On January 2nd, fans of science fiction gather to observe National Science Fiction Day, a celebration of the imaginative worlds brought to life through cinema, literature, and boundless creativity. Among the many wonders of sci-fi, the futuristic vehicles have always held a special place in our hearts—thanks to their stunning designs, cutting-edge technology, and the unforgettable stories they help tell. To mark the occasion, we’re embarking on a time-traveling adventure to revisit some of the most legendary sci-fi cars that continue to fuel our imaginations today.
Luke Skywalker’s Landspeeder
Nothing says "sci-fi cars" like speeders from the Star Wars universe. Out of all the variations we've seen on the screen, there’s something special about Luke’s trusty Landspeeder from A New Hope. Its worn, utilitarian design makes this speeder feel less like a luxury spaceship and more like the farm boy’s darting roadster.
Its hovering body gliding effortlessly across the sands of Tatooine was groundbreaking for its time, making us all dream of such an innovative car. While we’re not quite there yet, the Landspeeder reminds us why sci-fi cars spark the imagination—they offer a glimpse into possibilities that may one day find their way into reality.
The DeLorean from Back to the Future
When you think of sci-fi cars, the DeLorean from Back to the Future is likely the first to come to mind. By the mid-'80s, this stainless-steel icon was already futuristic—but add time travel, gull-wing doors, and Doc Brown’s zany genius, and it became a pop culture legend. Who can resist combining a vehicle with the ability to jump into any moment of history (or future)?
What started as a quirky design has since become one of the most recognizable sci-fi cars in history. Even without a flux capacitor, the DeLorean showed us what happens when retro and futuristic elements fuse into a vision both fantastical and functional.
Fun Fact: Did you know the original time machine in Back to the Future was supposed to be a refrigerator? Thankfully, Robert Zemeckis and Bob Gale made the call to turn it into a car—and the rest is history (or the future, depending on how you see it).
Ford Taurus – ROBOCOP
When Robocop hit theaters in 1987, it wasn’t just the hyperviolent dystopia that piqued audiences’ interest—it was also the slick, matte black Ford Taurus patrol car. This trusty futuristic ride carried RoboCop through the streets while capturing a sense of grounded realism mixed with sci-fi cool.
Modified with push bars, a lightbar, and police gear, the Taurus became a sci-fi police cruiser staple that fans of the franchise adored (and tried to emulate). From there, it earned a legacy as one of the most practical and recognizable sci-fi cars in cinema, staying etched in the memory of its fans even though Ford officially discontinued the Taurus in 2019.
V8 Interceptor – Mad Max
No discussion of sci-fi cars would be complete without the V8 Interceptor from Mad Max. This ride isn’t just a car—it’s a character, symbolizing the grit and raw power of the dystopian wastelands that Max roams.
Based on the Ford Falcon XB GT Coupe, the Interceptor has a menacing exterior with flared arches, spoilers, and eight exhaust pipes. It’s powered by a supercharger poking through its bonnet—a detail that screams both rebellion and survival.
Whether used as a bargaining token or a deadly tool for revenge, this iconic Australian classic remains a sci-fi cinematic legend for its sheer presence, turning every road scene into an adrenaline-packed spectacle.
Minority Report’s Lexus 2054
When a sci-fi director pairs up with a leading automaker, you get true conceptual magic. Steven Spielberg worked directly with Lexus' design team to create the futuristic Lexus 2054 for Minority Report.
This sleek, autonomous vehicle embodied visions of the future, blending flawless curves with advanced functionality. Designed to drive itself and operate on complex highways, the Lexus 2054 was an ideal symbol of a world where technology drives society.
While it didn’t dominate the screen as much as some of the other vehicles on this list, its partnership with a real-world automaker made it stand out as one of the most fascinating glimpses into the possibilities of automotive innovation.
Drive Into the Future With Ford Electric Vehicles at Silverthorne Ford
Sci-fi has given us glimpses of the future, sparking innovation in the real world. Electric vehicles (EVs) are today’s connection to "sci-fi cars," combining cutting-edge design with emission-free technology for a better tomorrow.
At Silverthorne Ford, you can sample what the future feels like by exploring electric vehicles from Ford. With advanced features, sleek designs, and an emphasis on efficiency, our EVs are built to bring science-fiction dreams to life.