Seven iconic cars from the Stranger Things universe

Filled with plucky teenagers, creepy monsters, and alternate universes, Stranger Things works best when challenging what we believe, especially when it comes to what we believe to be realistic and relatable. The sci-fi thriller series isn’t just known for being a movie nerd’s heaven – referencing the Carpenters, Hughes’, Kings and Spielbergs – though. It’s also a vintage car lover’s dream come true. Here are seven of the most iconic cars from the Stranger Things universe.

Jim Hopper, the Chief Police officer of Hawkins, Indiana is tough on the surface but deeply empathetic at heart. And he has the perfect no-frills ride to match. In the mid 80s, Chevrolet made a K5 Blazer-based vehicle, which became known as the M1009 for the US military. The second-generation K5 Blazer would transform itself under many styling upgrades, on the inside and out. There were also some engine lineup changes that included adding a diesel option. These full-size boxy 4x4s were a standard ride for rural law enforcement communities even beyond the model’s discontinuation in 1991.

Barb Holland, the best friend who achieved cult status on Stranger Things, had a legacy that outlasted her John Hughes-ian sense of humor, devoted spirit, and always-prepared-for-the-worst brand of common sense. Her signature ride home was no exception to her moxie. Available to buy brand new from 1980 until 1993, and reminiscent of the Volkswagen Golf, the Cabrio was a highly wishlisted item for freshly licensed American teens in the 80s. Tragically, this car outlived its owner but it was a powder blue dream – cute without showing off, enough without seeming too extravagant.

This was a car that built a reputation for becoming flammable when pushed too far (especially as its fuel tank was positioned in front of its rear bumper). Named after the Pinto pony, Ford built over three million entry-level Pintos between 1970 and 1980. A lawsuits against Ford was filed in 1980 by the state of Indiana, making the cars ideal for anyone who needed cheap, reliable transport that otherwise turned up in junkyards quite often. An ideal ride for cash-strapped single mothers like Joyce.

The Ford LTD was the largest vehicle produced by the company. During its production, the model evolved from a 2-door and 4-door pillared and hardtop sedans to a 2-door convertible and a woodgrain station wagon, Ford’s LTD Country Squire. Jonathan's ride was out-of-date and beat up –– the ideal first car for any determined, angsty teen with a budding interest in photography and a desire to save his hometown from being swallowed up by evil creatures.

The 733i is known for its clean lines and plum-coloured crispness; an ideal match for someone who has to keep up appearances. As the overconfident jock turned soft-hearted boyfriend and impromptu babysitter, the sedan Steve borrowed from his father was known for being speedy, ahead of its time, and fearless in the face of monsters not too far behind.

The 733i was part of the first generation of the BMW 7 Series luxury cars that was produced from 1977 to 1987. It was remembered for having a couple of never-seen-before features such as an on-board computer and a complex climate control system. It was also the first BMW to offer an anti-lock braking system (ABS), a driver's airbag and a newly designed front suspension.

Every show needs a bad boy and every bad boy needs a mean ride. A bit like Billy in Stranger Things season 3, this Chevy isn't exactly as it seems, all guttural mumblings and dim headlights. Again, like Billy the Camaro is part Frankenstein, the bonnet on this Z/28 doesn't seem original and it's also missing a badge. You know how those mums of Hawkins lust after Billy? Well, we have a very strong (and strange) desire for this demented Camaro beast.

We know nothing about 'TodFther', but anyone with personal number plates like that deserves to have their sweet ride swiped from the 7-Eleven car park. Hopper seems to be having a 'Magnum P.I' moment as he takes the law into his own hands and commandeers this pristine 1984 Eldorado. It’s a car that screams action, a beautiful drop top in the colour of buttermilk. Smooth and sexy. Spoiler alert; if you love this car as much as we do, you will spit chips into your velour couch when you see what happens to it in the end.

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