Famous Cars from British TV Shows and Films
Car Owl
Published in English •
Summary
- British shows are full of iconic cars: Many are now worth a fortune as collectables.
- Some cars became more famous than their drivers: Think of the Mini in The Italian Job or KITT in Knight Rider.
- You can see many of them in UK museums: Check our car museums guide for locations.
Cars and British entertainment go hand in hand. Some vehicles are so iconic that they define the show. Here are the most famous ones.
James Bond: Aston Martin DB5
The silver Aston Martin DB5 first appeared in Goldfinger in 1964. It has been in more Bond films than any other car.
- Famous features: Ejector seat, machine guns, revolving number plates.
- Real value: A DB5 used in the films sold for over £5 million at auction.
- Fun fact: Aston Martin built 25 continuation DB5 Goldfinger editions in 2020, priced at £2.75 million each.
Only Fools and Horses: Reliant Regal
Del Boy's yellow three-wheeler is one of the most recognised vehicles in British comedy.
- The car: A Reliant Regal Supervan III, painted yellow with "Trotters Independent Traders" on the side.
- Famous moment: Falling through the bar counter, and the car tipping over in various episodes.
- Where to see one: Several are in private collections and occasionally appear at classic car shows.
The Italian Job: Mini Cooper
Three Mini Coopers (red, white, and blue) racing through the streets of Turin. This 1969 film made the Mini a global icon.
- The chase: Through sewers, across rooftops, and down steps. All in a tiny car.
- Impact: Mini Cooper sales surged after the film. The car became a symbol of cool Britishness.
Mr Bean: Mini 1000
Rowan Atkinson's lime green Mini with a matte black bonnet is another British classic.
- Running gag: Mr Bean locks it with a padlock instead of a key.
- The rival: A blue Reliant Robin that Mr Bean constantly bumps off the road.
Top Gear and The Grand Tour
Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May have driven hundreds of famous cars. But some stand out:
- The Reasonably Priced Car: A Suzuki Liana, then a Chevrolet Lacetti, then a Kia Cee'd.
- Oliver: Hammond's beloved Opel Kadett from the Botswana special.
- The Stig: Always in a different supercar, always silent.
More Iconic British Screen Cars
| Show / Film | Car | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Doctor Who | Bessie (yellow Edwardian roadster) | 1970s |
| The Sweeney | Ford Granada Mk1 | 1975 |
| Heartbeat | Ford Anglia 105E | 1992 |
| Bergerac | 1947 Triumph Roadster | 1981 |
| Minder | Ford Capri Mk3 | 1979 |
| Chitty Chitty Bang Bang | Custom-built flying car | 1968 |
Where to See Famous Cars in the UK
Many film and TV cars are on display in UK museums:
- National Motor Museum, Beaulieu: Bond cars, Top Gear cars, and more.
- British Motor Museum, Gaydon: Classic British vehicles including film stars.
- Coventry Transport Museum: Free entry with a great collection.
Final Thoughts
British TV and film have created some of the most famous cars in the world. Whether it is a superspy's Aston Martin or a dodgy trader's three-wheeler, these cars have earned their place in our hearts.
Plan a visit to see them in person. Check our road trip guide for help planning the perfect driving day out.
Read our other articles:
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