Hot Rods In Film

American Grafitti

One of the top all-time movies featuring this type of car is American Grafitti. This 1973 film was directed by George Lucas and is still a favorite movie of many people. Although this movie, which was set in 1962 features a number of sub-plots, the classic cars, including several awesome hot rods that are featured, almost steal the show. Among the incredible autos in American Grafitti are a radical yellow deuce coupe, a 1956 Ford Thunderbird and a 1958 Chevrolet Impala.

Smokey and the Bandit

Smokey and the Bandit, released in 1977, starred Burt Reynolds, Sally Field, Jerry Reed and Jackie Gleason. Burt Reynolds drove a hot rod black Pontiac Trans Am in this film. With Jerry Reed driving a tractor trailer filled with contraband beer, Reynolds uses this Trans Am as a distraction and lookout vehicle. Excellent stunt-driving and lots of tire squealing are offered in this classic car movie.

The Lively Set

Another great example is the 1964 movie The Lively Set, which starred James Darren, Doug McClure and Pamela Tiffin. Centering on a road race from Los Angeles, California to Las Vegas, Nevada, this film features a turbine-powered hot rod and several other excellent cars. This great film also includes a great surf and pop music soundtrack.

Viva Las Vegas

A classic Elvis Presley film, Viva Las Vegas revolves around a Grand Prix race being held in Las Vegas, Nevada. In this movie, Elvis drives a beautifully stylish British Elva automobile. Elvas were produced for only a few years in the 1950's and they are highly valued by automobile enthusiasts and collectors everywhere.

An array of race cars and rods, including Ford Cobras and Ferarris are featured in this 1964 film. The soundtrack to this film is also excellent.

Hot Rod

The title of this 1950 movie about street racing really popularized the term 'hot rod'. This movie is still considered one of the best examples of this type of ride in film. This film starred Art Baker, Jimmy Lydon, Gloria Winters and Gil Stratton. A 1932 roadster hot rod is the real star of the show in this seminal movie.

By Jan Harvey