There are numerous cars that have made appearances in literature, but some just stand out more than others. We take a look at some of the most iconic cars to ever appear on the printed page.
1. Ford Anglia – Harry Potter
After failing to make it onto platform nine and three-quarters in The Chamber of Secrets, the second instalment of Harry Potter, Harry and Ron take to the air in a magically modified flying 105E Ford Anglia. As well as the ability to fly, the car could also accommodate eight people along with all the required baggage for a year at Hogwarts. In a very James Bond-esque manner, it could also become invisible.
The British-designed 105E was introduced in 1959 and offered a much more toned-down appearance in comparison to American cars of the era. A total of 191,752 105E Anglias left Ford’s plant in Dagenham in the first year of manufacture, setting a new production record for the Ford Motor Company at the time.
2. 1958 Plymouth Fury – Christine
Stephen King’s 1983 infamous horror novel Christine featured the titular car, a dilapidated red and white 1958 Plymouth Fury possessed by demonic forces of an unknown origin, which pursued and killed the people who torment her unpopular owner, Arnie Cunningham.
Throughout the novel and also in the film, Christine punishes, maims and murders wrongdoers, earning it a reputation as the most bloodthirsty car in history!
3. 1931 Bentley 4.5 Litre Blower – Casino Royale
While for most people the name James Bond may be synonymous with Aston Martin, this was not always the case. In fact, his first car was actually a Bentley.
The first Bond novel, 1953’s Casino Royale, saw 007 getting around in a 1931 Bentley 4.5 Litre Blower, widely considered to be one of the finest and fastest cars of its day.
It wasn’t until 1959 that Bond upgraded to the classier Aston Martin, which was seen to be more befitting of a British spy.
4. Audi R8 Spyder – Fifty Shades of Grey
Despite the marque’s prominence in the Grey series, author E.L. James doesn’t own an Audi. Nor, reportedly, is she even particularly bothered about the brand at all.
Rumour has it that she simply chose Audi due to the manufacturer’s image of blending high-end luxury style and sleek sexiness, which seemed to be a good fit for the billionaire protagonist Christian Grey.
5. 1928 Rolls-Royce Tourer – The Great Gatsby
While some see The Great Gatsby as a dissection of the concept of the American Dream, others see it as a story about Jay Gatsby’s tragic captivation by love and by wealth. However you look at it, cars play a major role throughout the novel as a symbol of American society.
Gatsby’s bright yellow 1928 Rolls-Royce Tourer, presented in the book as a powerful and magical object to be desired among America’s up-and-coming nouveau riche at the time, notoriously becomes the ‘death car’ in the story, setting into motion the events that would spell the ultimate end for Gatsby – a metaphor for the socio-economic and moral collapse that would hit America just four years after the novel’s release. Whoever thought a car could be so deep!
Whether or not you drive an iconic car, we can be sure to find you the perfect tyres at the best prices available. To enquire about our stock of budget, mid-range or branded tyres or find your nearest location, call today on 01 860 20 20.