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The 25 Strangest Automotive Interiors Of The 1990s

Cameron Eittreim September 10, 2021

As a decade, the 1990s changed a lot for the automotive industry from the design perspective. Automakers dared to make design changes that were frowned upon before that era. Interior design also leaped functionality and comfort. Many car models in the ’90s utilized updated interiors with new technologies.

But not all of these were especially effective. Today we’ll look at 25 of the strangest car interiors that hit the industry. You may be familiar with some of these car models, and others might be a complete surprise. Check out the 25 strangest car interiors of the 1990s (via Motor Trend) below.

25: Nissan NX2000

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Nissan hit a low point in the 1990s but that doesn’t mean there weren’t a few diamonds in the rough. The NX2000 changed the game for what a compact car could look like. Its sculpted design hadn’t appeared on a hatchback before the NX. In addition to the improvement in the exterior design, the interior did the job. The design was controversial to many drivers.

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But the driver-centric cockpit would be mimicked later by other automakers (via Car and Driver). The NX2000 used a small amount of interior space well. A comfortable ride quality made the car a pleasure to drive, and the cargo hatch was functional. Had Nissan not been in serious financial shape at this time, the NX2000 might have been more well-known.

24: 1993-1998 Lincoln Mark VIII

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The corporate clone of the Ford Thunderbird did an excellent job reinventing the car. You’d never know that the Mark VIII was a Thunderbird at first glance. The two are separate cars for the most part, and Lincoln’s interior is spacious and technologically advanced (via Motor Trend). Lincoln put an equitable amount of effort into the design. Lexus had crept up on the domestic automakers by this time, and it was an all-out war for luxury dollars.

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Sadly, the Lincoln Mark VIII would be phased out by 1998, but the final car had a new and unseen but not unpleasant interior. A flowing dashboard and plenty of options would entice buyers. A modern sound system with BOSE surrounds also added to the allure of the Mark VIII. Coupled with that was the excellent sound design that the car had from the factory.

23: 1999-2002 Mercury Cougar

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Ford invested a lot in the Mercury brand at the end of the 1990s. The Cougar was designed to appeal to female car shoppers who might otherwise look over the brand. Similarly, this Cougar was not a V8-powered car like the previous Cougar. The new design proved to be polarizing with buyers either loving it or hating it. The interior was a dice roll, as this was around the time Ford started with the “new edge” design scheme via (Motor Trend).

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The new Cougar had curves galore on the interior, especially on the dashboard. Ford’s New Edge design was carried over from the Mustang and the Focus. Some enthusiasts appreciate this design, and others avoid it. Still, the Cougar had a unique design. Unfortunately, Mercury didn’t make it into the current decade, and the brand has all but been erased from Ford marketing.

22: 1996-1998 Suzuki X-90

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In the 1990s, Suzuki was sort of the “lame duck” of the automotive industry. Generation X embraced the brand as a funky alternative, baby boomers not so much. That divide between shoppers put a dent in any success Suzuki could have. The X-90 is a hybrid of the successful Suzuki Samurai and a two-door sports car. The thinking was that a driver could have the best of both worlds. It was an idea that connected decades later with the crossover movement.

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But in the 1990s, most drivers preferred a more conventional SUV model (via Repair Pal). The X-90 was underpowered and lacking a backseat. The interior was not well put together, with both driver and passenger riding extremely close to each other. Suzuki is not the most pioneering car company in the world, and it’s no surprise that the X-90 was less than stellar.

21: 1999-2002 Qvale Mangusta

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New and interesting concept cars were a reality in the 1990s. The Qvale Mangusta is evidence of that, with its startling interior. If the interior of the car looked familiar, it is because it was completely ripped out of the Ford Mustang. Ford’s design is apparent throughout the Mangusta. The 1990s were the last great decade for the two-seater sports car.

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Car companies were all vying to have that one killer design that would stand out from the crowd. The Qvale Mangusta would lead you to believe that it is a car that was designed from scratch. That sadly isn’t the case as the Qvale Mangusta is another product of a company with had a big idea with no substance. There are other sports cars from this era that offer superior performance and bang for the buck (via Motor Week).

20: 1991-1992 Mitsubishi Galant VR-4

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Mitsubishi was still fairly new to the US market in the 1990s. Mitsubishi was ready to establish a presence on US soil. The Galant was the company’s large family sedan that competed directed with the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. Mitsubishi has rally car expertise and that’s where the VR-4 designation came from.

