Sometimes, a film’s plot wouldn’t be complete without an iconic car star, which becomes integral to the action and is remembered for many years to come.
Following its launch in 1903 in Michigan, USA, by iconic entrepreneur Henry Ford, the company has sold more than 350 million vehicles, and the presence of a memorable Ford in some of Hollywood’s most famous films has perhaps cemented the brand’s image further as a vital part of modern culture.
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Linked with many legendary characters, from secret agent James Bond to futuristic warrior Mad Max, Ford has made its mark on the Big Screen all over the world. So, how many of these film ford favourites do you remember from the past six decades of Hollywood?
1. Mad Max – 1973 Ford Falcon XB GT
The Mad Max franchise of futuristic action adventure films, starring Mel Gibson as a police officer turned drifter in a violent post-apocalyptic world, began in 1979. Gibson played tough title character Max Rockatansky, who faced many battles against evil opponents after the collapse of civilisation led to lawlessness. His 1973 Ford Falcon XB GT Interceptor, fitted with a powerful V8 engine, was the coolest car on the market following its role as Max’s souped-up mode of transport in the blockbuster.
Manufactured between 1973 and 1976, the Ford Falcon V8 Interceptor became Max’s Pursuit Special in the film, with its powerful engine having a “supercharger” to help him escape from the marauding gangs operating across earth’s barren wasteland. The modified two-door “muscle car”, also used in the Mad Max 1981 sequel, Road Warrior, was a standard white colour before filmmakers Goerge Miller and Byron Kennedy modified the bodywork with the help of customisers Graf-X International. It was painted black, modified roof and boot spoilers were added and eight additional exhausts were fitted along the sides.
2. Bullitt – 1968 Ford Mustang GT
Hollywood legend Steve McQueen stars as tough San Francisco police officer Frank Bullitt in the 1968 action thriller in which a witness under his protection is shot before the trial. As Bullitt breaks the rules to investigate the crime and prevent the collapse of the trial, his police car is the famous 1968 Ford Mustang GT. First produced by Ford in 1964, it has been in continuous production ever since.
The classic film is renowned as having some of the best car chase sequences in the history of cinema, with McQueen even doing some of his own high-risk stunts. As well as being involved in spectacular chase scenes, the Mustang GT features continually throughout the film. The most famous chase through the streets of San Francisco was filmed using two different cars equipped with GT packages and high-powered 390 engines.
3. James Bond: Goldfinger – 1964 Ford Mustang Convertible
The world’s most famous MI6 superspy, James Bond 007, battled evil villain Auric Goldfinger, a wealthy psychopath, in the Academy Award-winning thriller Goldfinger in 1964.
Famous for driving an Aston Martin DB5, the secret agent, played by Sean Connery, encounters Bond girl Tilly Masterson in her 1964 Ford Mustang Convertible in Goldfinger. First produced that year, it has remained in production ever since.
During a high-speed chase, when Bond’s Aston Martin is pursuing Goldfinger’s Rolls-Royce through the hazardous Furka Pass in the Swiss mountains, he encounters Masterson, played by Tania Mallet, in her 1964 Ford Mustang. After slashing her tyres during the action, Bond meets Masterson at a petrol station, where she has stopped to get help.
Her stunning Mustang was a cream colour with a red roof, matching leather interior and a British licence number, MLO 973B. Prepared for the film by Alan Mann Racing, it went on to become one of Ford’s best-known and most successful models, now in its sixth generation.
4. Gone in 60 Seconds – 1967 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 (Eleanor)
Gone in 60 Seconds is an iconic American heist action adventure, starring Nicolas Cage, who plays reformed car thief Randall "Memphis" Raines. Forced to come out of retirement to steal 50 cars in one night after being blackmailed to save his kidnapped brother’s life, anti-hero Raines embarks on the most daring heist of his criminal career.
The most famous car in the 2000 film was a customised Ford Shelby GT500, known by the codename Eleanor and a target for the gang of thieves enlisted by Raines. A custom-made car based on a 1967 Mustang Fastback model and originally painted a Dupont Pepper Grey shade, the car was customised with a unique “blackout” treatment on the lower bodywork and taillight panel. The “Mustang” badge was removed, although the “Ford Motor Company” hubcaps and grille badge remained.
The 2000 film was a remake of a 1974 action adventure thriller of the same name, when the original “Eleanor” was a yellow 1973 Ford Mustang.
5. Thelma & Louise – 1966 Ford Thunderbird Convertible 7
The 1991 American crime drama Thelma and Louise starred Susan Sarandon and Geena Davis as two friends who embarked on a road trip to remember in their iconic 1966 Ford Thunderbird Convertible 7.
First produced in 1955, the 1966 model in the film was the fourth generation, featuring a powerful 428 cubic-inch V-8 engine, Landau trim package, three-piece tail light unit, new-style “egg crate” grille and a large Thunderbird emblem.
The car was one of the stars of the unforgettable Ridley Scott film, playing a major role in helping the two women evade capture by the police after a number of crimes occurred during their road trip. The iconic final scene features the car very prominently and is often shown on film clip compilation TV shows as being one of cinema’s most memorable moments.
The limited edition 1966 T-Bird subsequently became highly sought-after among car enthusiasts, but sadly, sales of the luxury vehicle waned as the public tightened their purse strings and chose more economic models, so it has now become a rare collectors’ item.
Ford’s legacy
Ford remains one of the world’s most popular car brands, with research revealing it’s the seventh most well-known marque on the planet. The company has left a legacy to remember, thanks to its cars’ many appearances in legendary films since the 1960s.
In the UK, it remains one of the most popular brands, with an estimated 4.16 million Fords on British roads today. If you’re the proud owner of a vintage Ford motor and want to enhance your driving experience with some modern technology, we can help.
As a leading Ford retrofit specialist, Autologics can professionally install safe driving aids such as a Ford tracker, Ford reverse camera and parking sensors for your vehicle. Please contact us for details of our products and services.
