Audiences were stunned by the intense and dramatic footage of a Ford Mustang and Dodge Viper screaming through the streets of downtown San Francisco.

Many movies have featured dramatic car chase scenes. In 1971 The French Connection, a thriller about two NYC cops in the narcotics bureau starred Gene Hackman and Roy Scheider. The film featured a thrilling car chase through busy streets of which the film is ultimately remembered for.

You would be mistaken to think the only reason cars would ever feature in movies would be for the sole purpose of an exciting chase. You would of course be wrong as many films have not only included cars in them but the car itself has been the main star.

In 1964 Chitty Chitty Bang Bang a book by Ian Fleming was first published. The book was later made into classic movie with Dick Van Dyke in the lead role but of course the real star of the movie was the Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. The movie was essentially for children but it is one of those films that are entertaining for the whole family.

In 1969 we saw three Mini's weaving through the traffic jammed streets of Turin in the fabulous The Italian Job starring Michael Caine. The red white and blue Mini's were without doubt the stars of the movie which was later remade in 2003 and starred Mark Wahlberg.

In 1983 John Carpenters Christine was released. This was a story of a possessed regenerating car hell bent on killing. Arnie Cunningham played by Keith Gordon finds a Plymouth Fury in need of restoration. As Arnie rebuilds Christine he begins to change himself transforming from shy and nerdy to over confident and arrogant.

Possibly one of the most enduring and lovable of all cars in the movies is Herbie. Sporting the number 53 Herbie a Volkswagen Beetle has made five movies dating back to 1969 with his latest outing recently in 2005 starring Lindsay Lohan. The comical exploits of Herbie have won many peoples hearts with the main plot lines being David and Goliath natured.

Today cars in movies are still big box office draws. Pixar have recently released a movie witch features only cars in the line up. The animated adventures of Lightning McQueen voiced by Owen Wilson are hilarious and not too be missed.

Whilst we still drive cars in our lives there is no doubt they will be in our movies for years to come.