical was known for its classic cars. And the "Grease Lightning Car" was no exception - especially after winning the pinnacle Thunder Road race. With so much history behind it, it's no surprise that one lucky bidder from San Fransisco bought it for $88,550.
Speed - $102,400
Prior to when Keanu Reeves took on the role of "The One" in the famed Matrix trilogy, the eager actor played the role of an LAPD SWAT agent named Jack Tavern. He found himself trying to save a bus full of hostages from a gruesome death in the 1994 action-thriller film, Speed.
And while Keanu might have played the protagonist of the Jan de Bont direction project, the LAPD officer's right-hand man wasn't a man at all - it was a 1991 General Motors Bus. That's right: the 33 Downtown became a Hollywood favorite after the film's release, resulting in someone purchasing it for a whopping $102,400 in 2018.
Herbie: Fully Loaded - $107,250
For loyal Disney lovers, this car may bring up some old memories. This Volkswagen Beetle has had quite a Hollywood ride, having debuted back in the 1968 film The Love Bug and later in the 2005 film, Herbie: Fully Loaded. While the characters may have changed, this magical car remained the same.
In the 2005 version, Lindsay Lohan and Justin Long brought new life to the magical car and stirred up even more fanfare for the retro-looking Beetle. And over a decade after the film's release, the 1961 model was sold for $107,250 at a Californian auction.
That '70s Show - $121,000
This classic 1967 Volkswagen Samba Bus first made its debut on That '70s Show as the coveted prize of a friendly competition. After managing to keep physical contact with the 21-window bus the longest, Kelso claims his prize and celebrates in his classic way: using it to flirt with women.
While the competition was over, the van remained a staple of the sitcom, making it one of the series' more recognizable sets of wheels. And for that reason, it sold for big bucks at a Palm Beach auction. According to sources, one loyal bidder paid $121,000 for the van - with the added bonus of a signed bag from the cast.
Miami Vice - $151,800
While the average policeman might not splurge on a Ferrari, Don Johnson was certainly an exception. After all, what would Miami Vice have been without this classic white sportscar? For fans of the 1980s TV program, there just wasn't any negotiating - the car was one of the key elements of the show.
The car had multiple Ferarri's on the go during filming. One of the models failed to get a closing bid, as the price climbed close to $2 million. However, one in particular sold for $151,800. But lucky for diehard fans, there are some other versions of the car that are still rumored to be up for grabs.
Transformers: Age of Extinction - $167,200
While Transformers first gained their fame in the 1980s and 90s as toy collectibles, they had a rebirth in the 2000s Hollywood franchise. And while the premise of car-to-robot machinery is the same, something tells us that the set props may run a tad pricier than the action figures.
The 2014 film, Transformers: Age of Extinction, marked the fourth film in the successful franchise and brought bigger and better cars for audiences to see. The 1967 Chevrolet Camaro quickly caught the attention of movie fans around the world, and it was later bought for a reported $167,200 after the film's release.
Smokey and the Bandit - $172,000
We can't help but wonder if the late Burt Reynolds and the rest of the Smokey and the Bandit cast and crew knew that they were sitting on cinematic gold during the filming of this 1977 classic. Little did they know, their action-comedy would go on to rank as the second-highest-grossing film for the entire year!
Moviegoers across the country couldn't get enough of Bo "Bandit" Darville and Cledus" Snowman" Snow as they tried to haul their beer across the country. It went down in cinematic history, as did the 1977 Pontiac Trans Am used on-set. It reportedly later sold at an auction for $172,000!
Magnum, P.I. - $181,500
From 1980 to 1988, Tom Selleck and the rest of the cast of Magnum, P.I. brought a new level of cool to the Hawai'i island of Oahu. Selleck's character, Thomas Magnum, is a suave private investigator who solves crimes and catches bad guys, all while living a life full of luxury - including his car.
The bright red 1984 Ferrari 308 GTS Quattrovalvole became synonymous with Tom Selleck's cooler-than-cool persona on the show and remained one of Ferrari's most infamous Hollywood appearances, even decades later. According to sources, this whip sold for $181,500.
Christine - $198,000
While most of the entries on this list fall in the action and sci-fi genre, there are exceptions. One of which is the 1968 Plymouth Fury from Christine. Few can argue that there were supernatural forces at play in this Stephen King adaptation, but this film took a sharp turn into the world of horror and didn't look back.
