The average gearhead often starts learning about car brands
from a very early age. Hot Wheels might be toys
, but most of them are based on real (and sometimes incredibly rare) cars. Some movies, like the Disney Cars franchise, bring some of the most interesting vehicles
to life on the big screen. It's hard to pick just a few of the cars that have influenced multiple generations of motor enthusiasts. Even though it's not the flashiest, how can we forget a larger-than-life vehicle like the Flintstones car? In fact, TIME
says that particular model is one of the best classic cartoon cars. What makes the Flintstones car so memorable?
Before cars were made with metal components, cave people apparently had to work largely with wood and stone.
The massive wheels and the dashboard on the Flinstones car are made of solid bedrock. Holding the wheels in place are two massive wooden logs. The steering wheel and roof pillars are also made from wood.
A single cloth tarp protects any riders from the elements. In some instances, such as the live-action films, the seat upholstery of the Flinstones car looks like it's made from animal fur.
However, the cartoon usually shows the seats as either bare wood or stone, neither of which looks very comfortable.
Of course, the Flintmobile is definitely designed for utility rather than cruising. It doesn't have air conditioning, reclining seats, or a floor…the only way you can move it is with your feet!
The Mystery Machine is another TIME favorite
The Mystery Machine is featured heavily in the Scooby-Doo franchise. There's plenty of room for the entire teenage cast inside, but the car is actually owned by Fred Jones.
According to the cartoon, he bought it from a former band member of the Mystery Kids. The pop band used the Mystery Machine as their tour bus before disbanding.
It's clear that the Mystery Machine is inspired by panel vans of the late ‘60s, though the exact make and model is never revealed.
Its bright colors probably remind many people of the Volkswagen Bus's hippie aesthetic
. However, you won't find any circular VW emblem on its nose to confirm that. It could also be based on the second-generation Chevy G-body Van, which was released in 1967. It shares the same rectangular headlights and nearly an identical grille design. It was also more powerful, equipped with either a V6 or a V8 engine.
Could a Flintstones car outrace the Gadgetmobile?
Even in the late ‘80s, the Gadgetmobile was well ahead of its time. It's a talking car that belongs to Inspector Gadget, a human-cyborg cop that fights crime (albeit clumsily).
The Gadgetmobile feels like a James Bond car with all the gadgets it has. It can shoot glue or tacks onto the road, grab things with a giant claw, and even launch itself into space. At the press of a button, it can also change from a police car to a van.
The Gadgetmobile's police car form looks very similar to the Lotus Esprit, a beloved Bond vehicle. With up to 210 horsepower on tap (without the turbo rocket power), even Fred Flintstone's quick feet probably couldn't keep up.
Did the Flintstones car need stone-age car insurance?
In the late 2000s, Geico released a commercial claiming that Fred Flintstone purchased a Geico policy
for his Flintmobile. Geico usually offers a good selection of coverage options, it's one of the cheapest carriers for California drivers. Still, there's no specific insurance provider in the U.S. that's the best fit for every driver. For a more personalized insurance shopping experience, try signing up with Jerry.
You give us a few details, and we'll find the best quotes from reliable auto insurance companies in your area! 
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