6 of The Most Underrated Cars in Films

Cars play an integral part in the history of cinema, and films have produced some of the most iconic vehicles we know and love today. When we think of cars in films, we are automatically drawn to classics such as the DeLorean in Back to the Future, the Ecto-1 Cadillac from Ghostbusters or Batman’s ultimate weapon, the Batmobile.

But cinema is packed full of great cars that perhaps deserve more recognition for their contribution to the film or scenes that they feature in.

That’s why we’ve picked out some of the most underrated cars from well-known films.

1989 MINI MAYFAIR MKV - ​THE BOURNE IDENTITY (2001)

The Bourne films have always drawn comparisons with the Bond franchise. But rather than a sportscar filled with gadgets, in The Bourne Identity (2001), Jason Bourne takes a 1989 MINI Mayfair MkV on an adrenaline-filled car chase around Paris.

Most people will think of The Italian Job (1969) for iconic MINIs in films, but here we see Bourne take the nippy car to its very limits as he glides through congested city roads, impossibly thin back-streets and even down a flight of stairs. It cements MINI’s reputation as the maker of truly great movie cars.

1980 HONDA CIVIC - PULP FICTION (1994)

The 1980 Honda Civic used by Bruce Willis’ character Butch throughout Pulp Fiction (1994) contributes to the film’s cult following. This famous Civic features prominently in a car chase and shootout between Butch and his boss Marcellus Wallace. Unfortunately, the car doesn’t come out of this scene in quite the same condition.

Tarantino is clearly a big fan of the car. Interestingly, the exact same model is driven by Pam Grier in Tarantino’s later film Jackie Brown (1997) and can also be spotted in a car park during Kill Bill: Vol.2 (2004).

BMW X5 - LOCKE (2013)

In 2013 Tom Hardy appeared in the indie film Locke, where he and a BMW X5 are the only visible characters.

The film is set entirely inside Ivan Locke’s (Hardy) BMW and the film plays out in real-time during a drive from Birmginham to London as Locke attempts to resolve a series of crises – both in his professional and personal life.

If it were not for the BMW X5’s incredible in-car technology, the film would fall apart. Locke uses the car to switch between conversations using the Bluetooth connection for his mobile phone, allowing the drama of the film to flow and build-up.

LAMBORGHINI AVENTADOR LP 700-4 - THE DARK KNIGHT RISES (2012)

Audiences will always wait in anticipation to get a glimpse of the latest Batmobile with every film. But we think that Bruce Wayne’s collection of supercars deserve more recognition.

In Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight Trilogy, we regularly see Christian Bale, who plays Bruce Wayne, arriving at lavish parties in a brand new Lamborghini. In the final instalment, The Dark Knight Rises (2012), audiences are treated to scenes of Bruce Wayne and Catwoman behind the wheel of a metallic grey Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4.

Let’s face it, if you can’t drive the Batmobile, the next best thing is a Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4. Its 6.5-litre V12 engine can produce a max speed of 217mph and achieve 0-62 mph in less than 3 seconds, making it a true powerhouse befitting of a Hollywood Blockbuster.

SMART FORTWO - THE EXPENDABLES 2 (2012)

Want to see Bruce Willis and Arnold Schwarzenegger in a smart car? Well look no further than the action blockbuster The Expendables 2 (2012).

Towards the end of the film we see Bruce and Arnie navigate an airport full of enemies in a smart fortwo. The humour of the scene derives from the fact that two huge action stars, namely in physical stature, unconventionally play out the long action sequence in arguably the UK’s smallest car.

The smart fortwo steals the scene as it slickly meanders through a congested airport with ease, allowing the two heroes to escape.

JAGUAR C-X75 CONCEPT - SPECTRE (2015)

All the attention was on Daniel Craig’s Aston Martin DB10, which was made exclusively for Spectre (2015) shortly before the DB11 was unveiled at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show.

But the Jaguar C-X75 Concept, driven by Dave Bautista during the epic car chase sequence through Rome, was more than a match for Bond’s DB10. This is in no small part down to its Formula 1-inspired 1.6-litre dual-boosted four-cylinder which generates 502 bhp and a top speed of nearly 220 mph.

Originally unveiled as a design concept in 2010, the Jaguar C-X75 was turned into a fully functioning prototype in just two years. Sadly, a decision was made not to enter it into full production – but at least we can see it in all its glory during this thrilling sequence.

You might also like:

Drive-In Cinemas in 2021: The Revival

10 of the Best Classic Car Shows and Events in 2021

12 Best Driving Experience and Track Days 2021

Take a look at our YouTube channel, where you’ll find everything from car reviews to expert advice on everything happening at Jardine.