The movie follows the maniacal actions of Christine, a possessed retro car looking to wreak havoc. While the film gave many viewers the fright of their life, it also became a cult classic in the Stephen King universe. And thusly so, this creepy set of wheels was purchased for $198,000 by one very brave car fanatic.
The Beverly Hillbillies - $275,000
When the 1960s TV program The Beverly Hillbillies hit the air, something about this comedic rags-to-riches story struck a chord with viewers and quickly became an overnight sensation. Fans couldn't get enough of Jed Clampett and his simple gang as they navigated their new life in Beverly Hills.
The old clunker of a truck, in which the crew relocated to California, became a staple of the show, and one of the series' most recognizable props. After the CBS classic came to an end, the vehicle was gifted by the show's producer to the Ralph Foster Museum. However, it was later auctioned off for $275,500.
Need for Speed - $300,000
Just like the Transformers franchise, the creators of Need for Speed struck gold in transforming a classic 1990s game into a blockbuster success. The retro video game was adapted into a film back in 2014 and maintained a lot of aspects of the original game - including the sweet rides.
Ford jumped at the chance and sold the film their 2013 Ford Mustang Fastback for a whopping $300,000. And they reallocated all the profits to the Edith Benson Ford Heart and Vascular Institute! Think that's a pricey ride? Keep scrolling for more of Hollywood's most expensive whips.
Grease - $385,000
Grease's "Hot Rod" may not have run the famous "Thunder Road Race," but it definitely won over the hearts of musical fans and car enthusiasts alike. This 1949 Mercury Series 9CM Custom Convertible was one hot commodity after it made its Hollywood debut in the 1978 blockbuster.
And it only rose in value as the years went on. That's right, this sleek ride ended up selling for a much higher price than that of Danny's car, but hey, we don't make the rules. This 1949 retro ride ended up being bought for $385,000 at Julien's Auction in Los Angeles years later.
The Monkees - $396,000
While most British rock lovers fell in love with George, Ringo, Paul, and John, American music lovers got their own boy band by the name of The Monkees. And it didn't take long for the four-man rock group to take their talents to NBC in their self-titled TV program, The Monkees.
It was the perfect avenue to promote their chart-topping tracks, including I'm a Believer and others. And what's more? The foursome of fun-loving musicians spent their weekly program roaming the streets in their Monkeemobile Pontiac GTO. This relic of pop culture history sold for $400,000 according to sources.
The Dark Knight Rises - $406,184
Alright, so this might not exactly count as a car - but for what it's worth, the Batpod is one seriously sleek ride. The getaway ride of choice from The Dark Knight Rises quickly became a fan favorite, as millions of Batman fanatics watched Christian Bale (or more likely, his stunt double) whip around the city streets.
In fact, one DC Universe lover became so enthralled with the ride that they were willing to drop $406,184 just to call the Batpod their own - not that we can blame them! However, while the buyer certainly earned some bragging points, the Batpod itself was purchased in a non-operable state... For now...
Ferris Bueller's Day Off - $407,000
There was a lot of controversy surrounding this sleek red ride. The car driven in Ferris Bueller's Day Off was thought to be a 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spyder, however, that's a huge misconception. It's actually a 1985 Modena Spyder - a more modern version that was meant to double as a replica of the Ferrari model.
And while the elusive Ferrari models have sold for upwards of $17 million, their 1985 counterpart used in the film was auctioned for just $407,000 in 2018. Though there may be a pretty steep price difference between the two bids, one thing's for sure - this movie prop went down in history for its role in the 1986 classic.
Knight Rider - $450,000
Ok, so in real life, David Hasselhoff's Knight Rider might not be able to drive itself, shoot bullets on demand, or launch its special turbo-boost feature, but it's still a relic of American pop culture. And for one lucky buyer, it's their official new whip.
According to Car and Driver, the car from the 1980s NBC crime drama hit the auction block, but things didn't go exactly as planned. While estimations for the car's value were pegged close to $1 million, in the end the K.I.T.T. sold for a mere $450,000.
Transformers - $500,000
This next item would be what we would call a combo deal. According to thedrive.com, four of the iconic Bumblebee cars from the Transformers franchise were sold at a Barrett-Jackson auction block for a cool half a million dollars. But who was the car fanatic that coughed up the dough?
It was reported that NASCAR team owner Rick Hendrick was the one who splurged on the four whips. Many couldn't believe that the team owner was willing to pay so much for cars that aren't even deemed street legal. But hey, an iconic car is an iconic car, right?
