TODAY’S cost of the iconic cars used in classic Christmas films – including the flying Ford in Harry Potter – has been revealed.
Petrolheads sitting down in front of the TV over Christmas might have their attention drawn to one or two motors spotted in a string of iconic films and shows.
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Everything from the Ford Anglia in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, to Smithy’s Volvo in Gavin & Stacey might just catch your eye this Christmas season.
But just how much are the cars in these iconic movie moments actually worth today?
Car valuation boffins at Motorway have teamed up with ex-Top Gear presenter and car expert Quentin Willson to reveal all.
In their list of cars spotted in Christmas-themed television, Motorway picked out Smithy’s 1996 Volvo 850S Estate from the Gavin & Stacey Christmas special in 2008 as being worth £2,213 today.
The iconic family motor was once a stalwart of British roads in the 1990s and is remembered for mixing practicality with a surprising amount of oomph.
The 850 was also a pioneer in safety, being the first car to offer side-impact airbags as standard equipment in 1994.
Amazingly, well-maintained examples of the 850S Estate are becoming increasingly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts, and could be seen as something of a bargain.
One car that skyrocketed in value is the 1969 Mercedes-Benz 280 SE that featured in the hit romcom Bridget Jones’s Diary, which Motorway priced at a corking £223,450.
Owned by Hugh Grant’s smooth-talking character Daniel Cleaver, the classic motor is finished in a charming blue colour and features a 2778cc inline-six engine and the particularly noteworthy high grille of the earlier model.
Grant also gets chauffeured around in a 2003 Jaguar XJ6 as the Prime Minister in the 2003 comedy Love, Actually.
Price tags of iconic Christmas film and TV cars if sold on Motorway:
- Smithy’s iconic 1996 Volvo 850S Estate from the Season 2 Gavin & Stacey Christmas Special: £2,213
- The Weasley family’s 1960 Ford Anglia from Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets: £9,472
- Daniel Cleaver’s 1969 Mercedes-Benz 280 SE from Bridget Jones’s Diary: £223,450
- Amanda’s Mini Cooper S from The Holiday: £1,637
- Billy’s 1967 Volkswagen Beetle from Gremlins: £9,805
- David the Prime Minister’s 2003 Jaguar XJ6 that drove the ‘Nativity octopus’ in Love Actually: £4,476
- Jamie’s 1987 Saab 900 Coupe that he drives Aurelia home in, in Love Actually: £2,378
- The 1991 Rover Mini Cooper MkV in the snow crammed with Bridget’s friends, from Bridget Jones’s Diary: £6,764
- David Brent’s 1996 Vauxhall Vectra, from The Office UK’s 2003 Christmas Special: £1,724
- Tim Allen’s 1990 Ford Taurus SHO from The Santa Clause: £2,123
In one scene, he’s sat alongside love interest Martine McCutcheon in the back seat as they head to a Christmas Nativity play.
Once considered the height of luxury and refinement, nowadays the executive saloon can be found for just £4,476.
Another classic is the Weasleys’ 1960 Ford Anglia from Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, which was once a big-seller before becoming a cultural phenomenon decades later upon the release of the Harry Potter film.
However, drivers are unlikely to find an example that can fly – like the one driven by Harry and his friend Ron on their way to Hogwarts.
Motorway predicts the classic Ford can be picked up for a sizable £9,472 in 2024.
Another iconic British car is the Mini Cooper, which is driven by Amanda Woods, played by Cameron Diaz, in the film The Holiday.
Today, the trendy hot hatchback can be found for a bargain at around £1,637.
Motorway’s survey revealed its no easy feat to identify the potential sale price of these classic cars – with almost half of Brits not guessing any of the prices correctly.
In fact, only 5% said they’d price Daniel’s 1969 Mercedes-Benz 280 SE in Bridget Jones’s Diary as more than £100,000 today.
The research also revealed which of these iconic cars Brits would most want to own, with the Prime Minister’s 1987 Jaguar XJ-S from Love Actually (10%), Daniel Cleaver’s 1969 Mercedes-Benz convertible from Bridget Jones’s Diary (9%), and Cameron Diaz’s Mini Cooper from The Holiday (9%) topping the list.
Motoring expert and former Top Gear presenter, Quentin Willson, said: “These iconic cars are no strangers to our screens during the holiday season, but it’s surprising how much they could fetch if sold today.
“According to research from Motorway, many Brits are in the dark about the value of these iconic cars, with 30% saying they have no idea how much some of them are worth.
“The majority guessed that Daniel’s 1969 Mercedes-Benz 280 SE in Bridget Jones’s Diary would sell for less than £75,000, but as it’s a super rare 280 SE convertible, with only 68 ever made in right hand drive, it would likely sell for as much as £223,450 on today’s market.
“Despite being some of the most recognisable festive cars, most people have no idea what the wheels from their favourite scenes could be worth.
“Similarly, lots of car owners have potentially thousands of pounds of value in their car without even knowing it. So if you’re wondering just how much your own set of wheels could be worth, always get a proper valuation from a reliable source, like Motorway.”
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