Speed and Performance 

The Mystery Machine, as depicted in the animated series “Scooby-Doo,” is a classic van typically used for leisurely road trips. It’s not known for its speed or high-performance capabilities. On the other hand, the ComVee from “The Wild Thornberrys” is a custom-built, all-terrain vehicle designed for adventurous travels, so it may have better speed and performance. Although the ComVee wasn’t necessarily engineered with speed as a primary priority, the sheer level of power it needed to perform its duties could potentially give it the definitive edge in a race.

Terrain Variations

The outcome of the race could depend on the terrain and the type of roads or paths they are racing on. If the race takes place on rough or off-road terrain, the ComVee would unequivocally have the advantage due to its rugged design. That said, the ComVee is an absolutely massive vehicle, built to accommodate the entire Thornberry family not just to ride but also to live within it. That means it likely can’t quite handle or corner as tightly as the Mystery Machine. In the case where the race required careful cornering on a twisting and turning road, it’s likely that the time saved by being able to maneuver a smaller vehicle would go toward the advantage of the Mystery Machine, thereby winning the race.

Driver Skill

The skill of the driver or drivers behind the wheel could also make a significant difference. If one team has a more experienced and skilled driver, they might be able to navigate obstacles and challenges more effectively. Nigel Thornberry has driven the ComVee around the world and has considerable experience behind the wheel. Fred had no less experience driving the Mystery Machine, but you could definitely make the case that he hadn’t quite had to take on terrain as varied as the ComVee. If there were any of the off-road environments that the ComVee is used to going up against, that could be the deciding factor in a race.

On the other hand, perhaps all of Nigel’s off-road experience simply hasn’t prepared him properly for the constraints of racing on surface streets or freeways. If the race circuit were set up on paved city roads, it’s possible that Fred would feel more at home and find a way to outmaneuver the cumbersome ComVee.

The Mystery Machine In Real Life: VW Bus

While the Mystery Machine from the “Scooby-Doo” series is a fictional vehicle with a unique and colorful design, if you were looking for a real-world car that somewhat resembles its style and spirit from the 1960s and 1970s, you might consider a Volkswagen Type 2, commonly known as the Volkswagen Bus or VW Microbus.

The Volkswagen Bus, especially the older models produced in the 1960s and early 1970s, shares some similarities with the Mystery Machine. Like the Mystery Machine, the Volkswagen Bus is a van with a distinctive, boxy shape. The Mystery Machine’s design is reminiscent of the psychedelic and flower power aesthetics of the 1960s, which were associated with the counterculture and hippie movements. The Volkswagen Bus was also popular among hippies during that era and often featured colorful, custom paint jobs and decorations. Both the Mystery Machine and the Volkswagen Bus have a nostalgic appeal, evoking a sense of a bygone era.

It’s important to note that while the Volkswagen Bus shares some visual similarities with the Mystery Machine, it doesn’t perfectly match the fictional van’s design. The Mystery Machine is a customized vehicle with unique artwork and details specific to the show’s universe.

If you’re looking to capture the essence of the Mystery Machine in a real-world vehicle, a well-maintained and customized Volkswagen Bus from the 1960s or 1970s, with a colorful and eye-catching paint job, could be a close approximation. However, achieving the exact look of the Mystery Machine would likely require custom modifications and artwork.

The ComVee in Real Life: Mercedes Benz Sprinter

The ComVee, the rugged and versatile vehicle used by the Thornberry family in the animated series “The Wild Thornberrys,” is a fictional creation and does not have a real-world counterpart, and anything you compare it to is going to have some serious deficiencies when you consider that this fictional vehicle is capable of going into multiple modes like hovercraft and submarine at the touch of a button. The ComVee is a unique, custom-designed vehicle specifically created for the show to suit the family’s adventurous lifestyle, wildlife documentary work, and travels in remote and challenging environments.

All that being said, for the purposes of our experiment, you can imagine the ComVee in comparison to a variety of 4×4 expedition vehicles. For the purposes of simplicity, though, we’re sort of imagining the ComVee as the ultimate Mercedes Sprinter—modified with the most luxurious living quarters imaginable as well as 4×4 capabilities, to say nothing of the hyperbolic capabilities mentioned above. While there are real-world expedition vehicles and all-terrain vehicles designed for off-road travel and outdoor adventures, none of them perfectly match the fictional design and capabilities of the ComVee as depicted in the show. Real-world vehicles used for similar purposes, such as expedition trucks, 4×4 off-road vehicles, or RVs modified for off-grid living, may share some characteristics with the ComVee but won’t replicate its appearance or functionality precisely.

Head to Head

A race between a 1960s VW Bus and a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter would likely favor the Sprinter for several reasons. The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, being a modern vehicle, comes with a more powerful engine, advanced transmission, and improved aerodynamics, allowing it to operate at higher speeds more efficiently and safely.

On the other hand, the 1960s VW Bus, while iconic and charming, is not known for its speed or performance. It was designed more for comfort, utility, and style rather than racing or high-speed travel. Its older engine design and technology would also likely limit its performance relative to the more modern Sprinter.

Moreover, the Sprinter’s enhanced braking system, stability, and overall handling would give it an edge in maintaining higher speeds safely over different race conditions, making it more adaptable to the demands of a race.

However, it’s essential to consider the race’s context and conditions, such as the distance and type of track or road, as different factors could influence each vehicle’s performance. But in a generic setting, the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter would likely outpace the 1960s VW Bus in a race.

In the end the winner of this race would simply come down to what kind of environment we’re racing in. In the case of a technical, corner-heavy circuit, we rate the Mystery Machine as having a slight advantage over the ComVee (although who knows what kind of technical innovations could be used to erase this advantage when we’re talking about a vehicle that can turn into a submarine). In almost any other scenario, including a straight line drag race, the ComVee is probably going to come out ahead. Even though the weight difference might mean the Mystery Machine could reach top speed faster, the sheer power that the ComVee would have to possess under the hood would probably be too much for Scooby Doo and the gang to outmatch. 

