The Dodge Charger known as General Lee in The Dukes of Hazzard, seen here at an auction in Scottsdale, Arizona, is one of the more popular cars that enthusiasts like to replicate. Gabriel Bouys / AFP
The Dodge Charger known as General Lee in The Dukes of Hazzard, seen here at an auction in Scottsdale, Arizona, is one of the more popular cars that enthusiasts like to replicate. Gabriel Bouys / AFP

How to find your Hollywood ending by owning a dream movie car



For many car enthusiasts, their love affair began somewhere off the street - either at the cinema or sat in front of a television in the living room. Thrilling speed, screeching action and jaw-dropping stunts were often what sealed the deal for a lifetime of devotion towards an automotive wonderment.

For me it was the Lotus Esprit that James Bond drove in The Spy Who Loved Me, or Steve McQueen's 1968 390 Ford Mustang Fastback from Bullitt.

How easy is it to live that dream though? Is it possible to actually buy and own either a real car from the film or television sets or a replica of the famous motor? Turns out it's a lot easier than you think depending on how authentic you want to be. Unsurprisingly, cars that actually featured on film command a premium.

James Knight, of Bonhams, the famed international auctioneers, explains: "A car that was used in a movie or TV programme will certainly add to the car's provenance. Much, however, depends on a) the programme and b) the inherent quality of the car. If the programme was good or iconic and enjoyed good viewing figures and/or long-term visibility, that will enhance the value. The better examples will enjoy a steeper upwards trend."

And then there's the market in recreated cars that are modified to resemble the celluloid autos. "It's almost a market segment on its own really," says Gaurav Dhar, of the Rolling Art Emporium in Dubai. Dhar helps connect people with their dream cars, famous or otherwise. "You get people who scrutinise and specialise in recreating these vehicles. It's a slice of heaven on four wheels for a fraction of what the real deal would set you back. I know a gent who recreates the DeLorean from Back to the Future, and has a client list that is growing."

Back to the Future is 27 years old now and many fans of the trilogy are now be in their 30s and 40s and are possibly in a position to buy the car that played the famous time machine. Does the value of cars depend on the generation interested in them?

"Of course it is a generation thing," says Dhar. "The reason muscle cars of the '60s and '70s era can now command over US$150,000 (Dh550,000) for prime examples is because there is a demand for them among people of that generation." And some of those people are now in a position to pay that kind of money for a piece of their youth.

However, Andrea May, president of The Ultimate Car Collection, Canadian-based classic and exotic car specialists, believes it also has to do with the advent of technology, which makes it so much easier to research and find a car. "We now have the internet and, of course, the ultimate networking tools of Facebook and Twitter, that allow us to expand to a market that is worldwide. Prior to this a vehicle would have been marketed in the local newspaper.

"Simply typing in 'Hollywood cars' or 'movie cars' for sale can lead you to find some of the most sought-after cars."

And when it comes to the actual cars from the movies, the values can be eye-watering. For example Bond's original 1964 DB5 from Goldfinger and Thunderball sold for $4.6 million (Dh16.9m) two years ago. At the other end of the scale, the actual Eleanor car driven by Nicolas Cage in Gone in 60 Seconds sold earlier this year for $151,000. But Knight says those prices can change from year to year.

"Let's take an Aston Martin DB5 - the James Bond connection certainly assisted their values but, for many years, they were behind a Ferrari that did not appear in films," says May. "Today, if a DB5 is worth $550,000, a comparable 250GT Pininfarina Coupe is $300,000. Fifteen years ago, it would have been the other way around - and the Bond connection has been around longer than 15 years. Sometimes it is just vogue or fashion that determines car prices."

If this all sounds a little cost-prohibitive, you could consider a replica, but are those also priced at a premium when compared to their dressed down siblings?

"Yes and no," says May. "If it resembles the car, maybe a little more, but not enough to justify a big increase in price. If there is a letter of authenticity from the studio, or the actors' signatures then, yes, considerably more money.

"But if it is not from the movie or TV show - it's like owning a reproduction of a Fendi handbag. It looks real, but it isn't the same."

Sometimes reproductions are the only way to go, for example, if you hanker after the legendary Batmobile from the 1960s television series. Fiberglass Freaks, in Logansport, Indiana, in the US, will sell you a new reproduction for about $150,000.

After all, for many the appeal might not necessarily be in knowing a famous actor's backside has graced the driver's seat before you, but just the fantasy of owning a representation of a similar car. I have no desire to own one of the two Lotus Esprit S1 models that were actually used by Roger Moore in the Bond flick - my wish is simply to own a white Esprit. Likewise, given that only one of the cars used in the iconic Bullitt chase sequence still exists and it's resolutely not for sale, it seems simple enough to buy any one of 300,000 Mustangs built in '68 (a good one will set you back about $40,000) and just paint it Highland Green and add black American Racing Torq Thrust wheels to create a satisfying look-a-like.

