Aside from the amazing stories and characters in Anime, cars can also take the centerstage! That’s just one of the reasons why Anime is so amazing: vehicles (even those really ordinary ones) can make a lasting impression and statement. Check out our list of some spectacular cars found on different shows!
The iconic speed car from the hit racing series, Speed Racer (Go Mifune) showcases not only great style, but some really amazing gadgets as well. No matter the version, the Mach Five would usually have a wide variety of tools for Speed to use. Some of the most popular ones are the auto jacks which make the car jump amazing heights, and cutter blades to slice through obstacles in no time at all!
One of the most exciting takeaways that anime has to offer is making something ordinary spectacular. And this rings true for cars, with tons of vehicles from all sorts of shows based on real life models. One amazing real life car model that made it into the anime screen is no other than the Audi A4 1.8T in the spectacular Ghibli hit, Spirited Away.
More than just a placeholder, this car signifies Chihiro’s family’s status – not anyone can afford to own this car, which just proves that her family is pretty well off in the movie. Seeing how much emphasis on detail is placed by Studio Ghibli, notice just how well made the car’s scenes are!
Muscle cars have always made it big in pop culture. Probably one of the most powerful and fastest cars in this category, it is apt that the Ford Mustang Cobra GT-500 is paired with Gunsmith Cats’ Rally Vincent! Proving that a car’s style and power is a great reflection with its driver, this Ford Mustang Cobra GT-500 is a perfect representation of a dynamic and adventurous bounty hunter like Rally!
An excellent example of blending truth and fiction, the adrenaline rush of a show that is Redline showcases some bizarre yet spectacular rides! But one particular car that made such an impact is no other than Sweet JP’s Trans Am 20000 WR. With an out-of-this-world power output of 107,390 hp, this is truly one stylish and blazingly powerful car to behold!
You’re Under Arrest, a really nice 90’s anime that blends action and slice of life plots, features an amazing vehicle that all sorts of motorists will enjoy. Owned by motorist expert of the wonderful duo of policewomen, Miyuki Kobayakawa, the dainty Honda Today proved to be one of the most essential vehicles in the force. Coupled with Miyuki’s skills and the car’s modified parts, this show did bring in the thrills when it comes to motoring action!
Even in a futuristic setting, realistic cars blend in. This proves to be one of the most amazing subtle highlights in the popular Evangelion series, with Misato’s cool ride, the Alpine Renault A310. Modified with modern parts (and a bizarre set of batteries), this car is not only a great reflection of the NERV Major, but a great symbolism of how beauty lies in some of the little things in life! A really nice example of eye candy, to break away from the grim reality that this show brings!
Here’s another sample of a retro (yet really stylish) car that blends right in a cyberpunk world. Batou’s Lancia Stratos is outfitted with some of the most modern and innovative enhancements in the GITS world, but still retains that old school cool that represents the tough guy persona of Section 9’s awesome muscle. The Lancia Stratos does pack a punch (and speed) when it comes to car chases – count on this car to get the job done, just like how Batou does stuff!
Just like the legendary thief, the Fiat 500 may not look like the part, but it’s a very able car that can match up against anything thrown against it! Lupin’s quaint car (which sometimes rides his entire crew) definitely does not look like a powerhouse vehicle – but think about it. Lupin relies on his wits and speed, which the car does have with its awesome steering power and capability to fit into almost any space. In fact, this car faced its fair share of challenges – from dodging bullets to leaping over tremendous chasms, this car is the perfect ride for the adventures that Lupin and his team constantly get into!
The ominous ride in the exciting series, Wangan Midnight, the Nissan Fairlady Z S30, also known as the Devil Z, is known not only for its legendary speed and performance, but with its dark story as well. Said to be possessed with its unnatural speed, this car has its fair share of owners who all died behind its wheel. Akio Asakura drives this monster, taming it at times for him to win lots of exciting races in the series.
Perhaps one of the most memorable anime cars in recent history, the AE86 (Toyota Sprinter Trueno GT-APEX) shows that excelling in drifting means having a great balance with car performance and driving skills.
Takumi Fujiwara, and with this dad’s offbeat way of training him how to drive, proves that bringing out the full potential for both a vehicle and a driver can only be done when accomplishing feats under pressure. This car actually increased the value of AE86s in real life – count yourself lucky to own a prized vehicle!
Accelerate Towards the Future
Cars in anime do show that fiction and reality do work in tandem. From being simple ways to get to places to being awesome plot devices, these vehicles truly make a mark in these shows. And the great thing about cars is that it doesn’t necessarily have to be in a racing show – some of the best vehicles in anime aren’t even used for racing! Watch out for more random anime stuff from us soon!
Related: Other Shonen (Manga & Anime) Topic Random Anime Stuff: Musicians in Anime Series!
