The top 10 iconic cars in music videos
Cars in music videos is a trope that has been used almost from the start of music videos. Even with streaming being the main way of consuming music nowadays the art of the music video is still prevalent. But one thing that is lacking compared to videos from ‘back in the day’ and that is videos that contain cars that now hold ‘iconic’ status.
Below are 10 iconic cars from music videos. Enjoy.
10. Jaguar XJ – “Here I Go Again ’87” by Whitesnake:
The Jaguar XJ in Whitesnake’s video exudes elegance and sophistication, perfectly complementing the song’s theme of embarking on a new journey with confidence.
9. Vauxhall Viva – “Year 3000” by Busted:
The Vauxhall Viva in Busted’s video adds a touch of retro-futurism, fitting the song’s futuristic narrative while also paying homage to classic British motoring. The car itself is a shocking but it takes its place in an iconic pop-punk music video of the early 2000’s.
8. Mercury Monterey Convertible – “Holiday” by Green Day:
This classic convertible reflects the carefree and rebellious spirit of Green Day’s music, epitomising the freedom of youth and summer adventures that all of us angsty teens listening to Green Day wanted.
7. Austin Healey 3000 – “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” by Tears For Fears:
The Austin Healey 3000 captures the nostalgic charm of the 1960s, enhancing the video’s theme of longing for a simpler time amid the complexities of the modern world.
6. The Eliminator – Various ZZ Top Videos:
The customised hot rod known as “The Eliminator” is synonymous with ZZ Top’s music, representing the band’s fusion of rock, blues, and Americana. Its distinctive design and role in multiple videos make it an enduring symbol of ZZ Top’s style. Would be higher on this list due to how often it was used but ZZ Top isn’t quite as popular.
5. Munster Koach – “Dragula” by Rob Zombie:
The Munster Koach, famously associated with the TV series “The Munsters,” adds a touch of horror and campiness to Rob Zombie’s viral music video, perfectly aligning with his aesthetic and musical genre.
4. DeLorean – “Power of Love” by Huey Lewis:
The DeLorean time machine from “Back to the Future” is an icon of 1980s pop culture, and its appearance in Huey Lewis’s video pays homage to the film while adding a nostalgic flair to the song’s message of love and nostalgia. Possibly the most iconic and recognisable car every flat out.
3. Saab 99 – “Don’t You Want Me” by Human League:
The Saab 99 embodies the sleek and stylish aesthetic of the 1980s, perfectly complementing the song’s themes of love and desire against a backdrop of urban sophistication.
2. BMW 8 Series – “Sexy MF” by Prince:
The BMW 8 Series epitomises luxury and sensuality, making it the perfect accompaniment to Prince’s sultry and provocative lyrics. Its sleek design and high-performance capabilities mirror the song’s seductive allure. Also probably the best actual car in music videos to make this list.
1. Vauxhall Cresta – “Ghost Town” by The Specials:
The 1961 Vauxhall Cresta from The Specials’ “Ghost Town” video is iconic for its association with the song’s poignant portrayal of urban decay and social unrest. Its presence adds a sense of authenticity and grit to the video, making it the standout car in music video history for one of the stand out music videos in history.
Comment down below which you think is the most iconic cars in music video history. Cheers.
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