Back to the Future - $541,000
While this next whip might not be ranked at number one, it's believed by many to be one of the most iconic cars in cinematic history. After all, who doesn't remember the famous line, "Where we're going, we don't need roads"? That's right, we're talking about the legendary DeLorean DMC-12 used in the 1985 film Back to the Future.
The futuristic '80s car that aided in the adventures of Doc Brown and Marty McFly quickly became one of the most recognizable set props from Hollywood, and replicas have sold for over hundreds of thousands of dollars! But the original? That one-of-a-kind time machine was bought for $541K at a 2011 charity auction.
The Fast and the Furious - $550,000
The Fast & the Furious franchise has seen a lot of cars on set, to put it lightly. But we're throwing it back to the 2001 release that started it all. And as many diehard fans of the series know, Paul Walker just wasn't Paul Walker without his orange Toyota Supra. It also made an appearance in 2 Fast 2 Furious.
The nostalgia surrounding this sports car only skyrocketed after the beloved F&F actor passed away in 2013. His car was recently sold at a Barrett-Jackson auction in Las Vegas for a whopping $550,000. According to the auctioneer, it was "a car that started a cultural revolution."
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang - $805,000
Talk about a car with a lot of Hollywood connections! The Chitty Chitty Car first found fame during the 1968 British classic, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and took filmgoers on a magical time travel adventure. Did you know that the film was based on a book written by the James Bond creator himself?
The cinematic connections don't stop there. The car was later bought at an auction by none other than Peter Jackson, the director behind the legendary Lord of the Rings franchise. The award-winning director paid a whopping $805,000 for the ride and took it back with him to his home country of New Zealand.
Joe Dirt - $900,000
Many can agree that Joe Dirt was one of David Spade's biggest projects. From serving as a writer and lead actor, the adventure comedy took his career to new heights back in 2001. So it was no surprise that he couldn't part ways with one souvenir: his 1969 Dodge Charger Daytona.
Only 503 of these Dodge cars were built, according to Top Speed, further adding to the specialness of it all. In the end, Spade placed the highest bid for the car at $900 grand at the Mecum Auction. While it may not be the sleekest ride out there, it's definitely a relic of cinematic history.
The Spy Who Loved Me - $997,000
That's right, we're just getting started with the 007 entries on this list. The Lotus Esprit Submarine certainly caught the attention of Bond lovers during the 1977 action film, The Spy Who Loved Me. But who could forget the time Roger Moore drove off a pier in his aquatic getaway vehicle?
In terms of Bond gadgets, this submarine has ranked pretty high amongst franchise lovers - including one billionaire in particular. That's right - according to The Guardian, Tesla's Elon Musk purchased this (unfortunately inoperable) movie prop in 2013 for close to $1 million.
Gone in 60 Seconds - $1,000,000
This next car has had a longer Hollywood career than most. The "Eleanor" made its first appearance in the 1974 action film Gone In 60 Seconds when she debuted as a 1971 Mustang posing as a more modern 1973 version. But under 30 years later, she'd come back at the Mustang GT500 in the 2000 readaptation.
In the newer film, the Mustang was the trusty ride of Oscar-winning movie star, Nicolas Cage. Between Cage and the legend of Eleanor, this whip carried some serious star power, resulting in a competitive bidding war that resulted in a $1 million sale. Keep scrolling as we climb higher in the millions!
Le Mans - $1,370,000
While most of the films on the list have stuck to the action genre, perhaps no other movie is more famous for its cars than Le Mans. The 1971 classic film starred Steve McQueen, who was known during his prime as the "King of Cool" following a successful career of blockbuster action flicks.
And Le Mans was no exception! From start to finish, the motion picture boasted the hottest cars of its time, including this Porsche 911S, which was the first ride shown during the opening scene. Years later, this elite ride sold for $1.37 million in Scottsdale, Arizona during an auction.
Spectre - $3,410,000
We've crossed the $1 million mark and we're not looking back! This next entry takes us back to the famed James Bond series for one of the franchise's more iconic rides. That's right, we're talking about none other than the Aston Martin DB10 used in Spectre.
The 24th 007 installment pulled out all the stops in the 2015 motion picture, including this exclusive Aston Martin model. It was the only one of its kind produced, which explained the sky-high price tag. According to Business Insider, this sleek ride sold for $3.41 million roughly one year after the film debuted.