The 90s was a wonderful decade for cars in music videos. There are dozens of high-profile videos from the decade that feature incredible cars, so culling them to create this list was a challenge. In the end, we’ve selected seven iconic 90s vids across genres and artists, who are outshined only by the classic and unforgettable cars they feature. Here are just a handful of great car moments from 90s music videos, don’t be shy about telling us what we missed (we’ll most likely come back and cover them in a future installment).

Dr. Dre (featuring Snoop Dogg) “Let Me Ride” (1993) 

Car: 1964 Chevrolet Impala

A classic music video driving around Los Angeles with shots of cars, parties and freeways for Dr. Dre’s song, the “Let Me Ride” features several iconic cars, but the most prominent one is a customized 1964 Chevrolet Impala SS, a classic lowrider. The car serves as a symbol of West Coast hip-hop culture and is closely associated with Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg’s music from that era. 

The video helped popularize lowrider culture and had a significant impact on the automotive customization scene. Lowriders are known for their unique modifications, including lowered suspension, elaborate paint jobs, and often, intricate hydraulic systems that allow the car to “hop” or bounce. The car became an iconic symbol of West Coast hip-hop and lowrider culture, and it remains closely associated with the song and the artists to this day.

Jamiroquai, “Cosmic Girl” (1996)

Cars: 1987 Ferrari F40, 1994 Ferrari F355 Berlinetta, 1994 Lamborghini Diablo SE30 

According to MTV, “Jamiroquai’s lead singer Jay Kay is … famous for his inability to keep a valid license,” partly due to his penchant for speeding. So it’s no surprise that we see a whole fleet of European supercars in the video for “Cosmic Girl,” including one that belongs to another musical legend.

Driving over hills to a drag race in the desert, this Ferrari F40, owned by Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason, is the star of this music video. Mason, with his discerning eye for both music and motoring, recognized the F40’s significance, driving it himself in the “Cosmic Girl” video. 

The video also features a 1994 Lamborghini Diablo SE30, which played a significant role in establishing the video’s vibrant, futuristic atmosphere. The Diablo SE30’s striking presence is unmistakable. The video, filled with dynamic shots and thrilling chase sequences, effectively highlights the vehicle’s sleek design and formidable speed. What we don’t see, however, is that the stunt driver hired for the shoot damaged the Lambo, at which point Nick Kay himself took over driving for the rest of the production. While the Lamborghini Diablo SE30 was already an icon in the automotive world, being a limited edition released for Lamborghini’s 30th anniversary, its appearance in this popular music video further solidified its status in pop culture. With its aggressive design, coupled with the backdrop of the video’s surreal landscapes, the Diablo SE30 became an emblematic representation of 90s supercar allure and the era’s fascination with blending futuristic concepts with contemporary style.

Oh, and the video also features a 1994 Ferrari F355 Berlinetta, just for good measure.

Smash Mouth, “Walking on the Sun” (1997)

Car: 1932 Ford V8 Roadster

In the music video for “Walkin’ on the Sun” we see a handful of throwback vehicles, but none so remarkable as the orange 1932 Ford V8 Roadster, which the band uses to compete in a drag race. It’s implied that they suffered a terrible crash toward the end of the video, but it isn’t seen on camera—likely because they didn’t want to risk hurting this beautiful car!

The V8 Roadster represents a pivotal moment in automotive history. When it was introduced, it swiftly became an emblem of American ingenuity and the spirit of the open road. This car, often simply referred to as the “Deuce,” marked the introduction of Ford’s flathead V8 engine, a marvel of engineering for its time. This affordable, yet powerful engine made the ’32 Ford a favorite among everyday consumers and car enthusiasts alike. The Roadster’s design, with its clean lines and simple elegance, further solidified its place in car culture. As the years passed, the 1932 Ford V8 Roadster would gain legendary status, especially in hot rodding circles, where its lightweight frame and powerful engine made it an ideal candidate for customization. The enduring legacy of the ’32 Ford is a testament to its innovative design and the profound impact it had on the automotive world and popular culture.

Alanis Morissette “Ironic” (1996) 

Car: 1978 Lincoln Continental Mark V

This iconic 90s anthem has an underrated music video to accompany it, featuring four Alanis Morissette’s on a wintery road trip, all singing along as the iconic car—the 1978 Lincoln Continental Mark V– drives down the snowy highway.

The 1978 Lincoln Continental Mark V stood as a testament to American luxury car design at the height of the personal luxury coupe era. With an expansive body, the Mark V was both long and wide, exuding a sense of opulence and prestige. Its sharp lines, iconic radiator grille, hidden headlights, and prominent opera windows emphasized its status as a high-end luxury vehicle. Under the hood, the Mark V offered powerful V8 engine options, ensuring that its performance was in line with its grandeur. The interior, adorned with plush seating, wood grain accents, and state-of-the-art (for its time) technology, offered passengers a lavish experience.

Beastie Boys “Sabotage” (1994) 

Car: 1983 Ford LTD Crown Victoria

Inspired by 1970s cop TV shows in California like The Streets of San Francisco, S.W.A.T., Baretta, and Starsky and Hutch, The Beastie Boys’ Sabotage is a classic music video in which the Ford LTD Crown Victoria gets a starring role. The Beastie Boys star as fictitious characters in this Spike Jonze-directed music video and the car is their main prop, getting the guys around town in various escapades.

Running around Los Angeles driving the 1983 Ford LTD Crown Victoria –a car that Ford made a special edition for police cars– they go wild jumping into pools, investigating crimes in motels, racing down hills all over town. Ford introduced the line of cars in 1980 with two V8 engines and its power is on full display in this high action video.

