Iconic Car Chase Scenes: The Best Classic Cars in Hollywood Action

Car chases have been a Hollywood action movie mainstay for decades, with classic cars playing a major role in some of the most thrilling moments in the history of cinema. From belching muscle cars to high-tech European exotics, these car chases have left their mark on film enthusiasts and car buffs alike. Here is a list of some of the most iconic car chases with classic cars in Hollywood action films, in chronological order from oldest to newest.

Bullitt (1968) – Ford Mustang GT 390 Fastback

Arguably the most famous car chase in movie history, Bullitt set the formula for all action films to come. Steve McQueen, driving a 1968 Ford Mustang GT 390 Fastback, conducts a heart-stopping chase through the hilly roads of San Francisco, pursuing a 1968 Dodge Charger R/T. The raw growl of the motors, combined with actual high-speed driving and close-ups of raw anger, make the sequence indelible. The lack of CGI and presence of real stunt driving make it realistic, therefore being the greatest car chase ever filmed.

The French Connection (1971) – 1971 Pontiac LeMans

Unlike most car chases, The French Connection provided a white-knuckle urban chase with a twist: Gene Hackman's character in a 1971 Pontiac LeMans is chasing an overpass train in the wildly congested New York streets. The very raw randomness of the scene, with near-fatal sideswipes with real cars and pedestrians, makes it one of the most nervously watching ever filmed. The cinematography places viewers firmly in the driver's seat, heightening the tension and realism of the scene.

The Blues Brothers (1980) – 1974 Dodge Monaco

One of the all-time greatest car chases ever put on the screen, The Blues Brothers features a 1974 Dodge Monaco, the "Bluesmobile," racing past the cops on Chicago streets. The action is packed with over-the-top crashes, side-splitting stunts, and incredible numbers of car demolitions, with a dozen police cars crashing into one another in stunning fashion. The mix of comedy, action, and sheer mayhem makes this one of the most enjoyable and over-the-top auto chases ever committed to film.

Gone in 60 Seconds (2000) – 1967 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 (“Eleanor”)

The re-make of Gone in 60 Seconds featured an unforgettable high-speed chase scene employing a 1967 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500, nicknamed "Eleanor". Nicolas Cage's character speeds Los Angeles streets while evading police with masterful maneuvers, leap-of-faith jumps, and millisecond escapes. The movie's fast-paced action and stunning car stunts render the chase one of the best modern-day interpretations. The Shelby GT500 was a legend in an instant after the film, with many replicas crafted by enthusiasts.

Ronin (1998) – 1976 Mercedes-Benz 450SEL 6.9

Ronin is renowned for its authentic, high-speed chases, and an ultimate thrill includes a 1976 Mercedes-Benz 450SEL 6.9 speeding along the narrow Paris streets. With practical effects and actual stunt driving throughout the movie, an experience is created that is authentic and suspenseful. In contrast to most contemporary movies, Ronin shunned the use of CGI and instead used seasoned stunt drivers to drive through the crowded streets at breakneck speeds, and in doing so created one of the most tense and realistic car chases in recent film history.

The Italian Job (2003) – Mini Coopers

A modern reimagining of the 1969 classic, The Italian Job (2003) features 2003 Mini Coopers performing gravity-defying stunts through Los Angeles. The chase scene, filled with subway tunnels, rooftop jumps, and fast-paced city driving, pays homage to the original while adding contemporary action elements. The nimbleness of the Mini Coopers makes for a highly choreographed and visually dynamic chase that stands out in the genre

Mad Max: Fury Road (2015) – 1973 Ford Falcon XB GT (“The Pursuit Special”)

The Mad Max franchise returned with Fury Road, an epic, relentless desert pursuit. The 1973 Ford Falcon XB GT ("The Pursuit Special") of Tom Hardy's Max battles through a war rig wasteland and heavily armed marauders. The practical effects, real explosions, and actual car crashes in the film make this one of the most visually stunning chase scenes ever filmed. The tireless speed and frantic pace define the film as one of the most ambitious motor chase spectacles ever in film history.

No Time to Die (2021) – 1964 Aston Martin DB5

James Bond's iconic 1964 Aston Martin DB5 is back with a vengeance in No Time to Die. The car chase through the roads of Matera, Italy, includes the DB5's signature gadgets, bulletproofing, and hefty machine guns. The blend of retro and modern filmmaking, coupled with Bond's signature sleek style, makes this one of the most action-packed and visually spectacular car chases in recent Bond history. The Aston Martin DB5 remains one of the most well-liked movie cars of all time, embodying elegance and threat in equal measure.

Hollywood action flicks and classic cars are a combination made in heaven, delivering some of the most heart-stopping car chases in cinematic history. Whether it is a muscle car racing through city streets, a rugged desert chase vehicle, or a tiny Mini Cooper doing incredible stunts, these chases are the stuff of legend in cinematic history. 

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