During the month of October, many ghoulish things are on our minds! Creepy decorations, delicious candy, and spooky movies all have their place as the leaves change color. The horror movie cars that give us chills are one topic we couldn’t dare think about skipping!
The Horror Movie Cars That Give Us Chills
While enjoying these terrifying horror films, the cars always take our center stage! So, we decided to join forces and create a list of our favorite horror movie moments where the scares were outshined by some unforgettable automotive choices. Here are some of the coolest “autos that infiltrate autumn” with their sinister presence.
1967 Pontiac LeMans: Night of The Living Dead
“Night of the Living Dead” is a very defining zombie movie that truly set the standard for the genre. It was also one of the first big indie film successes, made outside the traditional studio system. The plot revolves around a group of strangers trying to survive a zombie apocalypse and has a very stark and fearful presentation.
The film kicks off with an eerily calm drive to a cemetery in a 1967 Pontiac Le Mans. As the years have gone by, it’s a bit easier to find free streaming options for this film as well! In 1967, the Sprint OHC six-cylinder engine with a 4-barrel carburetor saw its power output rise to 215 horsepower (160 kW).
1968 Mercury Cougar XR-7: From Dusk Till Dawn
Although later versions of the Cougar earned a reputation as squared-off old-school mobiles, the first-generation Cougar was a true competitor to the Mustang, ideal for the most stylish muscle car enthusiasts. This specific Cougar finds itself in the middle of some dark times, as two criminal brothers use it to flee to Mexico in a desperate bid to outrun the authorities.
Over its 30-year run, close to 3 million Cougars rolled off the assembly line, though the standout models were produced from 1967 to 1970. The Cougar was Mercury’s upscale alternative to the Mustang, positioned between the Mustang and the Ford Thunderbird in terms of style and luxury. In 1967, the Cougar was offered in standard and XR7 trims, with a 289 engine as the base option.
1971 Plymouth ‘Cuda From Phantasm:
At its heart, Phantasm tells the story of brothers Mike and Jody coming together to fight an evil undertaker, but it’s the ’71 six-pack ‘Cuda that truly takes center stage and steals the show! The Phantasm ‘Cuda, with its unmistakable ’70s street machine design, has become so storied that its fame almost eclipses that of the films themselves.
The actual car used in the film sported a stunning gloss black finish. As any skilled bodywork professional can tell you, achieving that deep black shine requires flawlessly straight panels and meticulous preparation. In the film, the ‘Cuda started out as an FC7 In-Violet with a white interior. The production team gave it a new look by repainting it in X9 Formal Black and adding subtle blue and gray pinstripes along the sides.
’70 Chevy Nova – Death Proof
Stuntman Mike’s modified Chevy Nova is equipped with a roll cage that renders it death-proof—at least for him. Unfortunately, for his unsuspecting victims, it serves as a brutal weapon of destruction and severance. Not only is it a daunting machine, but the striking skull and lightning crossbones emblem on the hood make it stand out.
The 1970 Nova featured updated side markers and taillight lenses, providing a fresh appearance compared to its 1969 predecessor. This year also marked the end of the 396 engine option, with the 350 cubic inch engine delivering 300 horsepower as the top performance choice. Notably, only a limited number of Novas produced in 1970 were equipped with the 396 engine.
‘54 Aston Martin DB 2/4 – The Birds
Tippi Hedren stars as Melanie in this big screen classic, who heads to Bodega Bay for a weekend getaway with her love interest. Unfortunately, her plans take a dark turn as she becomes the target of a menacing flock of birds. Her Aston Martin represents potential escape, but the relentless birds sabotage many attempts to flee.
The vehicle came in several configurations, including a 2+2 hatchback saloon, a drophead coupé (DHC), and a 2-seat fixed-head coupé. In 1954, British magazine The Motor conducted a test of a 2.9-litre DB2/4, which achieved a remarkable top speed of 118.5 mph and could go from 0 to 60 mph in just 10.5 seconds.
1977 MG MGB GT – An American Werewolf in London
This quite unique plot follows an unwilling American backpacker who transforms into a wolf, journeying to the bustling heart of London. The pacing and humor were not quite for everyone, but the film includes one of the most impressive car scenes ever set around Piccadilly Circus. It’s definitely worth seeing, especially for the stunning 1977 1.8-litre MG MGB GT featured in the sequence.
The MGB and its various models debuted in 1962, taking the place of the MGA, and remained in production until 1980. The MGB was among the pioneers in automotive safety, incorporating controlled crumple zones that aimed to safeguard occupants during a collision. The vehicle’s lightweight construction not only lowered production expenses but also enhanced its overall sturdiness.
Jeep CJ 5 : Friday The 13th
Camp Crystal Lake stands as an iconic backdrop in the world of horror cinema. Shocking concerned parents and popcorn-crazed viewers alike, it had many camp counselors looking constantly over their shoulder! The location gave the bloodthirsty Jason many hiding places, while the camp setting offered him many trapped victims.
The Jeep CJ-5 emerged as a refined version of the original World War II Jeep, thanks to the efforts of Willys-Overland in its development. At launch, the “Hurricane” F-head 4-cylinder engine powered the vehicle, derived from the original engine used in WWII variants. The CJ-5 lineup expanded with variations like the extended-wheelbase CJ-6, as well as the two-wheel-drive version known as the DJ-5.
Cruising with Creeps: The Cars That Drive Horror Home!
Which one of these horror movie cars do you think is the spookiest and most sensational? We knew that we had passed over one of the most recognizable sets of horror movie wheels ever when it comes to “Christine”. These picks are still bound to add Jack O’ lantern spice to the thrill of driving. Let us know in the comments below, or check out another article about famous cars from the big screen!
