Top 10 Movie and TV Cars at the 2017 Woodward Dream Cruise
Cars are a vital part of American culture, no different than Coca-Cola or Uncle Sam.
And where better to see a huge variety of motor vehicles than on Woodward Avenue during the annual Dream Cruise? This event bills itself as the largest single-day car event in the world, attracting some 1.5 million people and around 40,000 classic vehicles. If you can’t find something you like here, it probably doesn’t exist.
SEE ALSO: 2017 Pebble Beach and Monterey Car Week Coverage
Here are 10 of the greatest famous cars we spotted in Metro Detroit, vehicles that starred in TV shows and movies.
10. General Lee
General-Lee speaking, we counted more than one vintage Dodge Charger dressed up in this iconic orange livery from the Dukes of Hazzard, a staple TV program from back in the day. True to form, this example wears the “stars and bars” rebel flag on its roof, though this is perhaps in poor taste… still. We’d also hazard to bet this Mopar is equipped with a horn that plays Dixie. It’s a well-done tribute to a classic show, though it’s perhaps not the most tasteful vehicle around.
9. Ghostbusters Tribute Jeep
Who ya gonna call? This Grand Wagoneer isn’t exactly the Ecto-1 that the original Ghostbusters drove but these dudes get major points for trying. One of them even wielded a mock proton pack that shot bubbles at unsuspecting passersby.
8. The Monkeemobile
Built around a Pontiac GTO, the Monkeemobile is an over-the-top piece of work with a modified interior, comically large engine, and garish styling additions. It served as transportation for The Monkees, a band from the 1960s that curiously also had a TV show. Figure that one out.
7. Mutt Cutts
Who doesn’t love a bit of Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels? Arguably, this comedic duo’s pinnacle achievement was the 1994 film Dumb and Dumber. Paying tribute to this motion picture, someone dressed up a Ford E-Series with yards of brown carpet to recreate the comedians’ “Mutt Cutts” ride, a modification that practically begs you to reach out and touch it. We do wonder what happens if you get caught in a rainstorm, though…
6. Bluesmobile
“It’s got a cop motor, a 440-cubic-inch plant. It’s got cop tires, cop suspension, cop shocks. It’s a model made before catalytic converters so it’ll run good on regular gas,” said Dan Aykroyd while playing the role of Elwood Blues in The Blues Brothers. We’re not sure if this vehicular tribute is similarly equipped, but it sure looks the part. Gotta love this gnarly Mopar!
5. The Batmobile
Who’s your favorite superhero? Spiderman, Wonder Woman, The Green Lantern? If you’re a Batman fan, you’d definitely be drooling all over this car, which looks like it could have been the one that starred in the 1960s TV series. #ItWasSoBeautiful
4. Wayne’s World AMC Pacer
Want an AMC Pacer? No? OK, how about one that’s styled like the one from Wayne’s World? Does that pique your interest? This is a fine specimen with bright-blue paint and flames plastered along the sides, perfect for Woodward!
3. The Munster Koach
Remember The Munsters? Yeah, the TV show that was a suspicious imitation of The Adams Family. Anyway, an imitation of this ghoulish group’s family ride was on display near Woodward Avenue. A dressed-up T-bucket sporting an oversized engine and plenty of funerary trimmings, this machine is both gaudy and wonderful at the same time. Seeing it makes us want to see if anyone’s uploaded this series to YouTube…
2. The Mystery Machine
Lookie here, it’s The Mystery Machine from the Scooby-Doo franchise. Rut-roh! The specifics of the vehicle underneath that colorful and oh-so-retro livery are uncertain, but it’s most likely a Chrysler van given the proportions and some of its interior details. “I would have gotten away with it if it hadn’t been for you meddling kids!”
1. DeLorean DMC-12
Back to the Future is one of the best movies ever made! If you don’t agree, feel free to f–k right off. This gorgeous DMC-12, complete with a factory-fresh stainless-steel body was proudly on display at Dream Cruise. No, it wasn’t built to mimic Doc Brown’s time machine; you won’t find any time circuits or a flux capacitor on board, but its owner was dressed the part, complete with a digital stopwatch around his neck and a frizzy white wig. Also, there were “SAVE THE CLOCKTOWER” pamphlets under the windshield wipers, a brilliant touch.
Born and raised in metro Detroit, Craig was steeped in mechanics from childhood. He feels as much at home with a wrench or welding gun in his hand as he does behind the wheel or in front of a camera. Putting his Bachelor's Degree in Journalism to good use, he's always pumping out videos, reviews, and features for AutoGuide.com. When the workday is over, he can be found out driving his fully restored 1936 Ford V8 sedan. Craig has covered the automotive industry full time for more than 10 years and is a member of the Automotive Press Association (APA) and Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA).
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Gee I can guarantee that the #10 General Lee was like no other on Woodward. 1st it's signed by the entire cast, 2. John Snyder drove it in St. Ingance in 2009. And whoever wrote this article is blind as a bat since the dorlean from back to the Future has a flux capacitor in between the seats. The Monkee Mobile is 1 of 2 ever made is the most expensive vehicle there and your gonna dis the Movie Reel Ride Vehicles. And if you have a problem with the flag or Dixie horn, I have only one thing to say: LEARN YOUR HISTORY!! If you don't like the General Lee don't look, don't take pictures or acknowledge it. Just KEEP MOVING ALONG because you come across really racist.
The Monkee mobile was made for a spoof band on a TV show of the name The Monkees. The Monkees were spoofing the Beatles and they ultimately ended up being a recording band that did make decent music for the time. All in all they did have a very creative car that is still a classic mod today.