Post by Grandpabeast on Nov 27, 2013 14:21:14 GMT -7
Smoking Rubber
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A Trip Back to Mel’s: The Cars of American Graffiti
american graffiti ford coupe
Source: American Graffiti, 1973
Remember these screaming machines from American Graffiti? Though it hit theaters in 1973, this movie was actually set in 1962 – meaning it showcased some of the sweetest cars from the ‘50s and earlier.
Ready for a drive down memory lane? Read below and reminisce about the cars in this fine film (listed by the age of the ride).
John Milner’s ’32 Ford Deuce Coupe (pictured above)
This hot rod (canary yellow, not “piss yella’ and puke green”) is an iconic part of this film and is driven by John Milner, a guy known for his drag-racing skills. His ride is called the fastest thing in the Valley and features a beautiful exposed engine.
The car was restored to director George Lucas’s specifications, and he wanted it to look just like a hot rod straight from the ‘30s. The primer-toned paint was covered in bright yellow, and the red and white seats were dyed black. Thanks to his team’s diligence, this beauty stole the movie.
The Pharoahs’ ’51 Mercury Coupe
american graffiti mercury
Source: American Graffiti, 1973
More intimidating than The Pharaohs was their giant maroon Mercury. While trying to find the mysterious blonde in the T-Bird (mentioned below), Curt is coerced into a prank involving a police car (also mentioned below) – and so we see plenty of the Pharaohs and their Mercury.
The car was found at a stock car track in Sonoma, and Lucas didn’t really care about its functionality – it was all about how it looked on film. It only took about two weeks to alter and paint the exterior, and the car spent several years on the Universal Studios lot after filming. At one point David Lee Roth and Brian Setzer each owned it!
Bob Falfa’s ’55 Chevy Sport Coupe
american graffiti chevy
Source: American Graffiti, 1973
The very same car from Two-Lane Blacktop, this ’55 Chevy played a pivotal role throughout the movie – starting when Bob Falfa rolls up next to John Milner’s Ford. Though Milner calls the ’55 Chevy a “field car,” this ride isn’t meant for the farm – lots of power and muscle are behind this beast.
While filming the drag race between Falfa and Milner, one of the Chevy’s axles broke twice – and then the car nearly ran into some cameramen after missing its planned turn.
The Blonde Mystery Girl’s ’56 Ford Thunderbird
american graffiti thunderbird
Source: American Graffiti, 1973
Curt spends the movie seeking his mystery girl, who says something to him out her window that he can’t hear with the window up. The “most perfect dazzling creature ever” is maybe the girl of his dreams because of the flawless T-Bird she’s driving.
Lucas saw the T-Bird in a parking lot and left a note under the wiper blades for the owners, asking if they’d let the car be in a movie. The car’s owner was always just a few feet away from it on set, and when he wasn’t wiping off dust or dirt, he was shouting at Suzanne Somers (who played the mystery blonde) about how to properly drive the car.
Steve Bolander’s ’58 Impala
american graffiti impala
Source: American Graffiti, 1973
Throughout the movie, Steve’s Impala is an important plot point. Eventually, Terry “The Toad” Field borrows it and has quite an adventure (charming woman, getting booze, fighting someone). The Impala’s look encompasses what many people envision when they think about cruisin’.
Originally the Impala was metallic blue, but its paint job in the movie provides a simple color and contrast to the red and white interior. The studio sold the car for $325 after filming ended, and the same guy still owns it today.
The ’61 Ford Galaxie Cop Car
american graffiti police car
Source: American Graffiti, 1973
You just can’t mention American Graffiti without talking about the infamous cop car prank, thought up by the Pharaohs and done by Curt. Stand By for Justice has recreated the car for film-lovers to admire.