Bullitt - $3,700,000
Of course, the "King of Cool" wasn't done on the list just yet. Steve McQueen had a career rich with some of the coolest rides on the market. And in the 1968 action movie Bullitt, he made no exception. He got to cruise the streets in the brand new 1968 Mustang GT 390 - which made for one attention-grabbing Hollywood flick.
But while this was just one of many car movies for Steve McQueen, it certainly paved the way for many more action movies to come - especially thanks to the first of its kind car chase sequence. For its groundbreaking role in history, the Mustang sold for big bucks -$3.7 million to be exact!
Goldfinger - $4,600,000
Its 2015 counterpart may have sold for over $3 million, but the Aston Martin DB5 takes the cake as the priciest James Bond car of all time. What can we say? A classic is a classic - and this sleek grey sportscar is one classic Bond car. It even gave Sean Connery a run for his money as the 1964 film's most famous part!
Well, it's clear that this car certainly aged like fine wine, and the price tag rose accordingly. When it was finally auctioned off, one loaded Bond lover drove away with their dream car for a jaw-dropping $4.6 million. But can you blame them for buying? It's reported it still has all of the original gadgets!
Batman - $4,620,000
Just like the 007 franchise, DC Comics struck gold in the legendary series of Batman films and television shows that have come out since the comic book character made his debut in May of 1939. And over the years, the Batmobile has undergone some serious makeovers. But who could forget the classic '60s ride?
This retro Batmobile was a classic from the 1960s television series and subsequent 1966 film adaptation. The production team took a 1955 Lincoln Futura and gave it the transformation of a lifetime to suit Batman's custom needs. And nearly 50 years later it sold for $4.62 million at an auction in Arizona.
The Love Bug - $6,710,000
Chances are that this car isn't the first car that pops into your mind when you think of The Love Bug. That is, unless you're the wealthy buyer who dropped over $6 million for the retro Ferrari. That's right, it wasn't the Volkswagen Beetle named Herbie, but this 1956 Ferrari 250 GT LWB Berlinetta who cost the most.
The car dubbed the "Tour de France" was sold at an RM Auctions sale in Monterey, California years after the Disney classic came out - but according to car lovers, this is one of the most underrated vehicles in the film's entirety! Keep scrolling for more expensive whips from Hollywood...
Redline 7000 - $7,250,000
Now, for die-hard Ferrari lovers, this next item may be a bit of a sore spot. The 1965 Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe, which started the 1965 film Redline 7000, was the only American car in history to outperform the famed Italian model. Plus, it had Hollywood's bad boy Steve McQueen at the wheel in the action film.
Between its famous race record and Steve McQueen connection, car lovers around the world were expecting this sleek ride to sell for big bucks, but safe to say many jaws were on the floor when the bidding rose all the way to $7.25 million. But we're not done with Steve McQueen rides just yet!
Dukes of Hazzard - $9,900,500
Just like Starsky and Hutch, it's safe to say that Bo and Luke Duke just wouldn't be the same without their electric orange 1969 Dodge Charger. This mid-size muscle car was the loyal third trouble-maker in the Duke gang as they outsmarted local cops, Boss Hogg and Sheriff Rosco P. Coltrane.
And just like most classic Hollywood rides, this car gained a nickname in the show. Bo and Luke nicknamed their trusty steed "General Lee" after the Confederate General. This car became a symbol of American pop culture and skyrocketed in value, especially after the 2005 film adaptation. It sold in 2007 for almost $10 million!
Le Mans - $11,000,000
The cars in Le Mans carved a spot for themselves in history. And for the 1968 Ford GT40 Gulf, the uniqueness was all in the build. This elite race car was the first of its kind to use carbon fiber to maximize power while cutting down on weight. And it certainly caught the attention of car lovers from around the world.
It was featured in the countless scenes of race track footage during the 1971 film, Le Mans. And the McQueen connection certainly didn't hurt the outrageous sale price. This Ford race car sold for a staggering 11 million at an exclusive auction sale.
Le Mans - $14,000,000
Throughout this roundup, we've seen cars from different countries, film genres, and decades - but the time has come to award the first prize. And the winner is the 1970 Porsche 917K, which was featured in - you guessed it - Steve McQueen's Le Mans. In fact, this ride was in the film's promotional posters!
Despite the craze around the film at this racecar, it was mysteriously unaccounted for over two decades after the movie hit the theatres. However, after its discovery in 2001 in France, it didn't take long for one multi-millionaire car lover to hand over $14 million for this legendary ride.