With 'Speed Racer' coming out this week, Wizard Universe runs down their list of the coolest cars and awesomest autos from TV and movie history. Readers, start your engines!
By Carolyn Fowlkes, Jim Gibbons and Josh Wigler with big, special thanks to the ToyFare Staff!
Posted 5/06/2008
What makes a cool car? Is it horsepower or handling? Is it the paint job and flashiness, or are safety ratings and number of airbags more important? Over here at Wizard Universe, we're of the impression that while being fast and functional is key, your car better have some rocket launchers, razor blades and rockin' gadgets to back up your engine revs if you want us to care. So, after getting our minds nearly blown by trailers for the upcoming "Speed Racer" flick (and after a seizure or two), we sat down and hashed out a list of cars from our favorite TV shows and movies that we'd kill to get on the road in! Fasten your seatbelt, because we're about to haul ass through our Top 25, honorable mentions that didn't quite make the cut and even our favorite vans!
25. CHRISTINE
"Christine"
CAROLYN: What could be better for a teenage boy than getting his first car? Not much. Just like not much could be worse than finding out it’s supernaturally possessed! The satanic Christine—a red Plymouth Fury with a taste for blood—unhesitatingly struck down anyone who crossed her or her owner’s path, from bullies to owner Arnie Cunningham’s girlfriend. 24. THE WAGONQUEEN FAMILY TRUCKSTER
"National Lampoon's Vacation"
JOSH: If you’re taking a road trip across the country, there's no better vehicle than The Wagonqueen Family Truckster featured in "National Lampoon's Vacation." Despite its awful aesthetics and poor functionality, this car guarantees a vacation that you'll never forget, plus a roof rack ready for grandmother corpses. 23. BLACK BEAUTY
"The Green Hornet"
CAROLYN: Every gentleman crime fighter needs a slick car. The Green Hornet's ride, Black Beauty, has explosive-firing bumpers, a video/audio surveillance device launchable from the trunk and green-tinted headlights to coordinate with the Hornet's color scheme! Bruce Lee may not be included, but this car's got gadgets to spare without the martial arts master! 22. STUNTMAN MIKE’S CAR
"Death Proof"
JOSH: Whether you're inside the car or driving alongside it, the only place you’re safe from Stuntman Mike's car is behind its wheel. The death proof vehicle would rank higher on our list if its driver didn't turn out to be such a wimp in the end. 21. THE DEATHMOBILE
"National Lampoon's Animal House"
JIM: Sometimes it's not about how big or fast your car is but how you use it, and that's why The Deathmobile makes the list. Great for wreakin' havoc on pesky deans in college towns, it's nearly impenetrable, has a darn cool paint job and can easily be hidden beneath a parade float! 20. THE HOMER
"The Simpsons"
CAROLYN: Featuring two bubble domes, tailfins and three horns that played La Cucaracha, how could we fail to give Homer Simpson’s laughably ugly prototype a top spot? The car that put millionaire brother Herb Simpson out of business was made for the average man by the average man, proving that there're some things that ought to be left to the pros...or are there? 19. JACKIE CHAN'S SUBARU HATCHBACK
"Cannonball Run"
CAROLYN: The high-tech, computerized Subaru hatchback that Jackie Chan and Michael Hsui drive in Cannonball Run has everything a guy could want—gadgetry, a rocket engine and a built-in TV on which Chan watches porn. I guess a guy needs a little entertainment during those long races! 18. THE BLUESMOBILE
"The Blues Brothers"
JIM: There's something truly awesome about a car that's not only fully-functional as a band promotional tool with it's huge roof mic but can also outrun, jump and maneuver Chicago's finest! It's got a cop motor, a 440-cubic-inch plant, cop tires, cop suspensions, cop shocks and it's a model made before catalytic converters so it'll run good on regular gas, all of which means you're ready to drive in the dark wearing sunglasses. Ok, the cigarette lighter's broke, but c'mon, wicked stunts!
17. THE SPINNER
"Blade Runner"
JOSH: The Spinner is awesome for a variety of reasons. It is capable of both ground and air travel and can only be used by police or licensed wealthy people. When your job is to hunt and retire renegade replicants, the Spinner is the car to own. Plus, we mentioned it flies right?! 16. THE GENERAL LEE
"The Dukes of Hazzard"
CAROLYN: The spirit of the South comes to life in the General Lee, complete with Dixie horn and Confederate flag painted on the roof. Offensive decals aside, this mechanical star of The Dukes of Hazzard performed chases, stunts and at least one high jump every episode to keep the Duke boys out of trouble. Watch for potholes and keep on driving, the list continues! Numbers 15 through 6 are next!