Vanilla Ice “Ice Ice Baby” (1990)

Car: Fox-Body Mustang GT 5.0 

Shot on the roof of a warehouse in Dallas, Vanilla Ice’s classic music video features all of the elements of a music video –dancing, DJs, graffiti and of course a cool car. When he’s not dancing, rapping or flirting with women, Vanilla Ice is “rollin’” down the street in his “5.0” “with my ragtop down so my hair can blow” he raps. The 5.0 is of course a Fox-Body Mustang GT 5.0, a third generation Mustang produced from 1979-1993.

Spice Girls “Say You’ll Be There” (1996) 

Cars: Dodge Charger Daytona, Ford Thunderbird, Chevrolet Corvair Rampside Pickup

Set on a stage in the middle of the desert, this video features a number of classic vehicles driving through as the singers perform and take breaks shoot spaceships with laser guns. First we see the Ford Thunderbird, likely a late ‘60s model, with suicide doors, which epitomized the era’s shift towards personal luxury cars. Introduced in the 1950s as a two-seater sports car to rival Chevrolet’s Corvette, the Thunderbird underwent a transformative evolution in the 60s. It blossomed into a four-seater, redefining luxury and comfort. With its distinctive design featuring a long hood, unique rooflines, and spacious interiors, the T-Bird became a symbol of American automotive opulence. Under the hood, powerful V8 engines roared, ensuring the Thunderbird was not just about style but also had the performance to match.

Next we see the car the Spice Girls are driving throughout the video The Dodge Charger Daytona is a unique and distinctive model in the realm of American muscle cars, designed primarily for one purpose: to dominate on the NASCAR race tracks. Introduced in 1969, the Charger Daytona was an aerodynamically enhanced version of the standard Dodge Charger. Its creation was in direct response to the need for increased speed and stability on the high-banked ovals of NASCAR circuits, where fractions of a second could determine victory. 

The last, and perhaps most distinctive car featured in the video is an extremely odd looking pickup, The Chevrolet Corvair Rampside. Produced between 1961 and 1964, it was a unique departure from traditional truck designs of its era distinguished by its side-loading ramp on the passenger side, a feature that provided easy access for loading and unloading cargo and set it apart from other pickups. This innovative design was particularly useful for businesses that required frequent loading and unloading of goods. The Corvair Rampside was rear-engined, utilizing an air-cooled flat-six, similar to the Corvair car series.

(At The) Love Shack

“Love Shack,” a jubilant anthem by the B-52’s, burst onto the music scene in 1989, well after the band’s 1979 debut, capturing in a single track the essence of the band’s quirky energy and unique sound developed over the previous decade. The B-52’s had been inspiring and collaborating with some of the biggest names in music up until this point, and the popularity of “Love Shack” as well as the single that followed it, “Roam” catapulted them even higher in esteem. Central to the song’s narrative is the journey to the “Love Shack,” vividly illustrated with automotive imagery. The lyrics playfully reference a “Chrysler that’s as big as a whale,” illustrating the magnitude of the party they are heading towards, and ensuring that the journey there is just as memorable as the destination. 

This car, a symbol of joyous escapades, becomes a vessel transporting partygoers to a realm of wild celebration. The notion of the car as a space of fun and unity, embodies the free-spirited allure of the road trip culture of the times, encapsulating the joy, the community, and the adventures found in the shared journey to places of happiness and release. Thus, “Love Shack” celebrates not just the destination, but also the communal journey, turning the act of travel into a spectacle of joy and shared experience.

Mustang Sally

“Mustang Sally” is a rhythm and blues song that was originally written and recorded by Mack Rice in 1965, inspired by the car that came out the previous year. Perhaps most famously popularized by Wilson Pickett in 1966, the song was called “Mustang Mama” in an earlier version and rumor has it Rice wrote the anthem as a joke about a band member that wanted to get his hands on the new car. Both Rice and Pickett hailed from southern states (Mississippi and Alabama respectively), and both musicians ended up playing in a group together in Detroit where their proximity to auto manufacturing no doubt influenced the feeling contained in this hit song. The song reverberates with the raw energy of the powerful Ford Mustang, an iconic American automobile that symbolizes freedom, masculinity, and the irresistible allure of the open road. In the lyrics, “Sally” is begged to slow down her Mustang, a plea from the narrator who is entangled in the throes of a tumultuous relationship symbolized through the powerful car. 

The Mustang, in this song, is not merely a car but a symbol of independence, rebellion, and unbridled passion. It represents Sally’s free spirit and autonomy, capturing the essence of a tumultuous era marked by significant societal changes and the rise of powerful, liberating movements. The song uses the automotive references to delve into the complexities of relationships, interweaving the mechanical with the emotional in a passionate plea for love and understanding. Through soulful rhythms and automotive imagery, “Mustang Sally” crafts a tale of love, speed, and the spirit of the ’60s, making the Mustang not just a car, but a character and symbol within the narrative of the song.

Hot Rod Lincoln

“Hot Rod Lincoln,” first recorded by Charlie Ryan in 1955 was inspired by the used 1941 Lincoln Zephyr that Ryan was turning into a custom hot rod. Later popularized by Commander Cody and His Lost Planet Airmen in 1972, the song is a rip-roaring ode to the booming car culture of mid-20th-century America. Ryan wrote the song in response to an earlier 1950 country song titled “Hot Rod Race,” which was a common practice in early country music—one that alludes to the genres folk origins. The track narrates a high-octane duel between the narrator’s “hot rod Lincoln” and a Cadillac, racing through the sinuous roads encapsulated by vivid descriptions of their automotive adventure. The Lincoln, modified and supercharged, symbolizes not only the technological enthusiasm of the era but also a rebellious spirit seeking thrill and excitement on the open road. In its roaring engines and screeching tires, the song captures the essence of a youth culture enthralled by speed, mechanical innovation, and the freedom embodied by the quintessential American automobile. Through its vivid car references, the song becomes a powerful tribute to the hot rod culture, emphasizing the significance of cars as not merely modes of transportation, but as icons of cultural expression and the individual during this lively epoch of automotive history.

