Authors have created all kinds of innovative modes of transport in their work to thrill viewers. Some books only had to expand upon the design of basic cars in order to add excitement to their story. Other books bring vehicles to life by supernatural circumstances. Either way, talented authors have proved that a car can take on a vital storytelling role.
To commemorate National Motorcycle Day, let’s reminisce about three iconic cars from some larger-than-life stories!
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
Ian Fleming’s children’s book Chitty Chitty Bang Bang: The Magical Car, published in 1964, was adapted into the beloved musical film Chitty Chitty Bang Bang in 1968. In the book, the Pott family owns Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, a powerful, reliable car. The family is bewildered when the car starts to communicate with them and sprouts wings for flying. Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is a heroic, friendly car that is the heart of this exciting story that audiences have adored for years.
Flying Ford Anglia
In Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, the second installment in the Harry Potter series, Harry and Ron have to catch a ride on the Flying Ford Anglia after they miss their ride on the Hogwarts Express. The car breaks down on the Hogwarts grounds and is badly beaten up by the Whomping Willow. Later in the book, the vehicle reappears in the Forbidden Forest when she saves Ron and Harry. Even in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter with broomsticks and hippogriffs, a flying car has made an impression on fans as one of the series’ most iconic modes of transportation.
Christine
A haunted car is probably one of the only things spookier than a haunted house. In 1983, Stephen King introduced readers to Christine, a 1958 Plymouth Fury haunted by a malevolent supernatural force. When 17-year-old Arnie buys the red and white car for a low price, the previous owner tells Arnie that the car is named Christine. When Arnie begins the impossible task of restoring Christine, and weird things start happening, his friends worry that there is more to the car than just simple mechanics. In King’s thriller Christine, he shows just how scary a car can be.
To read about iconic characters who rode motorcycles, click here!