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The Galant VR-4 is perhaps the hidden jewel of the 1990s, being sold in very low volume. The design was polarizing, to say the least. The Galant VR-4 could be described as the ultimate sleeper car thanks to the great design. The interior had a straightforward design not every driver liked. Mitsubishi would calm the Galant’s edges as time went on, but it was still a very uniquely designed car, to say the least.

19: 1989-1995 Lotus Elan M100

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Back in the 1990s, Lotus was still a performance-based operation, and the Elan M100 was the focal point. From a design perspective, the Elan M100 is excellent. The car is straight to the point as a performance roadster, which is something that enthusiasts appreciated. The interior of the Elan M100, on the other hand, is a mess of things that you need and things you don’t.

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Surprisingly enough, though the Elan M100 served as the base for the Tesla Roadster. Elon Musk had always appreciated the unique design of the car. Lotus engineering is among the best in the world when it comes to driving characteristics. You won’t find a better driving roadster than the Lotus Elan. Today, the Elan M100 is a coveted collector’s item, but that interior just has to go according to Auto Express.

18: 1991-1992 Oldsmobile Cutlass Calais Quad 442

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Taking on the Chrysler K-Cars for compact Detroit dominance wasn’t an easy task. This is why GM revived the legendary Quad 442 nameplate. The car is everything that drivers needed out of an early ’90s compact. The interior is spacious, but the design is covered in awkward squares and off-color tones. We give Oldsmobile credit for trying to think outside of the box, but the extremely ’80s-esque design takes a lot to get used to.

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GM spent a reported billion dollars on the N-Body platform, and whether the company got its money’s worth is debatable. If you drove any 1990s GM sedan or coupe, you noticed the interiors were extremely boxy. Digital gauges galore and an interesting GM Delco radio deck were among the niceties drivers got (via The Truth About Cars).

17: 1993-1997 Honda Civic del Sol

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What happened when you took a Honda Civic and chopped the back off? Drivers got the Del Sol. The compact Civic-based roadster sold in the ’90s and didn’t feature any noticeable performance upgrades. But if you enjoy Honda vehicles and wanted an open-air experience, the Del Sol is how you got it. The interior does have different Honda Civic features, but all crammed into a tightly trimmed space.

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The removable Targa top was a nice touch, but it takes up a great amount of trunk space. The speaker system in the Del Sol was also not the best that you could get at the time. The Del Sol is the quintessential ’90s cruiser if there ever was one. Between the Suzuki X-90 monstrosity and the Del Sol, you couldn’t get more 1990s than these two cars. When you step into the Del Sol, it’s time to fire up the Ally McBeal and take a step down memory lane (via Motor Trend).

16: 1992-1995 Acura Vigor

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The start of 1990 marked the rise of Japanese luxury cars. Gone were the days of BMW and Mercedes ruling the roost. Acura was not the staple that Toyota’s Lexus division was, but there are a few classics. The Vigor is an excellent luxury sedan, bolstering a large and imposing exterior design. Luxury met sophistication with the Vigor, but not necessarily in a way that connected with the consumer.

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The Vigor supplemented performance with luxury, and that carried over into the interior. Plush leather seating and a lot of dials and buttons wrapped the driver in luxury. Sadly, the dashboard and driver instrumentation were a lost sea of mismatched tech. Acura hadn’t come into its own as a luxury brand at this point. The Vigor has one of the most questionable interiors of the early Acura era (via Motor Trend).

15: 1991-1992 Isuzu Impulse RS

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Isuzu is a company that builds the Trooper SUV, but there was a time when the company sold passenger cars as well. The RS Trim is the one to have, but the interior is questionable. Isuzu is not a compact car company, and the Impulse is evidence of that. The Impulse is on the same platform as the I-Mark Sedan. Unlike the I-Mark though, the Impulse managed to achieve a fair amount of success in America. Between the sales as a Geo model for GM and the notoriety of Joe Isuzu, the car is a modest sales success.

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The Impulse is a steady and handsome-looking coupe, even by today’s standards. The reliability and performance of the DOHC engine are enough to resonate with buyers. The interior is spacious for a two-door compact but is lacking in continuity. The dials were in an odd place, and the radio controls are also mindlessly placed. An optional hatchback model is rare, but a welcomed addition for rally enthusiasts (via Motor Trend).