Low Rider

“Low Rider,” performed by War and released in 1975, is a musical homage to a unique automotive subculture. The song was written by War’s guitarist Howard E. Scott, who was inspired by the car cruising culture popular in East LA at the time, particularly a car club called The Imperials, who would cruise in low-riders listening to music on the radio. The song, imbued with a distinct Chicano flavor, celebrates the lowrider car culture prevalent in the American Southwest. With its mesmerizing rhythm and catchy hook, the song creates an auditory canvas that portrays cars not merely as machines but as intricate artworks and symbols of cultural identity. War formed in 1970 after its core musicians had been playing and writing together under various other identities for almost ten years. When the band initially formed their goal was to play music with an element of social consciousness, including celebrating the diversity of culture in their native Southern California.

Lowriders, customized vehicles modified to ride lower to the ground, are celebrated for their distinctive style, elaborate designs, and hydraulic systems that enable the cars to bounce and sway in rhythmic motions. The lyrics and music collectively craft an atmospheric ride through the streets where lowriders cruise slowly, showcasing their majestic presence and artistry. In “Low Rider,” the car transcends its functional role, becoming a cultural icon, an artistic expression, and a source of communal pride and identity. The song sums up the spirit of the lowrider culture, the leisurely pace, the community, and the creativity inherent in this distinctive automotive lifestyle.

Thus, “Low Rider” stands as a tribute to the customized elegance of these cars and the vibrant subculture they represent, underscoring the car’s role as a canvas for cultural and artistic expression.

Fun, Fun, Fun

“Fun Fun Fun” by the Beach Boys, released in 1964, is a surging wave of youthful exuberance, capturing the essence of Southern California’s sun-soaked car and surf culture of the 1960s. Inspired by Shirley England, whose Dad owned Salt Lake City’s largest rock music radio station, where The Beach Boys often did interviews, she got the T-bird taken away one night when she went to the drive-in instead of the library. Before the Beach Boys cemented their reputation as one of the greatest and most influential American bands of all time, their popularity stemmed from the popularity of surf music in the early ’60s. Songs like “Surfin’ USA” and “Surfer Girl” elevated the band’s profile throughout the decade, as did the band’s many car songs like “409” and “Fun Fun Fun.” Today’s listeners might know them better for songs like “God Only Knows” from 1966’s Pet Sounds—considered by many the Beach Boy’s real masterpiece—but their novel, celebratory car and surf songs paved the way for those later works of genius.

The song spins the tale of a rebellious girl with a powerful Thunderbird, a symbol of freedom and status, who tricks her father to spend her days cruising and socializing, embodying the carefree spirit of the era. The Thunderbird, an iconic automobile, serves as a central character in the narrative, representing not only the physical vehicle of escape but also a symbol of teenage uprising and the joys of cruising the sunlit streets and ocean-side boulevards. The lyricism intertwined with the automotive references, crafts a lively landscape of a spirited youth culture, where cars were not merely machines but enablers of opportunity and joyous expression. 

Mercury Blues

“Mercury Blues” is a timeless tune, covered by various artists, originally written by K.C. Douglas and Robert Geddins and first recorded in 1948. The song reverberates with a profound admiration for the Mercury automobile, embodying a deep-rooted desire and appreciation for the luxury and style synonymous with the brand. The lyrics are imbued with a passionate longing, where the Mercury isn’t merely a car but a symbol of aspiration, status, and the American Dream. It portrays the car as an object of desire, highlighting the cultural significance of automobiles in post-war America, where they were seen as symbols of prosperity and freedom. 

Greased Lightnin’

“Greased Lightnin’,” revs up the stage with its high-octane energy and greaser bravado. Inspired by The Big Bopper’s White Lighting, the track was composed by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey for the hit musical Grease. The song is centered around the restoration of a dilapidated car. The song is a hyperbolic ode to automotive transformation and teenage fantasy. In the hands of the greasers, the car, named ‘Greased Lightnin’,’ is reimagined and revered as a symbol of masculinity, speed, and sexual prowess. The lyrics are filled with 1950s car slang and references, painting a vivid picture of car culture and the social significance of automobiles during this era. It’s more than a mechanical restoration; it’s the crafting of a dream, an aspiration embodied in chrome and polished metal. The car becomes a central character, representing the aspirations, style, and rebellious spirit of youth culture. The song’s fast-paced rhythm, catchy hook, and energetic choreography drive home the thrill and passion that the characters feel towards car culture, embodying the ethos and automotive enthusiasm of the 1950s.

Little Red Corvette

“Little Red Corvette,” a hit single by Prince from his 1982 album “1999,” speeds through the music industry with its seductive melodies and clever automotive symbolism. Inspired by collaborator Lisa Coleman, whose pink and white ’64 Mercury Montclair that the iconic artist used to borrow, the song uses a “Little Red Corvette” as a powerful metaphor for a passionate but precarious love affair. The sleek and alluring image of a red Corvette, an American classic known for its style, embodies the themes of attraction and the intoxicating rush of a new relationship. Prince intertwines car terminology and sexual innuendo seamlessly, driving the listeners through a journey of passion, excitement, and the inevitable caution one must exercise in the fast lanes of love. The lyrics are laden with automotive references, using the imagery of the car, its speed, and its features to illustrate the nuances of a tumultuous relationship. The song, with its innovative fusion of genres and evocative lyrics, stands as a testament to Prince’s genius, capturing the essence of desire, vulnerability, and the complexities of modern relationships through the powerful metaphor of a “Little Red Corvette.”

