Every now and then, a vehicle comes along in a movie, TV show, or comic that captures more than just our eyes—it grabs hold of our imagination. Sleek, outrageous, mysterious or downright bizarre, these iconic rides transcend fiction. And let’s face it—if money, physics and practicality weren’t an issue, we’d all want to see them roaring down the highway.
The Batmobile (Dark Knight Tumbler Version)
Seen In: The Dark Knight Trilogy
This isn’t just a car. It’s a fully armoured, tactical beast designed for high-speed pursuits, rooftop jumps and urban combat. The Tumbler is part stealth bomber, part tank and completely intimidating. It features massive rear tires, a wide and aggressive stance and angular, matte-black armour panels that look like they could shrug off a rocket launcher.
The real marvel is in the details. Dual front wheels on each side provide increased manoeuvrability and a central cockpit gives it a military-grade aesthetic. The jet engine mounted on the rear allows for rapid acceleration, while the onboard computer system manages everything from tire pressure to weapons targeting.
Real-World Build?
Absolutely feasible—if you have the budget of a small nation. In fact, some custom builders have created road-legal replicas. For a real-world equivalent, imagine it powered by an electric drivetrain with torque vectoring for perfect cornering, AI-assisted driving modes and carbon fibre construction to reduce the weight of all that armour.
Joker’s Car (Suicide Squad)
Seen In: Suicide Squad
Loud, flashy, and unpredictable—just like the Joker himself. The car seen in Suicide Squad is based on a Vaydor G35 kit car built on an Infiniti G35 chassis, but with a twist: it’s decked out in chrome, dipped in purple LED under glow, and wrapped in madness. This car isn’t just transportation—it’s performance art on wheels.
The body is low and sharp, almost knife-like in its design. Suicide doors, aggressive body lines, and a villainous grin of a grille make it look like it’s ready to tear through Gotham in a neon-fuelled rampage. The cabin? Think crushed velvet, gold accents, and speakers that go all the way up to 11.
Real-World Build?
Believe it or not, people have already built Vaydors. But to match Joker’s twisted aesthetic, you’d need custom hydraulics for wild bounces, colour-shifting paint and an interior that looks like a luxury nightclub. Bonus points if you program it to laugh maniacally when the doors open.
The Mystery Machine
Seen In: Scooby-Doo (TV and Film)
There’s something charming about the Mystery Machine. It’s more than just a van—it’s a rolling clubhouse, a mobile HQ and a piece of groovy history. With its flower-power paint job, shag carpeting, and unmistakable teal-and-orange colour scheme, it practically invites adventure.
The inside is usually kitted out with radar monitors, filing cabinets full of monster clues, and of course, Scooby Snacks. A real-world version could be a retro VW van refitted with the latest camper tech, solar panels, GPS tracking and fold-out furniture.
Real-World Build?
Absolutely doable. Many fans have already transformed vintage vans into Mystery Machines, but there’s still room to modernize it. Imagine self-driving capabilities, pop-out camping pods, and built-in ghost-hunting tools like EMF sensors and thermal cams. It’d be the ultimate van for road trips and retro events.
James Bond’s Aston Martin DB5
Seen In: Goldfinger, Skyfall and multiple Bond films
Sleek, stylish, and devastatingly sophisticated, the Aston Martin DB5 is the perfect car for a gentleman spy. With its iconic silver finish, wire-spoke wheels, and leather interior, it looks like it belongs on a Monaco boulevard—until it drops an oil slick, deploys bulletproof shields, or launches missiles from the headlights.
Bond’s DB5 is arguably the most famous spy car in history. It’s outfitted with front-mounted machine guns, a revolving license plate, and an ejector seat that’s saved 007 more than once. But beneath the gadgets, it’s still a beautifully designed performance car.
Real-World Build?
Yes, and it’s already happened. Aston Martin has produced limited-edition DB5 “Goldfinger Continuation” cars complete with working gadgets—minus the actual weaponry. A modern interpretation could use hybrid power, advanced tracking tech, and digital interfaces subtly built into a retro dash.
Final Thoughts
Whether your team Batman or team Mystery Inc., these legendary fictional vehicles all bring something unique to the table—style, innovation, or just pure nostalgia. Building them in real life would be the ultimate tribute to our favourite characters and the wild rides they cruise in.