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What car was used in the movie Drive?

In the 2011 neo-noir thriller Drive, the Driver’s car became one of the film’s most lasting images, shaping both the mood and action on screen.


The vehicle used for the Driver’s on-screen persona is a 1973 Chevrolet Monte Carlo.


The Vehicle: 1973 Chevrolet Monte Carlo


The Monte Carlo chosen for Drive is a classic GM two-door coupé from the early 1970s. It is the primary getaway car in the movie's tense chase sequences and the character's signature ride, noted for its boxy silhouette and muscular presence on the road. For the film, the car was extensively customized to enhance safety and performance for stunts, and to achieve the movie’s distinctive visual style.


Key production details about the Monte Carlo used in Drive include its model year, body style, and notable modifications.



  • Year and model: 1973 Chevrolet Monte Carlo

  • Body style: two-door coupé

  • Modifications: customized for stunts, with performance and safety upgrades; distinctive exterior finish to suit the film’s look

  • On-screen role: main getaway car in the film’s heist and chase sequences


These modifications helped the car perform under demanding chase scenes and contribute to Drive’s moody, restrained aesthetic.


Why the Monte Carlo Suited Drive


The 1973 Monte Carlo’s square lines and understated presence lent credibility to the Driver’s methodical, cool persona. Its heft and predictability underlined the tension of chase scenes, while the team’s cosmetic tweaks gave the car a cinematic look that matched director Nicolas Winding Refn’s minimalist style.


Summary


In Drive, the Driver’s car is a 1973 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, chosen for its era-appropriate appearance and then customized for safety and spectacle. The Monte Carlo’s distinctive look has helped anchor the film’s iconography in popular culture, making it one of the movie’s most recognizable elements.

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Did Ryan Gosling keep The Car from Drive?


Yes, Ryan Gosling kept the 1973 Chevy Malibu from Drive. He has confirmed that he still has the car, which he restored himself to prepare for the role.
 

  • He kept it: Gosling has stated in interviews that the car is in his possession and he did not let it become just another movie prop. 
  • He restored it: Before filming, he found the car in a junkyard and rebuilt it, spending time in the garage to make it authentic for the character. 
  • He still drives it: He has reportedly painted the car to keep a lower profile while still driving the same vehicle from the movie. 


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Kevin Bennett

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Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.