14: 1993-1997 Infiniti J30

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Three distinct luxury brands come from Japan: Lexus, Acura, and Infiniti. Infiniti is the Nissan-sourced brand, and the J30 is essentially the Altima. The bubble back on the J30 is a sore point with critics. Interior volume is lesser than other sedans from this same era. The five-passenger seating is tight at best and luxury features were lacking. The premium price tag for the J30 equated to low sales numbers. The interior was a melting pot of ovals and awkward shapes, and faux wood trim.

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The J30 performed admirably in 0-60 performance, but the styling is a major turnoff. A lot of consumers were more comfortable with the traditional styling of the Lexus ES300 or the Acura RL. In recent years, the J30 has become highly sought after thanks to its powerplant that is shared with the Nissan 300ZX. Turbocharging a J30 is a relatively painless process and the car will perform beautifully.

13: 1991-1994 Mercury Capri

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The Mercury Capri is a definitive classic roadster. The car hit the market in 1991 as a latch ditch attempt to spring some life into the Mercury brand. Mercury’s lineup consists of rebadged Ford models, so the Capri is different. The styling of the roadster is created for the short-lived Merker brand that Ford marketed. Once the Merker brand hit the shelf, Ford went ahead and brought the Capri to the marketplace. Relative to the Mazda Miata, the Capri is a different type of car altogether.

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There is a more premium feel to the Capri, and performance is seemingly better. The interior is a jumbled mix of hard plastics and weird buttons. The design team left some R&D out in the design of the interior. The seats are hard and uncomfortable, and if the convertible top is rolled, the cargo space will be limited. Few drivers will remember the Capri as it got overshadowed by the Miata every step of the way.

12: 1992-1996 Mazda MX-3 V6

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Oddly enough, the Mazda MX-3 is similar to the Nissan NX2000 design. The automaker went ahead with the design of the car. The difference with the MX-3 V6 is that the engine was shared across multiple models. Drivers got the performance of the Mazda MX-6 with the versatility of a hatchback. The interior is cramped and cargo space is not what you’d expect. The hatch does not open high enough to load large cargo or big suitcases.

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City driving is where the MX-3 is at home. The short wheelbase coupled with the V6 engine gives the car wonderful dynamics. The V6 engine is well-suited to what Mazda buyers are looking for in a car. The dashboard is a mixture of RX-7 and Miata, all crammed into the same thing. Don’t forget the automatic seatbelts, a fixture of the 1990s car design (via Motor Trend).

11: 1990-1992 Volkswagen Corrado G60

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Volkswagen is a company that was in dire straights in 1990. The popularity of the “Bug” was far gone, and reliability ratings for the brand were questionable at best. The Fox compact sold a lot of cars, but its bad reputation caused backlash. The Corrado G60, on the other hand, came with high-performance intentions. Drivers got a Porsche 911 for a lot less, and without the prestige of the brand name recognition.

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The interior in the Corrado G60 was a mismatch of other Volkswagen models. There is a bit of Jetta, Passat, and the Golf. Hard plastics galore, and the seating is universally uncomfortable. The hatchback is not a versatile design, you don’t buy the Corrado G60 for cargo space. Recently, the Corrado is more popular than ever with used car prices skyrocketing for a clean example.

10: 1987-1997 Mazda MX-6

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The Mazda MX-6 was produced from 1987-1997 and is a traditional coupe. The early design is boxy, to say the least. The second generation of the MX-6 however is often credited as one of the most beautiful Mazda models of all time. The beautiful sleek lines on the MX-6 are reminiscent of the Lexus SC400 coupe. The interior, on the other hand, missed the mark, with hard plastics and a confusing dashboard. Traditionally, the important dials should be within reach of the driver. The MX-6 did away with the “normal” train of thought.

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The MX-6 did not offer a spacious interior; in fact, the backseat is only suitable for children. Trunk space is also limited on the MX-6, but that’s where the bad news ends. The MX-6 is stellar to drive on long voyages. A smooth suspension ensures that the car soaks up bumps like something much more expensive. Aftermarket upgrades are a dime a dozen for the MX-6 and there is an active aftermarket community for the car (via Jalopnik).

9: 1986-1998 Saab 900 Turbo Convertible

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The Saab 900 Turbo Convertible is a beautiful car with a unique style. The styling could be deemed “uniquely Saab”, as there is no other car like it. Saab would continue the styling trend for the 900 up until the brand’s demise in 2010. From the exterior, the Saab 900 Turbo is an exceptional convertible in every sense of the word.

