Thursday, July 25, 2013

Scranton Motors at the Movies: Ten Greatest Marquee Movie Cars

Great movies leave great impressions. What makes that impression so effective is one facet of the film that grabs you and takes center stage. Sometimes it is the strikingly beautiful leading lady or the majestic landscapes of a far off world. There are some movies however, that take a hold of you with a car. It could be a an old rambler of a truck or animated race car, these vehicles steal the spotlight. This countdown is of the greatest cars that have shared a brand with our marquee: Buick, Cadillac, GMC, Oldsmobile, and Pontiac. Each has their own level of appeal and each is unforgettable.

10. 1949 Buick Roadmaster, Rain Man, 1988

The travels of Dustin Hoffman and Tom Cruise in this classic Buick are unforgettable and becomes a bond for the brothers and for the audience.

9. 1982 GMC Sierra, The Fall Guy, 1981-1986

Every single episode of the Lee Majors classic inflicted damage on his custom Sierra. The dozens of trucks used during filming is still a benchmark for modern automotive work in cinema.

8. 2006 GMC Topkick Warrior (Ironhide), Transformers, 2007

OK, so this over sized GMC is a monster without any modifications, but the fact that it is actually a Transformer brings a whole new level to the slogan "We Are Professional Grade".

7. 1994 Oldsmobile Silhouette, Get Shorty, 1995

In the opening scenes of Get Shorty, the hapless director orders a rental Cadillac but is instead given this van. By the end of the movie, this Oldsmobile becomes the "must have".

6. 1964 Cadillac Deville, 48 Hrs, 1982

Eddie Murphy was launched into stardom after taking a leading role opposite Nick Nolte and his rough ride of a Cadillac Deville. "The 'ole banana in the tailpipe" becomes an instant catchphrase.

5. 1971 Pontiac Lemans, The French Connection, 1971

1971 was a big year for the Lemans, becoming a full model on the Pontiac table. This timeless dash after an elevated train in Brooklyn turned this Gene Hackman classic into a true car chase movie.

4. 1983 GMC Vandura, The A-Team, 1983-1987

What is the A-Team without their signature van? The gang of military experts on the run were never far from their trusted GMC. After being shot at, drifted, and jumped off of a ledge, this van is a definite part of the group.

3. 1977 Pontiac Trans Am, Smokey and the Bandit, 1977

The classic "protect the tractor trailer truck on the illegal cargo run across state lines" movie was turned on its head with this monster Pontiac. The screaming golden eagle on any Trans Am is instantly associated with this movie.

2. 1982 Pontiac Trans Am, Knight Rider, 1982-1986

The most parodied talking car in history, KIT was the right hand man to David Hasselhoff in this '80's television series. Note: The voice of KIT is William Daniels, the same actor who played George Feeny on Boy Meets World.

1. 1959 Cadillac Ecto-1, Ghostbusters, 1984

"It just needs a little work..." This modified Miller-Meteora Futura is instantly recognizable and is the signature piece of the classic movie pair. If this car is parked in your driveway, you definitely knew who to call.


Scranton Motors is always your source for quality new and used vehicles. We may not have the A-Team van, but we would welcome finding you one. Call us today to schedule an appointment!