Here’s what it would cost to drive iconic cars from movies, TV in real life
As much as actors may think they’re the stars of movies and TV shows, let’s face it, sometimes it’s the props and accessories that really stand out. What would “Cast Away” be without Wilson the volleyball? Or “Lord of the Rings” without, well, the ring? Those films just wouldn’t be the same without their inanimate co-stars.
The same goes for the rides the actors use on screen, some of which take on a character all their own. Can you imagine “Back to the Future” without the time-traveling DeLorean or “Ghostbusters” without the Ecto-1 Cadillac? Just try to picture “Scooby Doo, Where Are You!” without the Mystery Machine. Jinkies!
If you’ve ever dreamed of owning the vehicle from your favorite show or movie, you’ve likely realized it might be a bit out of your price range. Just how much exactly? Car insurance comparison marketplace The Zebra figured out the estimated price of what some of the most beloved pop-culture automobiles would actually cost to own in real life.
While some have been replicated and sold for real, others are only a dream. Factoring in driving conditions, previous claims, add-ons and insurance costs, here’s the estimated costs of owning these superstar vehicles.
DeLorean DMC-12 (‘Back to the Future’)
While you can’t really put a price on the time machine functionality, the gull-wing doors will run you $6,500, a rear-mounted engine costs $10,000 and insurance alone is nearly $23,000 a year. Total cost? $275,000 for a vehicle with “flux capacitor and plutonium issues,” plus was involved in frequent collisions. (PS. While the car isn’t real, the self-lacing shoes from the film’s sequel are!)
‘Ecto-1’ 1959 Cadillac (‘Ghostbusters’)
With an estimated price tag of $99,000, this classic ride from “Ghostbusters” comes complete with space for proton packs, P.K.E. meters, traps, sirens and ectoplasmic hoses. It’s had quite a few speeding tickets, so insurance will cost you around $16,000 a year, according to The Zebra.
The Mystery Machine (‘Scooby-Doo Where Are You!’)
One of the cheaper iconic cars to be had, you’d be able to get the famous Mystery Machine for just $23,000, according to The Zebra. This bad boy fits multiple passengers (plus a very good dog) up front and is pretty good at high-speed chases when you’re out solving mysteries!
Flying Car (‘The Jetsons’)
If you thought you could get this tiny ride cheap, think again! The transparent bubble alone will cost you $12,000 and it has been pulled over for going more than 2,500 miles per hour — but it literally flies (!!!), so the $480,000 price tag for the family car from “The Jetsons” definitely seems worth it. As for insurance, set aside a cool $65,000 a year and it can be yours.
Batmobile (‘Batman’)
Bruce Wayne is one of the richest guys in the world, so this one will cost you a pretty penny. After all, “Batman‘s vehicle, of course, has a bulletproof chassis and mirrored windows, a smokescreen generator and a turbocharged engine — none of which come cheap. Although it’s notorious for reckless driving and has had multiple hit-and-run reports filed against it, the Batmobile could be yours for just $420,000 — plus more than $60,000 in annual insurance fees (if it were real, of course).
To see all the cars on the list, including the “Arrested Development” stair car, just visit The Zebra’s website. What’s your favorite car from a movie or TV show?