The 1960s, a transformative era of cultural revolutions and innovations, also heralded a golden age for cinema and television. It was a time when the silver screen and living room TV sets dazzled with stories of spies, superheroes, and high-speed chases. But often stealing the spotlight from our beloved protagonists were their iconic vehicles: gleaming, roaring symbols of style, innovation, or sheer power. We take you on a nostalgic drive down memory lane, revisiting the automobiles that not only defined an era but also sped their way into the annals of pop culture history.
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1964 Aston Martin DB5 – Goldfinger (1964)
The DB5 is probably the most iconic Bond car ever. Introduced in the movie “Goldfinger,” this silver beauty came equipped with various gadgets such as an ejector seat, rotating number plates, and hidden guns. The DB5 solidified the bond (pun intended) between 007 and Aston Martin, a relationship that continues in the Bond films to this day.
1966 Batmobile (based on 1955 Lincoln Futura) – Batman (TV series, 1966-1968)
Customized by George Barris, this unique vehicle became instantly recognizable with its bat-wing fins and jet turbine. The Batmobile quickly became a symbol of the caped crusader and set the tone for Batmobiles in future renditions of the Batman story.
1963 Volkswagen Beetle – The Love Bug (1968)
Known as “Herbie,” this little white Volkswagen Beetle with red and blue racing stripes and the number “53” became a star in its own right. Herbie’s anthropomorphic qualities and adventures captured audiences’ hearts and led to several sequels.
1968 Ford Mustang GT 390 Fastback – Bullitt (1968)
Steve McQueen’s 10-minute car chase in San Francisco driving this Mustang is hailed as one of the most iconic car chases in film history. The dark green Mustang became synonymous with McQueen’s cool, understated style.
1966 Chrysler Imperial “Black Beauty” – The Green Hornet (TV series, 1966-1967)
Customized with green headlights and an array of gadgets, the “Black Beauty” was the Green Hornet’s primary mode of transportation. Its sleek design and modifications made it a standout TV car.
1960s MINI Cooper – The Italian Job (1969)
The MINI Cooper’s role in this classic heist film, where a trio of these cars are used to transport stolen gold through Turin, turned the MINI into an icon of British pop culture. The film showcased the vehicle’s agility and compact size, cementing its cool status.
1960 Peugeot 403 Convertible – Columbo (TV series, 1968-2003)
Lieutenant Columbo’s rumpled appearance matched his equally unkempt Peugeot 403. The car became an integral part of his character and was as memorable as his catchphrase, “Just one more thing…”
1962 Sunbeam Alpine Series II – Get Smart (TV series, 1965-1970)
Driven by the bumbling spy Maxwell Smart, the Sunbeam Alpine became synonymous with the comedic antics of the show. Its quirky appearance fit perfectly with the show’s tone.
This article originally appeared on MyCarMakesNoise.
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