The 5 Best Movie Mustangs of All Time

For car enthusiasts, there’s nothing more exciting than seeing a classic or iconic car roll across the big screen. These cars have been the face of unforgettable chase scenes and can define entire characters.

There are few cars as iconic as the Mustang. Its sleek appearance and speedy performance make it a perfect choice for films in all genres. Movie Mustangs can sometimes even become the hero, leading characters through perilous situations and into victory.

Read on for a closer look at the top five famous Mustangs in films.

5 Most Iconic Movie Mustangs

From the first classic Ford Mustang in 1964 to the current S550, this car has graced movie screens for decades. Here are our top five movies with Mustangs:

1. James Bond

The classic James Bond films were some of the first movies to feature the Mustang. Fans worldwide love the James Bond movies for their fast-paced plots, unique characters and cunning espionage. The series also has many memorable cars, from the Aston Martin DB5 to the Toyota 2000GT. The vehicles play a crucial role as the titular character navigates new villains and plots, and the Mustang is no exception.

The James Bond films have used Mustangs in several movies, including:

• “Goldfinger” (1964): This film is credited as the first movie featuring a Mustang, making it an important milestone in the car’s film history. A character called Tilly Masterson drives a cream white 1964 Mustang through the Swiss Alps, creating a remarkable image on movie screens around the world.
• “Thunderball” (1965): In “Thunderball”, James Bond gets picked up in a beautiful turquoise 1965 Mustang. The car sequences take place in the Bahamas, creating an exciting scene for the vehicle.
• “Diamonds Are Forever” (1971): This 1971 film showcases one of the most iconic Mustangs in film history. The red 1971 Ford Mustang Mach 1 was the perfect match for Sean Connery in the seventh James Bond movie. A performance version of the typical sports car, this Mustang featured an upgraded design from the signature 1964 look and was brand new for the movie. It provided an unforgettable performance in a Las Vegas-based car chase scene.

2. 1968 Mustang GT Fastback in “Bullitt” (1968)

“Bullitt” is a famous action thriller movie from 1968. Starring Steve McQueen and Robert Vaughn, the story follows a policeman as he guards a Chicago mobster. “Bullitt” is famous for its intense car chase scene, where two cars race over the hills of San Francisco. Many credit this extended chase sequence as setting a new standard for car scenes in Hollywood, and it has influenced many films to date.

Steve McQueen’s character drives a 1968 Ford Mustang Fastback throughout the movie. The car has a smooth green color and five-spoke wheels, creating a powerful image as the protagonist races against the villain’s 1968 Dodge Charger. Warner Brothers bought a pair of Mustangs directly from Ford for the film. This movie Mustang has become a definitive example of the car on screen and remains a favorite film for many car enthusiasts.

The 1968’s older brother, the 1967 Ford Mustang Fastback also won a role in Hollywood. These cars are featured in the 2006 movie “The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift,” and include upgrades like racing seats, a rear roll cage and a 430-inch Windsor motor that increased the horsepower to nearly 500.

3. 1967 Shelby Mustang GT500 in “Gone in 60 Seconds” (2000)

Originally a 1974 film and later a 2000 remake, “Gone in 60 Seconds” also displays an iconic Mustang. This movie displays a car thief as he attempts to steal 50 cars in under three days to rescue his brother. The 2000 remake features performances from Nicolas Cage and Angelina Jolie and has many exciting heist scenes and chase sequences.

“Gone in 60 Seconds” is famous for its 1967 Shelby Mustang GT500, referred to as “Eleanor.” Designers refitted the legendary vehicle with a fiberglass hood and a shiny gray exterior. The movie was a box office success and caused a resurgence in popularity for the classic car. In response, replica production of “Eleanor” increased, leading the film’s producer to file a copyright claim. Either way, the film is another classic example of iconic Mustangs on screen.

4. 2007 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 in “I Am Legend” (2007)

“I Am Legend” is a popular post-apocalyptic action thriller. It features actor Will Smith as he plays Neville, the last human survivor after an incurable virus spread throughout the world. Neville tries to find a cure for the disease as he navigates a vacant New York City.

One of the most memorable aspects of the film is the protagonist’s red 2007 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500. Will Smith races the car throughout the abandoned city with his dog in the passenger seat, providing fast-paced action scenes. The car takes a spot as one of the most memorable Mustangs in film history.

5. 1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1 in “John Wick” (2014)

Lastly, actor Keanu Reeves has driven some of the most iconic Mustangs on film. From his Mustang in “Point Break” in 1991 to the famous one in the “John Wick” series, the actor has brought many exciting Mustang sequences to life.

The “John Wick” movies have become a hit action series, following the titular character as he enacts the perfect revenge plot. The first film uses a 1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1, which is one of the rarest models. The plot rocks into motion when a team of antagonists steals the car.

The movies display some of the most iconic Mustang scenes in the modern era. Not to mention, Keanu Reeves performs many of the stunts in the movie, including the famous car sequences.

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Mustangs are some of the most exciting cars to race across movie screens. If you’re ready to upgrade your Mustang, choose Top Flight Automotive today.

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