Cars that make you think of something specific

Pontiac Firebird Trans Am

For ‘80s kids (like me) KITT from “Knight Rider” was a dream car: an AI-enabled, self-driving, self-aware car that seemingly could not be destroyed, tricked out with all kinds of cool features and toys including a turbojet engine with modified afterburners, ejection seats, the ability to scan fingerprints and read ballistic information, and a “ski mode” (allowing KITT to drive only on two side wheels). What’s more, this very ’80s TV show featured a very ‘80s car model: a 1982 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am. Even if you haven’t watched the show, it’s likely the first thing you’ll think of when you ever see this generation of Trans Am in black.

Of course, there’s also the 1977 Trans Am used in “Smokey and the Bandit” and the gold Firebird used in “The Rockford Files.” Depending on your preference in late ‘70s/early ‘80s movies and television, you’ll think of one of these when you see a Firebird, if not all three!

Volkswagen Beetle

For many people, the Volkswagen Beetle, or “Bug,” will always be associated with Herbie from “The Love Bug.” In a series of Disney films from 1968 to 2005, and a short-lived 1982 TV show, Herbie was a sentient Beetle with a mind of his own, capable of incredible feats of driving. Herbie’s quirky personality and anthropomorphic qualities made him an adored four-wheel character. It’s a good bet that anytime you see a white VW Beetle, you’ll think of Herbie. And nearly 20 years after the last of the Herbie movies, countless fan-made replica cars are still rolling around!

Modified Jeep or truck with raised bed

After the 1981 assassination attempt on Pope John Paul II, the Popemobile has become synonymous with the Pope’s visits to various countries. With its open design and raised platform, it allows the Pope to be seen by large crowds and to interact with them easily, while also protecting him with bulletproof glass. The Popemobile is so iconic, that if you ever see a modified Jeep or truck (various makes and models have been used for the Popemobile in its history) with a raised bed used for off-roading or hauling cargo, your first thought will likely be of the Popemobile.

DMC DeLorean

I think it’s safe to say that most people immediately think of the “Back to the Future” film series when they see a DMC DeLorean. Part of that is due to the poor sales of the DeLorean and the fact that many people, like me, were introduced to the DeLorean through the movies. Had the first movie been released when the car was still in production, it may have helped to prolong the life of the DeLorean. Unfortunately for the small car company, the DeLorean’s big screen debut was released three years after production stopped and DMC went into bankruptcy.

Of course, the DeLorean’s general strangeness and underdog status actually made it the perfect car for Doc Brown’s sketchy time machine. The car’s lack of reliability and spaceship appearance are pretty important to the plots of all three movies. And unlike some of the other cars in this article, the DeLorean’s commercial failure means that “Back to the Future” is not a feature-length car ad (unlike Michael Bay turning Bumblebee into a Chevrolet Camaro in his “Transformers” movies). Can you imagine how much worse “Back to the Future” would be with Marty whipping around in a showroom-fresh Corvette or a painfully practical Voyager?

1961 Lincoln Continental

The sight of a 1961 Lincoln Continental, particularly a 4-door convertible, is a stark reminder of one of America’s darkest days. This particular model was forever etched into history when it became the vehicle in which President John F. Kennedy was tragically assassinated in Dallas, Texas on November 22, 1963. The iconic car, with its distinctive design and open-top configuration, serves as a haunting symbol of that fateful day, from then on linking the vehicle to the dreadful event that forever altered the course of American history.

President John F. Kennedy was riding in the automobile when he was assassinated. The car is now stored in the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, MI. Photo: Alvintrusty (creativecommons.com)

Orange 1969 Dodge Charger

The only car that could come close to competing with KITT as a dream car for ‘80s kids was the General Lee from “The Dukes of Hazzard.” Admittedly, the General had only one trick, but it was a great one: leaping over obstacles and landing with nary a body panel out of place (despite the fact that a real jump would likely result in a car with a destroyed oil pan, damaged driveline, and bent frame). Seeing as how the show ran for seven seasons and was one of the most popular TV shows of the time, most people will likely think of the General Lee when they see a 1969 Dodge Charger. It’s estimated that 255 to 325 General Lee Chargers were destroyed over the show’s run. Each show, on average, wrecked at least one General Lee.

1959 Cadillac hearse

The sight of a 1959 Cadillac hearse immediately conjures images of the iconic Ecto-1, the vehicle from the “Ghostbusters” movies. This particular model, with its distinctive fins and imposing presence, became synonymous with paranormal investigation and supernatural comedy. The Ecto-1, a modified Cadillac Miller-Meteor hearse/ambulance (both hearses and ambulances were built on the same chassis), has become a fan-favorite symbol of the Ghostbusters franchise, as it has appeared in all five films, the animated television series, and the related video games. Also, you have to give the filmmakers credit for the thematic unity of using a hearse to hunt dead people.

White 1993 Ford Bronco

Anyone who was conscious in the ‘90s probably remembers watching O. J. Simpson’s two-hour car chase in June 1994 after an arrest warrant for first-degree murder was issued for him. The chase, where Simpson’s friend Al Cowlings drove him in Cowlings’ white 1993 Ford Bronco (many people forget that Simpson wasn’t the driver), was broadcast live on every network and was watched by an estimated 95 million people. Given all that, it’s natural that many people will think of O. J. Simpson when they see a white Ford Bronco.

Contrary to popular opinion, the infamous car chase did not lead Ford to discontinue the Bronco two years later. Nonetheless, Ford originally planned to reveal the new 2021 Bronco on July 9, 2020. Except they didn’t realize that July 9 was O.J.’s birthday, so the release date was pushed back to a different day. The connection to O.J. may not have lead to Ford originally discontinuing the Bronco, but they obviously didn’t want to make any unwanted ties to him when reintroducing the vehicle. Just further proof that some cars never lose certain associations.