Copperhead Road

“Copperhead Road” by Steve Earle, released in 1988, is a riveting anthem that delves into the legacy of outlaw activities across generations in rural Tennessee. Inspired by bootleggers driving hooch in a used police car, the song narrates the transformation of Copperhead Road from a moonshining hub to a battleground for a Vietnam veteran, who applies his wartime experience to marijuana cultivation. A pivotal moment in the lyrics is the acquisition of a “big block Dodge,” purchased at an auction at the Masonic Lodge. This isn’t merely a car—it’s a symbol of subversion and strategic evasion, carefully chosen for its powerful engine and ostensibly innocuous appearance. The American muscle car is used to transport whiskey (and run blockades, presumably) bringing the song’s imagery to life. This is especially true when Earle sings about how he remembers the engine’s “rumbling sound,” a vivid reference for anyone who’s ever heard such a car running. The vehicle’s powerful presence aligns seamlessly with the song’s ethos of rebellion, illustrating the complex, rugged landscape of outlaw life within the narrative crafted by Earle.

Cars and music have a special connection in American culture with songwriting often celebrating specific body styles, makes, and models. In North America in particular, songs directly remind us of past drives, adventures, and even heartbreaks on the road. So, enjoy the music and ride.

You’re watching a movie. The protagonist is about to take a drive—possibly the place they are going will help them defeat their adversary or clear their name from a crime for which they’ve been framed. It doesn’t matter because moments before they got in the car, the film’s antagonist (or one of the antagonist’s henchmen) cut the brakes on our hero’s car. They start the car and begin to drive, and it’s not long before they’re on a winding cliffside highway and they realize they can’t stop the car. This plot device is by now a tried and true staple of TV and movies, but how realistic are these depictions of cars careening out of control when the brake lines get sabotaged? What would really happen if your brake lines were cut in real life?

Cutting the brake lines is not like flipping a switch that instantly renders the brakes useless.

Brake lines in a car are a critical component of the braking system. They are responsible for transporting brake fluid from the master cylinder to the individual brakes at each wheel, enabling the car to stop when the brake pedal is pressed. They have a handful of important components, including the brake hose, which is typically made of reinforced rubber and connects the rigid brake lines to the moving parts of the braking system (like the calipers or wheel cylinders). Since these parts move (for example, when the steering wheel is turned or the suspension moves), a flexible hose is needed. Then there’s the brake line itself, which is typically made of metal (often steel or sometimes stainless steel), these are rigid lines that carry brake fluid from the master cylinder to the rest of the braking system.

When you press the brake pedal, the master cylinder generates hydraulic pressure. This pressure travels through the brake lines and hoses, forcing brake fluid through the system. This fluid movement, in turn, activates the brake calipers (or brake shoes in some older vehicles), which press against the brake rotors (or drums), slowing down and eventually stopping the vehicle.

Brake lines are built to be durable, but they can corrode or become damaged over time, especially in regions where road salt is used, or if they suffer physical trauma. It’s important to inspect them regularly for signs of wear, leakage, or damage. Brake hoses, being made of rubber, can deteriorate over time and may become swollen, cracked, or leaky. If any issues are noticed, they should be replaced immediately, as a compromised brake line or hose can lead to brake failure.

Given the critical role brake lines play in vehicle safety, it’s essential to use quality replacement parts when repairs are needed and to ensure proper installation. Any air introduced into the system during maintenance or repair procedures needs to be bled out, as air bubbles can compress, reducing the effectiveness of the braking system.

The wide understanding of the catastrophic failure represented in a cut brake line ensures that viewers instantly grasp the peril the protagonist is in, facilitating immediate engagement with the unfolding drama.

Grab your popcorn and enjoy this time-honored storytelling device, which we’ll undoubtedly see more and more forms of in the future, without worrying too much about this happening to you.

Brake lines are a pivotal part of a car’s braking system, transporting the hydraulic fluid that allows for the safe and controlled slowing and stopping of the vehicle. Proper maintenance and timely repair or replacement of these components are vital for ensuring safe driving conditions.

If the brake line on your car was cut, several things would happen, and all of them are dangerous. Firstly, the brake fluid would start to leak out of the cut line. The rate of leakage would depend on the size of the cut and the pressure in the system when the cut occurred.

As the brake fluid leaks out, the hydraulic pressure in the brake system would drop. This is because the braking system relies on this fluid to transmit pressure from the brake pedal to the brake calipers or drums. The brake pedal would soon begin to feel much softer and would likely go to the floor when pressed. This kind of softness is a clear immediate indication of a severe brake system problem, and if you ever notice softness in your brakes when driving, stop driving immediately and have them looked at by a professional. With the loss of hydraulic pressure, the braking ability of the vehicle would be significantly compromised. Depending on the design of the vehicle’s brake system, you might lose braking power to all wheels or just to a specific axle (front or rear). Some vehicles have a split-diagonal brake system, meaning a failure in one line would affect one front wheel and the opposite rear wheel. Most modern cars have a brake warning light on the dashboard that would likely illuminate if there’s a drop in the brake system’s hydraulic pressure.

To be clear, if your brake lines were cut, the loss of hydraulic fluid would eventually negate your ability to stop. But this would differ from the experience depicted on movies and TV, namely in that there would be a number of strategies you could use to come to a  stop safely without dramatically careening over the side of a cliff like we so often see in films. These would be signs that something had gone wrong and that you might need to consider pulling over. As already pointed out, modern vehicles also have brake warning lights which are triggered as soon as pressure begins to slip out of your brake lines, meaning that this trope is not very realistic for modern vehicles. If the film shows someone driving a vintage car without these kinds of electronics it’s more plausible, but otherwise it would need to explain why the warning light didn’t signal the driver that something was amiss. 

