1. Lotus Esprit S1 – The Spy Who Loved Me

Launched in 1976, the Lotus Esprit S1 turned lots of heads with its unique wedge-shaped silhouette. In the iconic James Bond hit The Spy Who Loved Me, the car was elevated to the next level with a slew of gadgets. Not to mention the ability to transform into a submarine.

2. Pontiac Firebird Trans Am – Smokey and the Bandit

One of the most legendary muscle cars of all time, the Pontiac Firebird Trans Am raced onto the screen with a mammoth 6.6-litre V8 engine. Pair this with shimmering gold graphics and it’s no wonder this model went down in history as one of the most famous cars from movies and TV.

3. Toyota Supra – Fast & Furious

The Fast & Furious franchise is packed with drool-worthy cars. The bright orange Toyota Supra driven by Brian O’Conner is one of the most famous, winning over viewers with its enormous spoiler and striking graphics. It embodied naughties style and inspired car enthusiasts around the world to start customising their wheels.

4. Volkswagen Beetle – Herbie

This pocket-sized model had two heydays. Its first was in 1968 when Disney released sports adventure comedy hit, The Love Bug. Needless to say, the 1963 Volkswagen Beetle featured in the film was the star of the show. Then came Herbie: Fully Loaded, starring Lindsay Lohan. Whether you’re a fan of vintage Herbie or the reimagined 2005 version, there’s no denying the appeal of this adorable model.

5. DeLorean DMC-12 – Back to the Future

When it was first launched in the 1980s, the wedge-shaped body and gull-wing doors were considered the epitome of futuristic. But it wasn’t until Back to the Future was released in 1985 that the DeLorean really took off. Today, it’s one of the most famous cars from movies and TV. Fans around the world scramble to take the iconic model up to 88mph. Of course, not all DeLoreans come with a Flux Capacitor. You’ll need Dr. Emmett Brown on your team to travel back to the future!

6. 1960 Mark II Jaguar – Inspector Morse

It doesn’t get more British than the Jaguar Mark II driven by Inspector Morse. These beauties were built in Coventry in the late 1950s and 1960s, with the famous detective opting for a refined Regency red paintjob. Of all the famous cars from movies and TV shows in the UK, this is one of our favourites.

7. Cadillac Miller-Meteor – Ghostbusters

When it comes to tailfins, it’s hard to compete with the Cadillac Miller-Meteor. It was launched in 1959 but really made a splash in the 80s, when it featured in the much-loved Ghostbusters movie. The car was reimagined as a poltergeist-fighting powerhouse, complete with an iconic red-and-white paint job.  

8. Aston Martin DB5 – Goldfinger

James Bond has had some gorgeous cars over the years. None quite as sleek as the Aston Martin DB5 featured in Goldfinger. In true Bond style, the car is packed with features and gadgets, including machine guns, a radar navigation system and an ejector seat for emergencies.

9. Ford Anglia 105E – Harry Potter

Being locked up at the Dursley’s was no match for Fred, George and Ron. In Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, the trio steal their dad’s enchanted flying Ford Anglia and drive it to Little Whinging to rescue Harry. The next destination is Hogwarts, though the Whomping Willow throws a spanner into the works. This hiccup didn’t stop the baby-blue Ford Anglia from becoming one of the most famous cars from movies and TV.  

10. Ferrari 250 GT California Spyder – Ferris Bueller’s Day Off

Who could forget the cherry-red Ferrari 250 GT California Spyder commandeered by Ferris Bueller? Despite being off limits, Ferris had no qualms about ‘borrowing’ the car for the day. His antics made it one of the most famous cars from movies and TV. From picking up his girlfriend from the front of the high school (and sealing it with a kiss!) to the moment the valet flies through the air to the Star Wars theme song, the movie is packed with famous Ferrari scenes. Of course, no scene is more iconic than the moment when Cameron defies his dad and kicks the Ferrari off its jacks. Here’s one of our favourite quotes to jog your memory:

Cameron – “The 1961 Ferrari 250GT California. Less than a hundred were made. My father spent three years restoring this car. It is his love, it is his passion…”

Ferris – “It is his fault he didn’t lock the garage.”

11. Mini Cooper S – The Italian Job

Who says bigger is better when it comes to famous cars from movies and TV? The Italian Job made a big case for the Mini Cooper S, a firm favourite with British motorists. Perfect for zipping around the city – and for chasing rogue colleagues when they make a run for it with freshly stolen gold bars.

Find the right finance for your next car

While you won’t see too many Ferrari 250 GT California Spyders on British roads, you can get behind the wheel of some famous cars from movies and TV, like the Mini Cooper S and Volkswagen Beetle. On the search for a new set of wheels? Use our cheap car loan calculator UK to crunch your numbers and figure out how far your budget will stretch.