6 Movies & TV Shows for Auto Enthusiasts that Aren’t About the Cars

Do your friends and family think that because you’re a car enthusiast that you have no other interests? Do they not recognize we car guys and gals have dedicated careers, aspirations and are consumers of arts and culture? I have other interests, you know! For example, I enjoy a good tale on the screen. Of course, me being me, I’m always noting what the characters are driving or what pops up in the background.

That often leads to me pausing the flick to inform my wife that the car in the scene makes no sense because it’s the wrong year or a character simply wouldn’t be able to or want to drive a particular vehicle. Can I be a Hollywood car consultant, please? Anyway, having watched a little bit of everything, I wanted to share a few films and television shows that feature great vehicles, that aren’t exactly about the transportation itself.

Cars of Steven Spielberg’s Duel

If you’ve never seen Steven Spielberg’s feature length directorial debut, do yourself a favor and queue it up. Htting the small screen in 1971, Duel takes the audience on a psychological thrill ride through the desert. Starring Dennis Weaver as a traveling businessman just trying to get from A to B, he finds himself being tormented by an unknown truck driver. While Weaver drives a 1971 Plymouth Valiant and the truck is a Peterbilt (with various years used for the movie between about 1955 and 1961), there is plenty of other automotive eye candy. Look out for the 1942 Packard, an International Travelall and my personal favorite, a 1949 Plymouth (because I have one!).

Cars of Boardwalk Empire

Taking place in Atlantic City during the onset of Prohibition in the early 1920s, this HBO series is full of beautiful rides. Among the most iconic is the one owned by the lead character played by Steve Buscemi, a blue 1921 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost. It’s a gorgeous automobile that stands out among the Model Ts of the era (and the sets!). You’ll also spot a Packard and a rare 1921 Paige Larchmont II 6-66 American driven by New York racketeer, Arnold Rothstein, played by Michael Stuhlbarg. The Silver Ghost, by the way, sold in 2015 at a Mecum Auction for $143,000.

Cars of Dazed & Confused

This classic film is classic car lover’s paradise. With everything from hot rods to muscle cars, it’s hard not to stare at the automotive gold in the background of just about every scene. Highlights include a 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454 driven by Matthew McConaughey’s character (alright, alright, alright!), as well as a 1970 Pontiac Judge GTO, 1974 Pontiac Firebird and a 1937 Oldsmobile six hot rod.

Cars of Home Improvement

Tim Allen is a known gearhead, so it’s no surprise that cars play a central role in his original TV show. Whether in his own garage, on Tool Time, or elsewhere on the show, rad rides tend to show up just about everywhere. Some of the top spots at a 1955 Chevrolet Nomad, 1932 Ford Model B (pictured), 1966 Shelby GT 350 H, 1966 Ferrari, and a 1967 Austin Healey 3000. But one episode was filmed at Jay Leno’s actual garage and gives us a peek at his collection, which includes a 1930s Bentley and a Lamborghini Miura.

Cars of Mad Men

The tale about advertising in the 1960s is a sure sale, for the story or the cars. Get it? Well, we all know why you’re reading this. Keep your eyes open for Don Draper’s 1962 and 1965 Cadillac Coupe De Ville, as well as other character’s rides, like a Jaguar XK-E, a Buick Wildcat and plenty of other American luxury, like Betty Draper’s 1961 Lincoln Continental.

Goodfellas

This Gangster flick is full of gangster cars. The classics include Tommy DiVito’s 1961 Chevrolet Impala and Henry Hill’s 1966 Chrysler Newport. Other spots include a 1966 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray, a 1979 Cadillac Coupe DeVille (in hot pink!), and a practical 1981 Volvo 244.

Honestly, it’s refreshing when you get through a film and can’t call out a misplaced car. Remember how that X-Men movie had Humvees in scenes set in the 1970s? Or the car you can see driving on the horizon in Gettysburg? I get it, things happen. But if there is a role for me in Hollywood, it’s as a car consultant or general automotive historian. Need that? Reach me at carsandcopymedia.com.