Image via Complex Original
Intro
Marty Scorsese is a director who likes using cars to help set a scene and mood. For the most part, his characters drive Cadillacs, Chevys, Packards, and Dodges. But the occasional Benz, Lincoln, or Chrysler slips in there as well. From examining his choices, we can tell he's very much a fan of American luxury from the '30s through '70s. Films like Shutter Island, The Aviator, and Goodfellas are fantastic for classic car fiends. What's so great about the way Scorsese uses cars is that they are never overstated. There are no gratuitous shots of automotive pornography like films by other, less respectable, directors whose names start with "M" and end with "ichael Bay." We can't wait to see what he features for his upcoming film, "Sinatra."
Pontiac Grand Prix
25. Pontiac Grand Prix
Year: 1968
Movie: Goodfellas (1990)
Complex Says: Back before the Grand Prix was an underpowered front-wheel drive coupe for high-schoolers' budgets, it was this awesome piece of American muscle. Pontiac died because cars like this weren't in production any more. We love how it's missing a hubcap when Karen uses it to pick up Henry from jail.
Dodge Deluxe Sedan
24. Dodge Deluxe Sedan
Year: 1929
Movie: Kundun (1997)
Complex Says: The late '20s marked a new stage of automotive design. The beginnings of the car were strictly utilitarian, but cars like this '29 Dodge Deluxe were styled to sell. Styling is now ranked as one of the most important criteria for consumers. It's a perfect car for a young Dalai Lama to use as he flees from the Chinese.
Imperial LeBaron
23. Imperial LeBaron
Year: 1972
Movie: Mean Streets (1973)
Complex Says: In '69, the LeBaron's styling got "squared up." This blue '72 is a perfect example of just how imposing this car was. It's a shame that, like many of Scorsese's characters, this car comes to a violent end.
Cadillac Sedan DeVille Stretched Limo
22. Cadillac Sedan DeVille Stretched Limo
Year: 1980
Movie: The King of Comedy (1983)
Complex Says: Nobody makes a better stretch limo than Cadillac. Lincoln might make more, but Caddies are just special. It doesn't matter if you're the king of comedy or the king of Jordan--this is an ideal car.
Chevrolet Impala Convertible
21. Chevrolet Impala Convertible
Year: 1961
Movie: Goodfellas (1990)
Complex Says: This '61 Impala is exactly the type of car one would want to "stay out all night" in.
Ford C-600
20. Ford C-600
Year: 1959
Movie: Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore (1974)
Complex Says: We're not sure what we would do with it, other than replace the windshield. But we desperately want this classic Coca-Cola truck. The death of the driver (Alice's husband) does make it a bit less enticing, however.
Chrysler Newport Convertible
19. Chrysler Newport Convertible
Year: 1966
Movie: Goodfellas (1990)
Complex Says: Chrysler doesn't get much love from Scorsese. But this yellow drop-top is a recurring character in Goodfellas, and it's the perfect ride for a budding Mafioso.
Packard Super Eight One-Eighty Sport Brougham LeBaron
18. Packard Super Eight One-Eighty Sport Brougham LeBaron
Year: 1941
Movie: The Aviator (2004)
Complex Says: We miss Packard. Packard made some brilliant vehicles, and this stunning LeBaron-bodied model is nothing short of regal. This one is just a minor car in the film, but it's so brilliant it can't be left out.
Dodge WC 52
17. Dodge WC 52
Year: 1941
Movie: Shutter Island (2010)
Complex Says: The Willys Jeep might be the most famous WWII-era military vehicle, but the pick-up-truck-based WC 52 was the go-to choice for carrying heavy loads. "WC" stood for "weapons carrier," and the WC 52 was made to transport the 57mm Gun M1 anti-armour weapon. This is the patrol vehicle of choice on the island. We can't fault them for that.
Mercedes-Benz 450SL
16. Mercedes-Benz 450SL
Year: 1975
Movie: Casino (1995)
Complex Says: Sharon Stone has no mechanical sympathy for her sexy 450SL. Despite it being a car named sport-leicht (sport-light), she uses it as a battering ram against a much larger American coupe.
Dodge Touring Sedan
15. Dodge Touring Sedan
Year: 1937
Movie: The Aviator (2004)
Complex Says: Scorsese has a well-documented love of WWII-era Dodges. He seems to sneak one into every film that he can. While this one doesn't play a major role, it's a beautiful car, and it got a little on-screen action.