Alternatively, how about an early 1980s Trans Am for around $6,000? Trawling through the online forums reveals that the entire conversion kit to turn it into KITT from the television show Knight Rider could be had for no more than $2,000.

For the aforementioned DeLorean you're looking at a lot more: a decent example would cost about $35,000 (although the reformed DeLorean Motor Company will sell you a fully restored car for $55,000) but it might cost much the same again to make it look like Doc Brown's contraption (working flux capacitor and Mr Fusion power generator not included).

So is the more economical route to star car ownership simply finding a good example of a standard car and then converting it yourself?

"Marginally," says Dhar. "I would do this with caution and always look to see if one can reverse the modifications - its value will hold to you and possibly other fans of the film, but not everyone might share your tastes. So being able to restore the vehicle back to its original form without damaging it is advisable should you want to sell it later. You appeal to a larger audience that way."

Bearing that in mind, are these cars potentially an investment that could earn you some profit in the long-run?

"Actual cars that appeared in films, yes," says Knight. "Limited runs of replicas produced by manufacturers, yes as well; replicas made by anyone else, not really."

This is echoed by May: "If you can provide authenticity from the studios, they will definitely hold their value."

And Dhar is even more positive, but with a proviso: "As long as you don't overspend on the initial purchase and buy wisely, you can bag yourself the car of your dreams and enjoy it, knowing it will rise in value."

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The biog

Hobby: "It is not really a hobby but I am very curious person. I love reading and spend hours on research."

Favourite author: Malcom Gladwell 

Favourite travel destination: "Antigua in the Caribbean because I have emotional attachment to it. It is where I got married."

THE SPECS

Engine: 6.75-litre twin-turbocharged V12 petrol engine 

Power: 420kW

Torque: 780Nm

Transmission: 8-speed automatic

Price: From Dh1,350,000

On sale: Available for preorder now

Emergency

Director: Kangana Ranaut

Stars: Kangana Ranaut, Anupam Kher, Shreyas Talpade, Milind Soman, Mahima Chaudhry 

Rating: 2/5

How to avoid crypto fraud
  • Use unique usernames and passwords while enabling multi-factor authentication.
  • Use an offline private key, a physical device that requires manual activation, whenever you access your wallet.
  • Avoid suspicious social media ads promoting fraudulent schemes.
  • Only invest in crypto projects that you fully understand.
  • Critically assess whether a project’s promises or returns seem too good to be true.
  • Only use reputable platforms that have a track record of strong regulatory compliance.
  • Store funds in hardware wallets as opposed to online exchanges.
Guide to intelligent investing
Investing success often hinges on discipline and perspective. As markets fluctuate, remember these guiding principles:
  • Stay invested: Time in the market, not timing the market, is critical to long-term gains.
  • Rational thinking: Breathe and avoid emotional decision-making; let logic and planning guide your actions.
  • Strategic patience: Understand why you’re investing and allow time for your strategies to unfold.
 
 
Formula Middle East Calendar (Formula Regional and Formula 4)
Round 1: January 17-19, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
 
Round 2: January 22-23, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
 
Round 3: February 7-9, Dubai Autodrome – Dubai
 
Round 4: February 14-16, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
 
Round 5: February 25-27, Jeddah Corniche Circuit – Saudi Arabia
Some of Darwish's last words

"They see their tomorrows slipping out of their reach. And though it seems to them that everything outside this reality is heaven, yet they do not want to go to that heaven. They stay, because they are afflicted with hope." - Mahmoud Darwish, to attendees of the Palestine Festival of Literature, 2008

His life in brief: Born in a village near Galilee, he lived in exile for most of his life and started writing poetry after high school. He was arrested several times by Israel for what were deemed to be inciteful poems. Most of his work focused on the love and yearning for his homeland, and he was regarded the Palestinian poet of resistance. Over the course of his life, he published more than 30 poetry collections and books of prose, with his work translated into more than 20 languages. Many of his poems were set to music by Arab composers, most significantly Marcel Khalife. Darwish died on August 9, 2008 after undergoing heart surgery in the United States. He was later buried in Ramallah where a shrine was erected in his honour.

Libya's Gold

UN Panel of Experts found regime secretly sold a fifth of the country's gold reserves. 

The panel’s 2017 report followed a trail to West Africa where large sums of cash and gold were hidden by Abdullah Al Senussi, Qaddafi’s former intelligence chief, in 2011.

Cases filled with cash that was said to amount to $560m in 100 dollar notes, that was kept by a group of Libyans in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.

A second stash was said to have been held in Accra, Ghana, inside boxes at the local offices of an international human rights organisation based in France.

If you go
Where to stay: Courtyard by Marriott Titusville Kennedy Space Centre has unparalleled views of the Indian River. Alligators can be spotted from hotel room balconies, as can several rocket launch sites. The hotel also boasts cool space-themed decor.

