Movies sell unrealistic fairytales that set our expectation of romance so far beyond reality. We know this and yet we can’t help but imagine what it would be like to be the focal point of such an all-consuming love, of course coming from a ridiculously handsome man, the likes of whom I’ve never spotted across a crowded room in real life.
I also like to play a game. Despite being so engrossed in each tragic or uplifting tale of near-vomit inducing sappiness, I always notice the cars in the movies and quite enjoy figuring out what the car is, and if it’s a classic, what its modern incarnation looks like today.
Whether you’re flying solo, or can perhaps use this game to pique the interest of a partner who would usually avoid romantic movies like the plague, it’s a bit of fun and here are a few of my favourites.
50 First Dates – 2001 Ford Ranger
Who doesn’t want a guy that would go to this much effort to impress you every single day? Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore have teamed up in a number of movies and always have a cute chemistry.
Remember that scene where he pretended he’d broken down and scared the crap out of her by pretending to get electrocuted? Well, he was in a 2001 Ford Ranger.
This is what the new one looks like.
Hitch (2005) – 2002 Mini Cooper S
This is one of my all-time favourites, starring the very sexy Will Smith and Eva Mendes. It’s full of cute-couple moments as Hitch (Smith) uses research (and manipulation?) to help his hapless clientele set up moments that ultimately win the heart of the object of their obsession.
Towards the end of the movie Sara (Mendes) hits Hitch with her car, and of course ultimately they realise they were meant to be together forever. Aww!
The star of that scene was a 2002 Mini Cooper S. Here’s the new Mini Cooper S Clubman.
50 Shades of Grey (2015) – 2013 Audi S8
Where does anyone begin to explain the phenomenon that was 50 Shades of Grey? The books that had any woman who’d ever entertained the notion of trying a bit of bondage or playing masters and slaves suddenly feeling empowered.
Truth be told, by the third book I was flipping through pages trying to find where the storyline picks up again, and don’t really feel the movie did the first book justice… but it certainly sparked a movement and almost gave women permission to be a bit more assertive with what they wanted between the sheets (or handcuffed to the bedhead, whatever).
Being the supremely young and wealthy man that he is, one of the cars driven by Christian Grey is a sleek silver (ahem, grey) 2013 Audi S8.
Knocked Up (2007) – 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
It’s happened before and it’ll happen again. Knocked Up is a movie about what happens when a one-night stand is far more productive and fruitful than anticipated.
Katherine Heigel plays the sensible, career-driven woman that finally tips over the edge and has a cracker of a night out. She wakes up next to Seth Rogen’s character, a bit of a no-hoper with a frustratingly endearing edge, and she can’t wait to get out of there. Next thing you know she’s pregnant, and the unlikely couple are driving around arguing in a 2005 Volkswagen Jetta like they’ve been together for years.
The Graduate (1967) – 1966 Alfa Romeo Spider 1600 (Duetto)
Who hasn’t heard of Mrs Robinson? A married woman who seduces a young man in a movie called The Graduate. Ben’s affair with Mrs Robinson ends but the situation becomes complicated when he falls for her daughter, Elaine.
Simon & Garfunkel produced a song by the same name that also featured in the movie, and of course there’s an iconic car.
It’s a classic movie featuring a classic car – the 1966 Alfa Romeo Spider 1600 (Duetto). The Alfa Romeo 4C is the Italian brands latest sports car, but a new Spider is on the cards for later this year.
Bullitt (1968) – 1968 Ford Mustang
This is a special addition to this list. Bullitt is not really a romantic film, but it has some great cars in it.
Steve McQueen plays a cop on a mission to catch the bad guy that killed a witness with Jaqueline Bisset in the lead female role and romantic interest.
There is a fantastic line up of 60s muscle cars, including the Ford Mustang. The new one has just hit Australian showrooms.
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