Why Buying Memorable Movie Cars Is Tricky

by Lewis Robinson

Cars such as the DeLorean in the “Back to the Future” series and the various shiny vehicles in the “Fast and Furious” franchise have made their mark on millions of viewers. If you’re shopping for a car, you might consider buying a vehicle you saw in a movie. It would probably not be the exact same vehicle (although you might be able to swing that), but one of the same make and model.

The Glamour of Movie Cars Can Be Misleading

It is understandable to equate movie cars with glamor and fame. After all, movies and movie stars are charismatic and appealing. The cars seem the same way.

However, producers tend to buy the cheapest version of the car they need. That means a vehicle with high mileage, shoddy maintenance, a damaged interior, bald tires, and so on. Producers make only the repairs necessary to keep the car in operation. They do this because in most cases, the car gets in crashes or otherwise smashed up.

If you are expecting to be able to buy a movie car and drive it around, think again. Chances are, the car is not in optimal drivable condition. Even if it is, you probably would not want to risk damaging it and considerably lowering its intrinsic value.

If you do want to purchase a car used in a movie, cover your bases and be sure you can check its provenance. There are scams in which buyers end up with a car that was not actually used in a movie, contrary to their beliefs.

You want that provenance documentation handy too if you sell the vehicle in the future. The intrinsic value of movie cars can be incredible, and these vehicles do sometimes make worthwhile investments. Nostalgia can command a high price tag, but it is unlikely the value of a movie car would skyrocket past its current price.

Common places to buy movie or TV show cars include auction websites. Online searches can help you find the film car you want, too. If you want the car to be shipped to you, then you have to consider the car shipping cost calculation. Calculating the cost of shipping a car depends on several factors, including the distance to be traveled, the type of vehicle, the method of transportation, and any additional services required. To get an accurate cost estimate for shipping your car, you can request quotes from several auto transport companies.

Vehicles Similar to Movie Cars Can Have Over Inflated Values

Some people think, “OK, I don’t need the actual vehicle itself. I’m fine with a replica or one of the same make and model.”

Replicas, clones, and private party models may cost a pretty penny. They won’t ever have the same intrinsic value as the actual car in the movie itself. That makes them investments to approach with caution.

Keep tabs on the car’s provenance in such situations, too. A Batmobile replica can be hugely appealing even if it is not the original one that appeared in a movie. However, you increase its value if you can show a chain of ownership and maintenance.

If you’re fine with a car of the same make and model, follow the same due diligence steps you would in other cases. For example, use a car loan calculator to make sure you can afford the car. Avoid taking out six- or seven-year loans if possible since they typically mean higher interest rates and higher payments in the big picture.

Movie Cars or Replicas May Not Be the Most Sensible Choices

People may pay, say, $90,000 for a $5,000 car they cannot drive. That type of choice can be fine as long as you acknowledge it is probably based on nostalgia and emotion. In a few cases, it could be an investment, but the price probably won’t go up significantly.

Purchasing movie cars can be tricky because of their emotional appeal and high price tags. They’re also not as glamorous as buyers might think. Follow sensible precautions if you buy a movie car or a similar vehicle.