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It’s when you got into the interior that the nuts and bolts are a bit skewed. The first thing that you notice about the Saab 900 is the key placement. The ignition switch is located in the middle of the two front seats, a Saab trademark. The 900 has the unique Nightwatch feature, where you can dim the entire dashboard, except for the garages. Weird lines and uncomfortable seating are downfalls of an otherwise quirky interior. There is truly not another car interior from this decade that looks like the Saab 900 (via Curbside Classic).

8: 1991-1996 Buick Roadmaster

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Somehow the Roadmaster always comes back around in a list. The styling of the car wasn’t so much what sold it, it was the LT1 Corvette engine under the hood. The interior of the Roadmaster is quite plush. The dashboard design of the Roadmaster was where the interior fell short. The cluster is hard to read and outdated compared to the rest of the car. The GM Delco radio deck from the 1990s could be described as cheap.

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There is a lot of interior volumes, seating for six if you opted for the bench. The Roadmaster is one of the last full-size sedans that could seat six comfortably. The design of the seating was lacking in quality. GM interior materials around this period were cheaply made. There’s a good chance that you’d end up having to have a ripped seat repaired or worse. The Buick Roadmaster tackled just about anything and did it well, especially if you opted for the station wagon model (via Bloomberg).

7: 1991-1997 Subaru SVX

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The Subaru SVX is the poster child for what a sports car shouldn’t be. The harsh styling of the SVX alienated potential buyers. The odd driver and passenger window design on the SVX resembled a supercar of the era. The rest of the interior is choppy, to say the least, aand there is harsh plastic galore. Leather seating on the upmarket model swaddled the driver in a cockpit-like setting. But none of the switches or dials were within easy reach, and the factory sound system is a joke.

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Cargo space in the SVX is non-existent, so a long road trip is questionable. Legroom is abundant in the SVX, which is a fair aspect of the design. A driver needs important switches and dials to be within reach of them. Subaru did not factor in the everyday driver who would go for the SVX. The SVX has managed to increase in value in the used car market as of lately. The hunger for a true Subaru-based sports car has helped to feed demand (via Hagerty).

6: 1989-1996 Nissan 300ZX (Z32)

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No matter what generation, the Nissan “Z” is a legend. The Z32 is the most controversial model in the Z cars heritage. Introduced as the first “modern” Z car, the Z32 had a lot of tech drivers saw for the first time. With a leather interior and a convertible top, the 300ZX is a downright beautiful car from top to bottom. But the interior luxuries aren’t what you buy the 300ZX for, it’s the twin-turbo-powered V6 engine under the hood.

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The dashboard is poorly designed in the Z32. A myriad of different dials and buttons control several features of the car. Choose the T-Tops or convertible variation of the car and the cargo space was even more limited. Electrical problems in the interior are another issue with the Z32 that plagues even a low-mileage example. Still, the Z32 is one of the most iconic examples of the Nissan Z altogether (via Car & Driver).

5: 1987-1993 Cadillac Allanté

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Cadillac tried a few different things when it came to the luxury roadster. The Allanté is considered one of the most expensive Cadillacs of all time. The styling was conventional for the timer. But as with GM tech of the time, the dashboard is a confusing mix of buttons and digital gauges. GM tried to lead the pack with digital dashboard designs. Repair costs are high, and the maintenance for this kind of system is even worse.

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The interior is full of cheap plastics and fake wood, which is a letdown considering the high price tag of the Allanté at the time. Nowadays, the Allanté is a collector’s item with values skyrocketing. Dealing with the awkward interior design is only one facet of Allanté ownership. The painfully designed V8 engine is the other drawback. Cadillac attempted to revive the Allanté a decade later with the Corvette-based XLR (via Hagerty).

4: 1995-1998 Nissan 200SX SE-R

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The Nissan 200SX is a compact two-door car sold for a few years. The 200SX carried the compact banner of the Nissan brand alongside the Sentra. The awkward exterior style of the car didn’t resonate with car shoppers. A sleek elongated coupe was met with a bulldog’s nose upfront. Surprisingly enough, the 200SX had a SE-R model, which is well-positioned for cheap thrills on the track. The interior, on the other hand, is hideously designed.

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The interior shares a lot of plastic and design with the Nissan Sentra. The Sentra is a bargain-basement car, especially the 1998 model. On top of the cheap thrills that you’ll find with the interior materials, the space is also cramped. Cargo space in the trunk of the 200SX is also questionable, all of which leads up to a strange design for a sports coupe (via Motor Trend).