Another key difference between what we see in movies when the brakes are tampered with and reality is that drivers have a backup braking system designed for just such an instance—the emergency brake.

ANTICLIMACTIC ACT

Unless this crucial component, which uses a mechanical cable system rather than hydraulic fluid, has been tampered with as well, pulling or pressing the emergency brake would in theory slow the car down and quickly bring it to a stop. Last but not least, in order to increase the dramatic tension this trope always seems to depict the car picking up speed faster and faster; the danger of the moment ramping up with every second that passes. But of course reality isn’t like this. In most cases all one needs to do to begin slowing down their car is to let off the gas and wait for the car’s momentum to run out. Better yet, follow the road up a hill and let gravity stop the car for you. The only plausible situation where a driver could not use inherent physical forces to slow down would be if they were rolling downhill for a long time unimpeded, which is probably why we often see this trope employed when the driver is cruising on a mountain road. It’s also worth noting that if your brakes suddenly go out in the mountains, many roads on this terrain have “runaway truck ramps” which are essentially lengthy uphill runways paved with rough gravel. Driving off into one of these would give you a good chance at slowing to a stop if you’re ever in this situation in real life.

So if cutting the brake lines is more likely to be noticed when the driver is moving at a slow speed, and more likely to trigger the anticlimactic act of simply rolling to a stop, pulling over to the side of the road, and calling a tow truck, why is it so commonly used in movies?

A few reasons come to mind. Although we know that cutting brake lines is more complicated than it’s made out to be in movies, the notion of a driver who can no longer use their brakes immediately injects a scene with high stakes and palpable tension. The unexpected failure of a vehicle’s brakes not only signifies immediate peril but also represents a form of attack that is both insidious and anonymous. This creates an instant adrenaline rush for the viewer, as the victim is unwittingly plunged into a life-threatening situation. 

Additionally, the trope has a sinister implication, pointing towards a villain who is not only dangerous but also cunning and covert in their methods. It allows the person tampering with the brakes, crucially, to do the deed without their victim seeing them work, which is often necessary for storytelling. This multifaceted threat, which combines immediate physical danger with a deeper, often personal mystery to be solved, allows for rich storytelling in various cinematic genres, from suspenseful thrillers to complex mysteries. 

Moreover, the wide understanding of the catastrophic failure that a cut brake line represents ensures that viewers instantly grasp the peril the protagonist is in, facilitating immediate engagement with the unfolding drama. 

The fact that it has been employed effectively across numerous films—as in 2000’s Drowning Mona, for example—also fortifies its recurring utilization, serving as a tested and powerful mechanism to propel a plot forward and deepen the emotional and narrative complexity. 

So in short—grab your popcorn and enjoy this time-honored storytelling device, which we’ll undoubtedly see more and more forms of in the future, without worrying too much about this happening to you.

“Bullitt,” released in 1968, featured one of the most iconic car chase scenes in cinematic history. Directed by Peter Yates, the film showcased a chase through the steep hills of San Francisco, with Steve McQueen’s character, Frank Bullitt, driving a Ford Mustang GT, pursuing hitmen in a Dodge Charger.

A significant part of the scene’s success was the innovative filming technique and the exceptional stunt driving. The driving sequences were remarkably authentic and visceral, thanks largely to the contribution of the legendary stunt driver Bud Ekins and McQueen himself, who was an accomplished driver. Ekins was the main stunt driver, but McQueen also performed some of his own driving to keep the character consistently integrated into the action, enhancing the authenticity of the scene.

The film employed a groundbreaking approach to shooting the car chase, utilizing new camera mounts on the cars to put the audience in the middle of the action. Multiple cameras were mounted on the vehicles to capture various angles and viewpoints, immersing the audience in the chase. Director Peter Yates emphasized capturing real speed and action, which meant that the cars were genuinely driven at high speeds, reaching up to 110 miles per hour during filming. 

The hilly streets of San Francisco provided a unique and challenging environment for the chase scene. The stunt drivers had to navigate sharp turns, steep inclines, and declines, and busy intersections, requiring extraordinary precision and control. The locations were carefully chosen and blocked off to ensure the safety of the stunt team and the public, and the scene was meticulously choreographed and rehearsed to synchronize the movements of the vehicles.

The “Bullitt” car chase set new standards for action filmmaking, influencing numerous car chases in subsequent movies. The scene’s success and endurance as a cinematic classic are due to the exceptional skills of the stunt drivers, the director’s vision, and innovative filming techniques that brought a new level of realism and excitement to car chase sequences.

Bourne Identity – Jean-Claude Lagniez

The Paris chase scene in “The Bourne Identity” (2002), the first film of the Bourne trilogy, is one of the most notable car chase sequences in modern cinema. The scene involved a thrilling chase through the narrow, bustling streets of Paris, with Matt Damon (Jason Bourne) and Franka Potente (Marie) in a classic Mini Cooper being pursued by police and other adversaries.

The director, Doug Liman, wanted the chase to be as authentic and visceral as possible. The sequence was carefully choreographed and filmed on location in Paris, using multiple cameras to capture the action from various angles, which added to the scene’s intensity and realism. Shooting on the actual streets of Paris contributed to the scene’s chaotic and claustrophobic feel, as the chase maneuvered through traffic, narrow alleyways, and down staircases.

The stunt driving for this spectacular scene was coordinated and executed by a team of professional stunt drivers, led by the French stunt coordinator Jean-Claude Lagniez. The drivers had to be extremely precise, as they navigated tight corners, avoided pedestrians, and managed high-speed maneuvers through the city’s compact streets. Lagniez himself also performed some of the driving, showcasing his expertise and skill in managing the demanding requirements of the scene.

