Here at Hagerty, we love a good romcom, especially if it includes an interesting classic car or two! Here are our top ten classic car stars of the romantic movie genre.
Pretty Woman – 1989 Lotus Esprit SE
Richard Gere’s high-flying businessman Edward was bound to own an exotic ‘foreign’ classic, but when both Ferrari and Porsche declined to be associated with a film linked to prostitution, it was Lotus who stepped in. Their gamble paid off- sales of the Esprit, actually a modified 1990 model SE, rocketed in the US following the film’s release. With a tuned engine and carbon- fibre body, this silver Esprit had a top speed of 165mph and achieved 0-60 in 4.7 seconds. And, as Vivian (Julia Roberts) put it: “Man, it corners like it’s on rails!”
When Harry Met Sally – 1976 Toyota Corona Station Wagon (Estate)
Meg Ryan’s character Sally drove what is probably the least exciting car on our list. The RT119 Toyota Corona had the 2.2 litre 20R engine, a SOHC, 2 valve motor that generated a modest 96bhp at 4800rpm. With yellow/ beige paintwork and tan vinyl interior, it captured the mid-70s feel of the film perfectly.
Notting Hill – 1967 Park Royal AEC Routemaster Bus
OK, so it’s not exactly a star of the film, but we love the old Routemaster, and we love Notting Hill. The one used in the film, registration SMK665F, was brought into service as RML2665 in November 1967 by London Transport. In 1996, she was upgraded with a Scania engine and served another ten years on London’s streets before being retired. Now owned by the Bath Bus Company, SMK665F is available for hire for special events and weddings.
The Graduate – 1966 Alfa Romeo Duetto Spider
When the young Dustin Hoffman was cast as Benjamin Braddock, his uncle offered to supply the character’s car. The uncle was the legendary US car importer Max Hoffman, and the car was the newly-released Alfa Romeo Duetto Spider. Dustin won the Golden Globe for New Star of the Year, Alfa sales soared and Max became richer- the rest is history. Three cars were actually used in filming, all Euro- specification 1600 Spiders with the standard 108bhp aluminium twin- cam carbureted engine that pulled the car to 60mph in 9.6 seconds. Next time you watch the film, look out for the inconsistencies- in some shots the car has sun visors and a radio, but in others these are missing.
Dirty Dancing – 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air
Patrick Swayze’s character Johnny Castle drove one of the most iconic American cars of all time- the 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air 2-door hardtop. For petrolheads, the film is memorable for the scene where Johnny locks his keys in the car and smashes the window with a pole. Continuity errors show that at least two cars (or windows) were used in the filming, and that could explain why owners in both the USA and Australia claim to own the original car.
Love Actually – 1992 Saab 900 XS
Colin Firth’s character Jamie famously learned Portuguese in order to woo his housekeeper, but we all know it was his Saab 900 that really attracted Aurelia, played by Lucia Moniz. The blue 1992 model contained a Saab H 1985cc inline 4, generating 130bhp that pulled the car from 0-60 in 10.5 seconds. Last taxed in 2012, the car is unfortunately now off the road and registered under a SORN.
The Love Bug – 1963 Volkswagen Beetle
With his big personality and amazing turn of speed, Herbie cemented the VW Beetle as an iconic car around the world. Ironically, Volkswagen did not support Disney’s use of the car, and as a result all VW badges and logos were removed for filming. Many different Beetles were used, including a number of older oval rear screen models that were modified to make them look like later cars. For racing scenes, one of the cars was fitted with a Porsche 356 Super 90, twin Solex 1600cc engine and drum brakes, Koni shocks and roll cage, and allegedly achieved 115mph during filming. Today this car, number 2, is owned by a UK- based restoration specialist.
The Notebook – 1946 Hudson Commodore
Of all the romantic films out there, The Notebook is the one guaranteed to turn even the most red-blooded alpha male into a total blubbering wreck. Through the tears and snot, you may be able to spot a fair collection of 1930s and 40s American classic cars, but the one that really catches the eye is the 1946 Hudson Commodore Eight Club Coupe driven by Rachel McAdam’s character. The two-tone Series 2 Commodore had a 128bhp 8-cylinder engine under the bonnet, and was a comfortable ride- Hudson were known for their relatively opulent interiors.
Bridget Jones’s Diary – 1969 Mercedes-Benz 280SE Convertible
Hugh Grant’s smooth-talking Daniel Cleaver may not end up with the girl, but he definitely has the coolest car. His 1969 Mercedes-Benz 280SE Convertible in blue has the 2778cc inline 6 M130 engine and is an earlier ‘high grille’ car. The car remains registered in the UK and on the road.
True Romance – 1988 Porsche 911 Flachbau Cabriolet
Elliot Blitzer will probably be remembered for two things- having a bag of uncut cocaine tipped over his head just before the cops arrest him, and driving a white Porsche 911 Flachbau (Flat Nose) cabriolet. The car was cast perfectly- it was ostentatious, noisy and flash, matching Blitzer’s character as a movie executive and aspiring actor. It had ‘Hollywood’ written all over it. Original factory Flat Nose 911s cost almost double the equivalent standard car, but many companies provided aftermarket bodykits- whether Blitzer’s was the real thing or not is questionable. If Tarantino wanted realism, it was probably a fake.