3: 1998-2001 Honda Prelude

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The Prelude is the last dedicated Honda sports coupe. The Prelude had a long line of options drivers wanted. The exterior design is attractive, even by today’s standards. The interior of the Prelude is different from your Accord. Honda went for a sporty look, but the end result was a bit confusing.

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The interior had a premium feeling from the leather to the dark tones. There were soft leather touches throughout the interior, and the sports car-inspired seating is a plus. The Prelude is missing that special something in the interior. Honda devoted a lot of effort to the design of the Prelude, but the last few years for the car were rough (via Car and Driver).

2: 1996 – 1999 Ford Taurus

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The third-generation Ford Taurus is a tradition of design. The overtly oval design is remembered for being panned by critics. The reliability of the Taurus is also questionable. The Taurus was offered in a sedan and wagon variation, and the interior is cramped. The dials are cheap and hard to get to, and the gauge cluster was not Ford’s best design.

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The Taurus went downhill after this generation. Consumers simply couldn’t let the new design go, and it stuck around. Toyota and Honda had dramatically changed the Camry and Accord, but the Taurus had a horrible new design (via Road and Track).

1: 1991 – 1993 Chevrolet Lumina APV

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Finally, we have the Lumina APV, the ugly ducking of the GM minivan family, which debuted in the early 1990s. Unlike Chrysler minivans, which were massively popular, the Lumina APV was not. The Dustbuster-themed styling of the van didn’t resonate with consumers on any level. The viewing angle of the dashboard was unlike anything else you drove.

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The interior was cheaply made, and the materials were of low-grade quality. We’re not sure what GM was expecting by designing a Dustbuster on wheels. The design was awful to look at. The dashboard is an especially weak point for this van. But worse than that was the sloping front end of the Lumina APV (via Jalopnik).

Home Cars How Much The Most Famous Movie Cars Ever Are Actually Worth
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How Much The Most Famous Movie Cars Ever Are Actually Worth

Cameron Eittreim September 7, 2021

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In many of our favorite films and TV shows, iconic movie cars stand out as some of the best qualities of the content we love to watch. The vehicles featured in movies like ‘Back To The Future’ and ‘Fast and the Furious’ prove this. Most of the vehicles that are custom-made for movies and TV shows are actual cars that their fans can witness in person.

And some even take it further. The richest and most dedicated collectors have a ton of extra money. That makes it possible to own the vehicle of your dreams at some point in time. These sales are rare and expensive as a result. We took a look back at some of the most expensive movie cars sold at auction here.

25: 1961 Volkswagen Beetle – $107,250 (Herbie: Fully Loaded)

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The Beetle itself was an iconic small car that sold millions of examples over the years because of its charm. The “Herbie” movie franchise gave the Beetle a needed push in popularity. It also introduced fans to a unique paint scheme. The car that could think on its own latched on with moviegoers. Herbie has been a popular franchise ever since according to New Atlus.

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There was also a popular remake with Lindsey Lohan. Herbie sold for $107,250 at a 2018 Monterey auction. That was a handsome price tag considering the car’s limited appeal. Nevertheless, this iconic Bug fetched a solid price due to its worldwide charisma.

24: 1967 Volkswagen Samba Bus – $121,000 (That ’70s Show)

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“That 70’s Show” was one of the most popular franchises on TV for a long period of time. Main character Michael Kelso, who was portrayed by Ashton Kutcher, was well-known for his love of his VW Bus. The 21-Window Samba is one of the most highly sought-after variations of this iconic bus. After the show end the van sold at auction in Palm Beach for $121,000 via Bonhams.

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The van is authenticated as the real thing from the show. There was even an included handbag that was signed by the cast members. The Samba Bus is among one of the rarest variations of the VW Van thanks to the unique design. The seemingly unlimited amount of interior volume makes it a hit with drivers as a result.

23: 1967 Chevrolet Camaro SS – $167,200 (Transformers: Age of Extinction)

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Chevy fans were sad when the Camaro brand was phased out in 2002. So it was a breath of fresh relief when the brand made a return with the Transformers sequel in 2010. It’s obvious that a ’60s-era Camaro SS sells for a pretty penny anyway. But the fact that this was a movie car added to the prestige via Barrett Jackson.

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The 1967 Chevrolet Camaro sold for $167,200 at an auction in Scottsdale, Arizona. The car includes the unique yellow paint job fans remember seeing in the original movie release. The Transformer Camaro struck a great balance between movie theatrics and design. It sold for quite the pretty penny as a result.