Matt Damon also participated in some parts of the driving, as he had received specialized driving training to perform certain maneuvers. However, the more complex and dangerous stunts were handled by the professional stunt drivers to ensure safety and precision.

In order to film the chase sequence with maximum authenticity and impact, the filmmakers used various filming techniques, including mounting cameras on chase cars and using handheld cameras for more dynamic and immersive shots. This approach allowed for the capture of real-speed action, enhancing the audience’s adrenaline-pumping viewing experience.

Smokey & the Bandit – Alan Gibbs

“Smokey and the Bandit” is a classic 1977 action-comedy film directed by Hal Needham, renowned for its car chase sequences. One of the most iconic stunts in the movie is the bridge jump scene, where the Bandit, played by Burt Reynolds, jumps a dismantled bridge in a 1977 Pontiac Trans Am.

The stunt driver who executed this legendary jump was Alan Gibbs, a professional and experienced stuntman. Hal Needham, the director, was himself a former stuntman and brought a wealth of experience and knowledge about planning and executing stunts safely and effectively.

For the bridge jump scene, they used a ramp to launch the car into the air. The car was specially modified to withstand the impact of the jump and landing. Certain adjustments were made, such as reinforcing the car’s structure and modifying the suspension, to ensure the car and stunt driver remained secure during the stunt.

Alan Gibbs drove the Trans Am at a calculated speed to hit the ramp at the right angle and trajectory, ensuring the car would clear the gap in the bridge and land safely on the other side. The team meticulously planned every detail of the stunt, considering factors like the car’s speed, the ramp’s angle, and the distance to be covered.

The filming was done with multiple cameras placed at various angles to capture the jump from different perspectives, ensuring that the best shots could be used in the final edit. After the successful execution of the stunt, additional elements might have been added during post-production to enhance the scene’s visual appeal and coherence within the film’s narrative.

Casino Royale – Adam Kirley

In the 2006 film “Casino Royale,” one of the most breathtaking stunts occurs during a high-speed chase, where a car rolls multiple times before coming to a stop. This scene was not only a cinematic spectacle but also set a world record for the most cannon rolls in a car.

The car used in this scene was an Aston Martin DBS, and the stunt was performed by Adam Kirley, an experienced stunt driver. To execute the stunt, the team didn’t solely rely on Kirley’s driving. Instead, they employed an air cannon placed behind the driver’s seat, which used compressed air to force a metal ram into the road, tipping the car into a roll.

The stunt took place on the Millbrook Proving Ground in Bedfordshire, England. Safety was a significant concern, and meticulous planning went into ensuring that the stunt was conducted with precision and care. Kirley wore a helmet and a HANS device (Head and Neck Support) to protect himself during the stunt. 

When the scene was filmed, Kirley drove the Aston Martin at a high speed, and at the precise moment, the air cannon was activated, causing the car to flip and roll multiple times before it came to a rest. The stunt was executed perfectly, and the Aston Martin DBS rolled seven times, which was acknowledged by the Guinness World Records.

The combination of meticulous planning, the use of innovative stunt technology, and the skill of a professional stunt driver made this scene in “Casino Royale” a memorable moment in action film history, illustrating the extraordinary lengths filmmakers go to create realistic and visually stunning action sequences.

Speed – Jophrey Brown

“Speed,” the 1994 action-thriller directed by Jan de Bont, features an iconic bus jump scene that was an impressive cinematic achievement of its time. Filming this scene was a significant technical challenge that required meticulous planning, innovation, and a blend of practical effects and cinematic tricks to make it believable.

In the film, the bus had to jump across a 50-foot gap in an incomplete elevated freeway. To accomplish this, the filmmakers used a real bus and a real ramp to launch it across the gap. The scene was filmed in the desert outside of Los Angeles, not in the city where it was set. They picked a location that allowed them to have maximum control over the environment and the safety of the stunt.

A special bus was used, reinforced to withstand the impact and stripped of unnecessary weight to make it airborne for a longer time. The suspension of the bus was also modified to ensure that it could endure the jump and landing. Powerful hydraulic rams were installed to give the bus an upward boost as it left the ramp, helping it to clear the gap in the freeway. 

The gap in the highway itself was an optical illusion created using visual effects. In reality, the bus jumped a much shorter distance, and the gap was added in post-production to enhance the scene’s drama and intensity.

Safety was paramount in executing this stunt. The team took various precautions, including thoroughly checking all the equipment, securing the area, and employing professional stunt drivers with specific expertise in handling such extreme driving maneuvers.

After capturing the live-action stunt, post-production work was instrumental in selling the believability of the scene. Visual effects artists seamlessly blended various elements, ensuring that the bus appeared to jump the massive 50-foot gap. They also worked on matching the filmed sequence with the movie’s urban setting, ensuring consistency in the visual narrative.

The combination of practical stunts, enhanced by carefully crafted visual effects, and the skilled work of a dedicated team of professionals from various disciplines, made the bus jump scene in “Speed” a memorable moment in cinematic history.

In the fast-paced world of action cinema, the artistry and precision of stunt driving have time and again left audiences, mouths open, sitting on the edge of their seats.

In reflection of these iconic car sequences that have scored roads with tire marks across film history, we salute these incredible stunt performers and coordinators whose dedication and skill have raised the bar for cinematic excellence.

Avoiding highways when driving can have several benefits, depending on your preferences, needs, and the specific circumstances of your trip. Here are some potential advantages of avoiding highways:

Scenic Routes: One of the most significant benefits of avoiding highways is the opportunity to take scenic routes. You can enjoy beautiful landscapes, natural wonders, and picturesque small towns that you might miss when traveling on a fast-paced highway.

Reduced Stress: Highways can be busy and congested, leading to stressful driving conditions. Avoiding them may result in a more relaxed and enjoyable driving experience, especially if you prefer calmer roads.

