You probably know all the makes and models driven by the good guys which exude class, independence, and a free spirit. But what about the bad guys? Vehicles have provided villains with a way to showcase power, performance, authority, and wealth in popular movies and TV shows.
Here are the 15 iconic cars associated with villains on the big screen.
1970 Chevrolet Nova from “Death Proof”
Kurt Russell portrays a disturbed villain named Stuntman Mike, who drives a 1970 Chevrolet Nova with a roll cage meant to make the car “death-proof.” With a ramp instead of a front bumper and some serious attitude from Russell, the old Nova makes for a memorable vehicle.
Goldfinger’s Rolls-Royce
Specifically, this gorgeous vehicle is a 1937 Rolls-Royce Phantom III Sedanca de Ville. A classic beauty, the gold-obsessed Bond villain smuggles the precious metal by melting it down and putting it in the vehicle’s bodywork. You might even remember the periodic table gold reference on Goldfinger’s license plate—AU1.
Cruella de Vil’s Vehicle from “101 Dalmations”
The various adaptations of 101 Dalmatians have included a variety of vehicles driven by Cruella. Perhaps the most memorable is the original. While the vehicle was animated, de Vil’s choice of ride was based on a 1930 Bugatti Royale. The vehicle is most memorable for its red color, exceedingly long hood, and black fenders.
Lumbergh’s Porsche from “Office Space”
Gary Cole played the boss that everyone loves to hate in the 1999 comedy Office Space. When he wasn’t asking Peter about memos and working over the weekend, Lumbergh was known for his Porsche 911 SC in blue with the vanity license plate ‘MY PRSHE.” You get one more look at the Porsche toward the movie’s end, framed nicely within the burning rubble of the office building.
1977 Pontiac LeMans from “Smokey and the Bandit”
Driven by Sheriff Buford T. Justice, the Pontiac LeMans from “Smokey and the Bandit” was well-known for its classic, authoritarian cop car look. Since Sheriff Buford spent much of his time trying to keep up with a 1977 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am, it needed a powerful 6.6-liter Pontiac 400 V8 engine to produce its 200 horsepower.
1971 Ford Thunderbird from “Diamonds Are Forever”
The Bond movies are well known for putting excellent vehicles on the big screen. Even though the 1971 Ford Thunderbird Landau from “Diamonds Are Forever” gave the villains everything they needed to catch and kill James Bond, including a 7-liter V8 and lots of trunk space, they still failed.
1958 Plymouth Fury from “Christine”
There are few movies where the vehicle is the bad guy. Christine is a 1958 Plymouth Fury with an attitude far beyond a fast engine. Purchased by a high school student, the Fury goes out of its way to cause all sorts of death and destruction, including blowing up a gas station and running people down.
The Duke’s 1977 Cadillac Fleetwood from “Escape from New York”
The bad guy from “Escape from New York” drove a decent vehicle, but what he did with the vehicle makes it iconic. His Fleetwood was outfitted with a full-size disco ball hanging from the rearview mirror and two chandeliers mounted to the front of the vehicle.
Porsche 911 from “Condorman”
Disney’s “Condorman” features a few cool cars, but the black Porsche 911 Slantnose that tries to sneak up on our heroes is epic. Five of them pursue the hero, and their unusual angular front end coupled with a large rear spoiler makes them look truly menacing.
TVR Tuscan Speed Six from “Swordfish”
John Travolta made this iconic British sports car look cool as the villain in “Swordfish.” In addition to a beautiful, sweeping design with a green hue, the TVR Tuscan is also known for its 360-horsepower engine and featherweight 2,600-pound design. In short, it looks good and moves fast—like a swordfish.
Jaguar XKR from “Die Another Day”
Korean secret agent Zao drives this one. The Jaguar XKR features sporty looks and beautiful green coloring without the additions Bond movies often add, which for this one includes a machine gun and missiles.
Aston Martin DB9 from “Fast And Furious 7”
The sporty Aston Martin DB9 looks elegant on screen. The final scene of “Fast And Furious 7” features Diesel’s character crushing the DB9 by doing a wheelie in his Dodge Charger R/T onto the Aston Martin’s hood during a game of chicken. That’s unfortunate because it’s a fantastic car.
Ferrari 308 GTS from “Cannonball Run”
With pop-up headlights and a unique low grill, the Ferrari 308 GTS has all the looks it needs to stand out on the big screen. Sammy Davis, Jr and James Dean drove this one in an illegal road race.
Ferrari GT Spyder from “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off”
When a father loves his vehicle more than his son, the vehicle becomes the bad guy. This Ferrari has classic convertible looks with Porsche’s infamous circular headlights and plenty of power under the hood from a 3.0-liter V12 engine. Unfortunately, this one meets a pitiful end when it’s backed out through sheet glass windows and falls to its demise.
Dodge Charger from “Bullitt”
The 1968 Dodge Charger, driven by the assassins in Bullitt, is one of the most iconic villain vehicles in movie history. So, what was in the vehicle that chased Steve McQueen and his Ford Mustang GT through the streets of San Francisco? A 375-horsepower Magnum V8, an upgraded rear end, and shocks to survive the hilly Bay Area.
Villains Need to Drive Cool Cars to Keep Up with The Good Guys
Villains are often defined by their cunning, their style, and, of course, their choice of ride. The vehicles in this list aren’t just modes of transportation; they are extensions of the characters themselves, showcasing their power, menace, or eccentricity.
Whether it’s a muscle car tearing through city streets or a sleek luxury vehicle exuding opulence, these cars have solidified their place in cinematic history. After all, the bad guys need to keep up with the good guys—and sometimes, they even steal the show.
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