22: 1984 Ferrari 308 GTS – $181,500 (Magnum, P.I.)

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Tom Selleck is one of the most popular television actors of all time. The show he hit his stride was ‘Magnum P.I.’ It wasn’t just his trademark mustache that made him a popular TV icon. His popularity was also due to Magnum’s 1984 Ferrari 308 GTS Quattrovalvole that he drove. The 1980s were a time of opulence and extreme luxury. This particular Ferrari was the epiphany of this via Borhams Auction.

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Whether you wanted to be like Selleck or Al Pacino, the Ferrari 308 GTS Quattrovalvole was a dream car for most. The actual 1984 Ferrari 308 GTS Quattrovalvole from Magnum P.I. sold for a whopping $181,500 at an auction. You’d expect to pay that price for a brand-new Ferrari. True fans just can’t put a price tag on nostalgia.

21: 1958 Plymouth Fury – $198,000 (Christine)

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‘Christine’ wasn’t just a movie about an afflicted Plymouth. It was also the best-selling novel by Steven King. The movie version of Christine was haunting, to say the least, becoming one of the King’s most popular movie franchises via Saratoga Auto Auction.

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Plymouth had hit its stride in the 1950s. The Fury was evidence of that. It was so much so that someone purchased the car at an auction for close to $200,000. This shows the amount fans are willing to pay due to a movie’s popularity. Christine was an iconic car movie that had a lot of unique and frightening aspects to it.

20: The Beverly Hillbillies Truck – $275,000

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“The Beverly Hillbillies” is one of the most popular shows of all time due to its committed following. The show depicted a family who struck gold on oil one day and moved to Beverly Hills to start a new life. 

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The truck featured in the movie is the quintessential “hillbilly” ride in every sense of the word, via Barrett Jackson. Paul Henning donated the unique truck to the Ralph Foster Museum after the series had ended. Needless to say, someone is having a lot of fun with this unique ride right now because of its nostalgic charm.

19: 2013 Ford Mustang Fastback – $300,000 (Need for Speed)

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Starring Aaron Paul, “Need For Speed” had a unique feature because of the Ford Mustang featured in the movie. The 2013 Ford Mustang Fastback had a number of custom features that any Ford fan would want  due to its custom wheels and expensive paint job via Motor Trend.

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This Mustang was sold at auction to charity benefitting the Edith and Benson Ford Heart and Vascular Institute. This charity was started by Henry Ford himself thanks to his philanthropic efforts. At a cool $300,000, this is one of the most expensive modern Mustangs in existence as a result.

18: Batpod – $338,066 (The Dark Knight Rises)

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While it’s not officially a “car” by any means, the “Batpod” which was featured in the “Dark Knight Rises” was an actual vehicle. The Batpod was sold at an auction for a whopping $338,066.00. What was even more shocking was the fact that it wasn’t even in working condition via Auto Evolution.

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Batman and comic book merchandise, in general, is in high demand due to its overwhelming popularity. The sale of the Batpod just goes to show how much some of these items are worth as a result. We’re not sure if the new owner of the Batpod ever got it in working condition thanks to its unique engineering. Either way, still an iconic part of movie history because of its originality.

17: 1949 Mercury Series 9CM Custom – $385,000 (Grease)

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Literally one of the most well-known movies in history, “Grease” had its fair share of one-of-a-kind automobiles. The iconic Mercury convertible driven by Danny Zuko’s nemesis Leo has managed to stand the test of time. Mercury is not a brand equated with flames and high performance, but this mock convertible changed all that via Motor Trend.

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The one-of-a-kind paint scheme still looks good to this day and the unique design of the car stands out from the crowd. The car was sold at a Julien’s Auction in Los Angeles, California for the massive price tag of $385.000. There’s a lot to be said about a car sale and proves the Grease movie franchise could bring massive prices thanks to its popularity. 

16: 1966 “Monkeemobile” Pontiac GTO – $396,000 (The Monkees)

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As odd as it may seem the “Monkeemobile” was an actual vehicle. Custom-built for the NBC show “The Monkees,” it was the most unique-looking GTO on the road. With cultivated fender flares and a popped-out supercharged engine blower, it certainly looked the part of a rock n’ roll cruiser via Motor Trend.