Discovering New Places: By avoiding highways, you may stumble upon hidden gems and unique places you wouldn’t have found otherwise. Exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations can make your journey more adventurous and memorable.

Cultural Experience: Traveling through local roads and smaller towns can provide you with a more authentic cultural experience. You can interact with locals, sample regional cuisine, and learn about the history and traditions of the areas you pass through.

Avoiding Tolls: Some highways have tolls, and by avoiding them, you can save money on your journey. This is especially beneficial for budget-conscious travelers.

Flexibility: Taking non-highway routes gives you greater flexibility in your travel plans. You can make unplanned stops, change your route on the fly, and adapt to unexpected road closures or detours more easily.

Avoiding Traffic Jams: Highways are often prone to traffic jams, especially during rush hours and holidays. Choosing alternative routes can help you avoid these delays and reach your destination more quickly.

Reduced Fuel Consumption: Highways typically have higher speed limits, which can lead to increased fuel consumption. On local roads, you may drive at lower speeds and achieve better fuel efficiency.

Exploration: If you have extra time and a sense of adventure, avoiding highways allows you to explore and get lost in new areas. It can be a great way to break away from routine and experience the thrill of the unknown.

Safety: Some people may feel safer driving on smaller, less congested roads, especially if they are inexperienced or uncomfortable with high-speed highway driving.

While avoiding highways can offer these benefits, it’s essential to consider the trade-offs. Non-highway routes may take longer, especially for long-distance travel, and they may not always be suitable for time-sensitive trips. It’s crucial to plan your journey based on your priorities, time constraints, and the specific circumstances of your travel. Additionally, using a GPS or mapping app can help you make informed decisions about which roads to take while avoiding highways.

The Route: LA to Phoenix

Although there are a number of ways a person could use to begin their journey to Phoenix from LA, in most cases the fastest way to get out of the city and onto the kinds of scenic highways that will give you that road trip feeling is to get onto the Angeles Crest highway (CA-2) and start climbing up into the San Gabriel mountains. If you’ve never had a chance to drive this route before you may recognize it from any number of movie scenes and car commercials; this being one of the most easily accessible mountain highways from Hollywood, it’s had its share of time on screen.

After forty miles or so you’ll find yourself having climbed back out of the San Gabriels and outside Palmdale and heading toward Victorville. As you make your way east you’ll begin the desert portion of the drive (which will essentially last until you reach Phoenix). Victorville is situated on the southwestern edge of the Mojave Desert, and the road here provides plenty of views of the San Gabriel range from the north. During certain times of the year you can even glimpse snowcaps on the mountains, which contrast the desert environment around you. This stretch of the road has plenty of places to stop for gas, coffee, or a meal.

After Victorville the road will get a lot more remote, and the terrain around you becomes dry and sandy, especially in warmer months. To the south you’ll now be seeing the San Bernardino mountains as well as a lot of isolated topography in the desert. As you progress the road will turn southeast, eventually depositing you on the 29 Palms Highway (CA-62) which runs through the town of Joshua Tree and Twentynine Palms. Both towns have plenty of attractions including restaurants, shops, and art galleries. In addition, you can easily divert to Joshua Tree National Park from here; drive through the park or stop for a hike and, if you can reserve a campsite, spend a night under the stars.

After leaving Twentynine Palms you’ll enter the most remote stretch of the entire drive, so make sure you’ve got water and gas and don’t need a pit stop for a while—there won’t be anywhere to pull off even if you want to for close to a hundred miles. It is during this stretch that you will cross from the Mojave Desert, famous for its Joshua Trees, to the Sonoran Desert, famous for its Saguaro Cactus, and which you will be within for the remainder of the drive. After leaving civilization you’ll enter the Sheephole Valley Wilderness, another stunning nature destination, and you’ll be in a remote patch of the Mojave desert until you reach Vidal Junction near the Arizona border.

Just past Vidal Junction you’ll cross the Colorado River and therefore the California/Arizona Border. Right away you’ll enter Parker, Arizona. The city, in La Paz County, has plenty of places to stop, and it also usually plays host to the Parker 425 off road race, part of the Best of the Desert series. Be sure to pay attention to your engine temperature if you’re driving this part of the route in the summer—the region, averages over 100 degrees fahrenheit in summer months.

Leaving Parker you will head southeast on a remote road until you reach U.S. Highway 60, which will wind northeast through the Sonoran desert and through a series of small towns and U.S. Census-Designated Places. Many of these towns have restaurants and other attractions you can stop at. One, in particular, will come just outside the town of Hope, Arizona. On the left side of the road drivers will glimpse a sign declaring “you are now beyond Hope,” as they leave the town of Hope.

Once again you’ll find yourself on a remote stretch of road without much to see except the road, the desert, and topographical features such as the Harquahala Mountains to the south, which are the highest peaks in this part of Arizona, and the Harcuvar Mountains to the north. Before long you’ll drive into the next major population center on the route—the last one before Phoenix—Wickenburg. This town was founded and populated partly as a center for resupplying the many mining claims in the mountains outside it. Among the usual amenities you can stop and see the historic downtown district here, or visit one of the operational dude ranches outside town, where you can live out your cowboy fantasies.

Continuing on Highway 60 southeast through the desert terrain it won’t be very long before you begin to hit the outskirts of the Phoenix metro area, beginning with suburbs and continuing on into the city itself. There’s no shortage of things to occupy yourself with in Arizona’s largest city, including Heard Museum, dedicated to Native American culture and art, the Desert Botanical Garden, the Arizona Science Center, and the city’s many mountain parks which provide beautiful views of the urban landscape.

Stay in Phoenix for a day or a few then head on back. You can catch the 10 westbound if you’re looking for a shorter drive, or just go back the way you came and stop at all the great spots you missed on the way in. There’s always something else to see on the American road.