The meticulous testing procedures car manufacturers subject their vehicles to pale in comparison to the cinematic car chases crafted by Hollywood. Cars are launched into the air, slammed to the ground, drifted to their limits, riddled with bullets, engulfed in flames, and generally subjected to extreme abuse for the audience’s entertainment. While a thrilling car chase doesn’t guarantee a great film, it undeniably enhances the experience. Here are some of the most memorable chase scenes, presented in chronological order of their release.
Bullitt’s San Francisco Sprint (1968)
The car chase in Bullitt holds a legendary status in cinematic history. It features Steve McQueen at the wheel of a 1968 Ford Mustang GT, tearing through San Francisco’s intricate network of steep streets. He executes breathtaking drifts, disregards stop signs, and catches air with impressive regularity. The film and the chase scene remain so iconic that Ford introduced a limited-edition, Bullitt-branded Mustang to its lineup in 2019. Remarkably, the Mustang used in the film survived and was privately owned for decades. Ford persuaded the owner’s family to display it at the 2018 Detroit Auto Show. This legendary Mustang later went to auction, commanding a hefty price reflecting its cinematic heritage.
The Italian Job’s Mini Mayhem (1969)
The Italian Job holds a special place in the hearts of Mini enthusiasts, showcasing the classic Mini Cooper as a getaway car for a daring bank heist. The ensuing chase through Turin, Italy, is a masterclass in automotive acrobatics. While the sewer scene remains a fan favorite and was reimagined with modern Minis in the 2003 remake, the highlight is undoubtedly the thrilling pursuit across the rooftop test track of Fiat’s historic Lingotto factory, with an Alfa Romeo Giulia Ti in hot pursuit of the three Minis.
Gone in 60 Seconds’ Destructive Finale (1974)
The climactic chase in the 1974 original Gone in 60 Seconds is a symphony of speed, destruction, and breathtaking stunts. Unlike the CGI-heavy 2000 remake, the original relied on practical effects, with a staggering 90% of the stunts performed live. The sheer carnage on display is authentic; if a car appears wrecked beyond repair, it genuinely was. A reported 127 cars met their demise during filming, facilitated by the fact that Toby Halicki, the film’s writer, director, producer, and star, owned a junkyard.
Ronin’s Parisian Pursuit (1998)
Navigating Paris traffic can be a challenge even under normal circumstances. Now imagine hurtling through the French capital in a BMW 5 Series (E34) while pursued by a Peugeot 406. The high-octane chase in Ronin is one of the most exhilarating of the 1990s. Beyond the adrenaline-pumping action, it offers glimpses of Parisian landmarks and a chance for keen-eyed viewers to spot a variety of European cars.
Baby Driver’s Opening Act (2017)
The opening scene of Baby Driver showcases the protagonist’s exceptional driving skills as he evades a Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor while skillfully maneuvering through traffic, delivery vans, and other urban obstacles. This thrilling sequence was filmed practically, without reliance on CGI. The precision driving required more than just a skilled stunt driver; one of the five Subaru WRXs used was specially modified from all-wheel drive to rear-wheel drive to facilitate the impressive drifts.