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Few cars have managed to offer the same unique look as the Monkeemobile Pontiac GTO did. You’ve probably never seen a TV car like it ever again, and that’s quite the statement. The buyer managed to grab the Monkeemobile Pontiac GTO for the stiff price tag of $396,000.

15: 1985 Modena Spyder – $407,000 (Ferris Bueller’s Day Off)

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“Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” is one of the most popular cult-classic movies of all time. It wasn’t just the actors that made this movie special though, it was also the cars featured because of their originality. Long thought to be a Ferrari, Bueller’s car that was used was actually a Modena Spyder. The clone car is known in the automotive community for being as close to a Ferrari as you can get via Motor Trend.

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The cultivated lines and red paint job were something that would resonate with any teenager from that era. Surprisingly enough, the replica car was purchased at auction for a whopping $407,000. There has to be some sort of nostalgia being a car to fetch a price tag like that when it’s not even an authentic Ferrari.

14: 1969 Dodge Charger “General Lee” – $450,000 (Dukes of Hazzard)

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Car fans could never deny that the General Lee Dodge Charger is one of the most well-known movie cars in history, period. The blazing orange paint job and the number slapped to the roof of it made the car look unlike anything else on the road. The Dukes resonated as one of the more famous shows featuring a car, via Auto Blog.

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The General Lee replica was sold at auction for $450,000 and it was previously owned by Bo Duke actor John Schneider. The fact that the car was a Dodge Charger already boosted the price tag and rarity significantly. Factor in the Dukes of Hazard and you have a seriously rare and expensive muscle car as a result.

13: DeLorean DMC-12 – $541,000 (Back To The Future)

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‘Back To The Future’ is one of the most popular movie franchises ever, and also influenced an entire generation of fans as a result. The movie was fun and gave kids in the 1980s a glimpse into the lives of their parents because of its cultural jumping around. Few movies have managed to spark the same cultural relevance as this franchise did thanks to it originality.

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Perhaps the most interesting thing about the ‘Back To The Future’ movie was the DMC-12 because of its unique appeal. These cars were unlike anything else on the road at the time, and most people thought that this car was designed specifically for the movie as a result. The car was sold at a charity auction in 2011 auction for $541,000.00 via Motor Authority.

12: Chitty Chitty Car – $805,000 (Chitty Chitty Bang Bang)

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“Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” was another popular movie in the 1960s partly because of a unique car. The Chitty Chitty Car was a unique roadster that was designed specifically for the Disney movie. Surprisingly enough, the hopped-up ride became a fan favorite with moviegoers, so much so that it was later sold at auction via William George Journal as a result.

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The Chitty Chitty Car was such an iconic figure in the movie world that legendary director Peter Jackson purchased the car for $805,000. Could we possibly see the Chitty Chitty Car in the next Lord of The Rings because of that? Probably not.

11: Lotus Esprit Submarine – $966,560 (The Spy Who Loved Me)

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Lotus just has a way with a design. The Esprit was one of the most influential sports cars to come out of the 1970s. Its sleek design and high-performance engine were the precursors to the ultra-high-end performance cars we have today via BBC.

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The Esprit got its claim to fame in a James Bond movie. The car sold at auction for an astonishingly high $966,560. The buyer felt this was a fair price to pay for a piece of movie history. This car was something that seemingly always made Bond look cool as a result.

10: 1967 Shelby Mustang GT500 – $1 million (Gone In 60 Seconds)

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The 2000 film ‘Gone In 60 Seconds’ featured a legendary Mustang and found great success as a result. A remake of the earlier 1970s film, there was one car in the movie that Cage had a soft spot for and that was “Eleanor.” The 1967 Shelby Mustang GT500 was customized from top to bottom for the film via The Robb Report.

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Being a rarity anyway without the prestige of the film behind it the car commanded $1,000,000 at an auction. The funny thing about the auction is that Nicholas Cage graced the event. This huge sale sent the car to the new and proud owner once again.

9: Porsche 911S (Le Mans) – $1.37 million (Le Mans)

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Le Mans was about as much a car movie as you could get long before “The Fast and The Furious” franchise. The Porsche 911S is one of the most powerful and well-to-do sports cars on the road even by today’s standards. The film was the focal point for Steve McQueen who was nicknamed the “King of Cool” after this film was released via RM Sotheby.

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The film was one of the best-grossing films in box office history and gave the Porsche brand mainstream recognition. Ironically enough, the Porsche 911S that was featured in the film was a survivor and it netted a whopping $1.37 million at auction in Scottsdale, Arizona.

