Best movie cars : 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T (Vanishing Point)

The epitome of a cult classic, Vanishing Point is worshipped by road movie fanatics even decades after its release in 1971. Many may have forgotten the name of the lead actor, Barry Newman. But the car is unforgettable - 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T. The visual impact of the movie was as impressive as its interpretations. A catastrophical transformation of a routine car delivery to a high octane inter-state car chase.

The Challenger raced past police cruisers for a reason which many movie critics found too lame to believe. Without any modifications in the looks, the car was still eye-catching in the frames. The makers picked the Challenger for two marked reasons. One, as a token of gratitude to Chrysler for providing 20th Century Fox with cars for their transportation needs. Two, as the car was sturdy and powerful. The muscle car didn't take a breather while filming and except for the modded suspension, the rest of the car was pure stock. In what can only be defined as a rare instance in movie circles, all the five cars which Chrysler had loaned for the production of the movie were returned to the company after the completion of shooting.

Fox TV aired a remake starring Viggo Mortensen with a 1970 Dodge Challenger in 1997. Surprisingly the remake was a fine movie. Relief.