Dodge Custom
14. Dodge Custom
Year: 1946
Movie: Shutter Island (2010)
Complex Says: The '46 Custom was the post-war continuation of Dodge's Dietrich bodywork. It looks ominous rolling through this iron gate, which recalls the Dachau Gate from earlier scenes.
Packard Six
13. Packard Six
Year: 1942
Movie: Raging Bull (1980)
Complex Says: Just look at that pristine Packard. It's oozing class onto your keyboard right now. Admit it. Jake La Motta and his brother Joey look like they mean business in this thing, and by business we mean beating the ever-living snot out of Jake's opponents.
Chevrolet Stepside
12. Chevrolet Stepside
Year: 1960
Movie: Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore (1974)
Complex Says: This is the original Chevy C/K full-sized pick-up truck. It deserves not only a special place in our hearts, but also a special place in our figurative books of automotive history. What else would the charming farmer drive?
Chevrolet Corvette
11. Chevrolet Corvette
Year: 1966
Movie: Goodfellas (1990)
Complex Says: The Corvette is America's greatest sportscar. While this one is no more than a backdrop to a beating, it's such a pristine example of a big-block 'Vette that it had to be included.
Cadillac Series 75
10. Cadillac Series 75
Year: 1939
Movie: The Aviator (2004)
Complex Says: We have a strong love for classic Caddies, but our love pales in comparison to Scorsese's. He puts gorgeous Cadillacs like this one in as many films as he can. It's a perfect car for a Hollywood big-shot cruising around the studio, as pictured.
Cadillac Coupe DeVille Phaeton
9. Cadillac Coupe DeVille Phaeton
Year: 1979
Movie: Goodfellas (1990)
Complex Says: This land yacht is cool in itself, but the way the coked-out Henry Hill thrashes the thing is just fantastic. You can watch that wallowy suspension pitch around like a schooner in a hurricane.
Lincoln K
8. Lincoln K
Year: 1937
Movie: The Aviator (2004)
Complex Says: There is no better, and more American, way to enjoy a parade than from the back of a convertible Lincoln.
Willys Jeep M38-A1
7. Willys Jeep M38-A1
Year: 1941
Movie: Shutter Island (2010)
Complex Says: The Willys Jeep is the military off-roader that started it all. Today's Jeep Wrangler is the direct descendant of this WWII classic. We're happy that this brilliant mil-spec vehicle got some good screen time in Shutter Island as the U.S. marshal's ride of choice.
Ford Mustang
6. Ford Mustang
Year: 1965
Movie: Cape Fear (1991)
Complex Says: We love the Ford Mustang, and if we had to be chased by a vengeance-seeking criminal, we'd want to flee in a 'stang too.
Cadillac Series 62
5. Cadillac Series 62
Year: 1941
Movie: Raging Bull (1980)
Complex Says: The Series 62 is the Cadillac of the '40s. In its convertible format, it's one of the most luxurious, stylish vehicles of its day. Can you think of a better vehicle for a night out on the town with a '40s boxer than this one?
Mercedes-Benz 450SEL
4. Mercedes-Benz 450SEL
Year: 1974
Movie: The King of Comedy (1983)
Complex Says: The Mercedes-Benz 300SEL gets all the love from the motoring press for being the great-grandfather of today's AMG cars. The oft-overlooked 450SEL was a brilliant successor, though, and Scorsese put it through its proverbial paces in The King of Comedy. We sure as hell wouldn't want to have ours taken from us at gun-point.
Ford Model A
3. Ford Model A
Year: 1929
Movie: The Aviator (2004)
Complex Says: The Model A was a brilliant car. It took the bones of the Model T and refined them. The T was a car for the masses, but the A was a good car for the masses. It was also a damn stylish vehicle. Just look at DiCaprio casually leaning against his.
Checker Cab
2. Checker Cab
Year: 1974
Movie: Taxi Driver (1976)
Complex Says: This '74 Checker Cab from Taxi Driver is cool on its own. But it was made infinitely cooler by the role it plays in the film and the bad-ass factor of its driver.
Buick Roadmaster
1. Buick Roadmaster
Year: 1947
Movie: Shutter Island (2010)
Complex Says: The Buick Roadmaster is a majestic car with presence, which Buick has not been able to match since. Thankfully, Scorsese decided that when this classic needed to explode, he'd manage that through clever editing and a bit of CG.