8: Aston Martin DB10 – $3.41 million (Spectre)

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Aston Martin is an expensive brand as it is, and the cars that have some sort of special value go for even more. The DB10 is a beautiful car, built from the ground up for speed and substance. Featured in the James Bond movie “Spectre,” the DB10 is every bit the car that you’d expect it to be for that high price tag via Motor Trend.

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When it comes to exotic cars, Aston Martin has a certain prestige to it that other brands like Ferrari don’t. The DB10 sold at auction for an astonishingly high $3.41 million, and we have to expect that the new owner is quite happy with the car.

7: 1968 Mustang GT 390 “Bullitt” – $3.7 million (Bullitt)

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Steve McQueen didn’t just drive the Porsches of his era, he also starred in a film that centered around a Mustang GT 360 nicknamed “Bullitt.” The film has spawned countless remakes of the car over the years by Ford. That dark green paint scheme and high-performance design just resonates with buyers in a way other cars don’t via Mecum.

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The thing that set the Bullitt Mustang apart from the crowd was the unique design of the car. There are very few cars that can rival the Bullitt in terms of styling and performance. That explains why the car netted a high price tag of $3.7 million at auction.

6: Aston Martin DB5 – $4.6 million (Goldfinger)

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There had to be another Aston Martin in this list and it’s none other than the DB5 that was featured in the movie Goldfinger. The DB5 is perhaps one of the most beautiful exotic cars ever built. It also holds the distinction of being the most expensive James Bond car sold at an auction thus far via CNN.

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$4.6 million is a steep price tag for any car, but the DB5 is a piece of history that you’ll seldom see on the road if ever. The styling for Aston Martin vehicles hasn’t changed much from the smooth and silky lines that the DB5 was able to pull off. The car still looks great even by today’s standards thanks to its impressive design.

5: Batmobile – $4.62 million (Batman)

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There have been many Batmobiles over the years and it’s hard to pinpoint one exact model due to that fact. But the original Batmobile was also one of the most expensive, selling for an astronomical $4.62 million via Reuters.

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The actual model for the Batmobile was the 1955 Lincoln Futura concept car, and a lot of people don’t know that a Lincoln was powering Batman. The actual car became the property of Bruce Wayne for a short period of time before it went to the auction block once again.

4: 1956 Ferrari 250 GT LWB Berlinetta – $6.71 million (The Love Bug)

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Few people realize how many rare cars have appeared in Disney movies at one time or another. When it comes to choosing great wheels for their movie shoots, the folks at Disney don’t skimp on quality.

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Hence the sale price for the 1956 Ferrari 250 GT LWB Berlinetta from “The Love Bug” via RM Sotheby. Few cars are as honestly beautiful without any modification as the 1956 Ferrari 250 GT LWB Berlinetta is. The car fetched a pretty penny at auction selling for $6.71 million.

3: 1965 Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe – $7.25 million (Redline 7000)

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The 1965 Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe is the quintessential Shelby model for anyone who has an eye on collecting for one of these vehicles. The performance of the Cobra Daytona could be gifted by the short wheelbase design, which also made the car a breeze around tight turns via Motor Authority.

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Over the years there have been plenty of replica Shelby models, but for an original, you’re looking at a heavy price tag. The 1965 Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe sold at auction for $7.25 million and we can only assume that its new owner is quite happy.

2: 1968 Ford GT40 Gulf – $11 million (Le Mans)

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Another car that appeared in the original Steve McQueen film “Le Mans,” the GT40 Gulf is a lightweight and precision-built race car. It was sold at an RM Auction for 11 million thanks to its amazing performance. The GT40 has always been a special car in the automotive industry via Road & Track.

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The sleek styling and one-of-a-kind performance of the GT40 made it stand out from the crowd in more ways than one. Ford continued to innovate the GT40 as time went on introducing new models and continuing to break land speed records with the car.

1: 1970 Porsche 917K – $14 million (Le Mans)

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Finally, we have one of the most expensive Porsche models in the world, the 917K. The car had special meaning with automotive enthusiasts because it was also featured in the movie Le Mans. Continuing to bolster Steve McQueen’s fun and high-speed reputation, the Porsche 917K stood out from the crowd due to its unique design.

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As with most of the cars from the movie “Le Mans,” the Porsche 917K sold at a Monterey auction for a whopping $14 million. We have to wonder if the new owner is enjoying his purchase or being awestruck at the high price tag of the car via RM Sotheby.

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