When to go: Florida is best experienced during the winter months, from November to May, before the humidity kicks in.

How to get there: Emirates currently flies from Dubai to Orlando five times a week.
Sunday's games

All times UAE:

Tottenham Hotspur v Crystal Palace, 4pm

Manchester City v Arsenal, 6.15pm

Everton v Watford, 8.30pm

Chelsea v Manchester United, 8.30pm

If you go

 

  • The nearest international airport to the start of the Chuysky Trakt is in Novosibirsk. Emirates (www.emirates.com) offer codeshare flights with S7 Airlines (www.s7.ru) via Moscow for US$5,300 (Dh19,467) return including taxes. Cheaper flights are available on Flydubai and Air Astana or Aeroflot combination, flying via Astana in Kazakhstan or Moscow. Economy class tickets are available for US$650 (Dh2,400).
  • The Double Tree by Hilton in Novosibirsk ( 7 383 2230100,) has double rooms from US$60 (Dh220). You can rent cabins at camp grounds or rooms in guesthouses in the towns for around US$25 (Dh90).
  • The transport Minibuses run along the Chuysky Trakt but if you want to stop for sightseeing, hire a taxi from Gorno-Altaisk for about US$100 (Dh360) a day. Take a Russian phrasebook or download a translation app. Tour companies such as  Altair-Tour ( 7 383 2125115 ) offer hiking and adventure packages.
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: ARDH Collective
Based: Dubai
Founders: Alhaan Ahmed, Alyina Ahmed and Maximo Tettamanzi
Sector: Sustainability
Total funding: Self funded
Number of employees: 4
Paatal Lok season two

Directors: Avinash Arun, Prosit Roy 

Stars: Jaideep Ahlawat, Ishwak Singh, Lc Sekhose, Merenla Imsong

Rating: 4.5/5

Key changes

Commission caps

For life insurance products with a savings component, Peter Hodgins of Clyde & Co said different caps apply to the saving and protection elements:

• For the saving component, a cap of 4.5 per cent of the annualised premium per year (which may not exceed 90 per cent of the annualised premium over the policy term). 

• On the protection component, there is a cap  of 10 per cent of the annualised premium per year (which may not exceed 160 per cent of the annualised premium over the policy term).

• Indemnity commission, the amount of commission that can be advanced to a product salesperson, can be 50 per cent of the annualised premium for the first year or 50 per cent of the total commissions on the policy calculated. 

• The remaining commission after deduction of the indemnity commission is paid equally over the premium payment term.

• For pure protection products, which only offer a life insurance component, the maximum commission will be 10 per cent of the annualised premium multiplied by the length of the policy in years.

Disclosure

Customers must now be provided with a full illustration of the product they are buying to ensure they understand the potential returns on savings products as well as the effects of any charges. There is also a “free-look” period of 30 days, where insurers must provide a full refund if the buyer wishes to cancel the policy.

“The illustration should provide for at least two scenarios to illustrate the performance of the product,” said Mr Hodgins. “All illustrations are required to be signed by the customer.”

Another illustration must outline surrender charges to ensure they understand the costs of exiting a fixed-term product early.

Illustrations must also be kept updatedand insurers must provide information on the top five investment funds available annually, including at least five years' performance data.

“This may be segregated based on the risk appetite of the customer (in which case, the top five funds for each segment must be provided),” said Mr Hodgins.

Product providers must also disclose the ratio of protection benefit to savings benefits. If a protection benefit ratio is less than 10 per cent "the product must carry a warning stating that it has limited or no protection benefit" Mr Hodgins added.

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
COMPANY PROFILE

Name: Xpanceo

Started: 2018

Founders: Roman Axelrod, Valentyn Volkov

Based: Dubai, UAE

Industry: Smart contact lenses, augmented/virtual reality

Funding: $40 million

Investor: Opportunity Venture (Asia)

Profile box

Company name: baraka
Started: July 2020
Founders: Feras Jalbout and Kunal Taneja
Based: Dubai and Bahrain
Sector: FinTech
Initial investment: $150,000
Current staff: 12
Stage: Pre-seed capital raising of $1 million
Investors: Class 5 Global, FJ Labs, IMO Ventures, The Community Fund, VentureSouq, Fox Ventures, Dr Abdulla Elyas (private investment)

The specs
 
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo
Power: 398hp from 5,250rpm
Torque: 580Nm at 1,900-4,800rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Fuel economy, combined: 6.5L/100km
On sale: December
Price: From Dh330,000 (estimate)
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Dubai Bling season three

Cast: Loujain Adada, Zeina Khoury, Farhana Bodi, Ebraheem Al Samadi, Mona Kattan, and couples Safa & Fahad Siddiqui and DJ Bliss & Danya Mohammed 

Rating: 1/5