Revving Up the Past: Iconic Car Wash Movie Filming Locations
Hey there, movie buffs and car enthusiasts! Today, we're taking a spin down memory lane to explore some of the most iconic car wash movie filming locations. Buckle up as we revisit these famous spots where soap, suds, and silver screen magic collide! Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and car wash movie filming locations.
The Godfather (1972) - New York, USA
Kicking off our list is the classic crime drama, The Godfather. While not a car wash movie per se, one of its most memorable scenes was filmed at a now-defunct car wash in New York City. The scene where Sollozzo's henchmen ambush and shoot Sonny Corleone was shot at the old New York Car Wash located on 14th Avenue in Dyker Heights, Brooklyn.
Sonny Corleone's fateful car wash scene in The Godfather
Dirty Dancing (1987) - Lake Lure, North Carolina, USA
Next up, we've got the classic dance flick that had us all practicing our best dirty dancing moves. While the iconic lift scene was filmed at a studio, the opening scene where Baby Houseman and her family drive through the car wash was shot at the Lake Lure Beach & Waterfront Park in North Carolina.
Baby Houseman and her family drive through the car wash in Dirty Dancing
Grease (1978) - Los Angeles, California, USA
No list of car wash movie filming locations would be complete without mentioning the classic musical Grease. The scene where Danny Zuko and his gang wash their hot rods was filmed at the Bumper to Bumper Car Wash in Los Angeles, California. Unfortunately, the car wash has since been demolished, but the memory of Danny and the T-Birds scrubbing their rides lives on!
Danny Zuko and the T-Birds wash their hot rods in Grease
The Cannonball Run (1981) - Various locations, USA
This classic car chase movie featured several iconic car wash scenes throughout its cross-country journey. Some of the car wash movie filming locations include:
- Bubbles Car Wash in San Francisco, California - Speedy Sparkle Car Wash in Phoenix, Arizona - Wet Willy's Car Wash in Houston, Texas
!The Cannonball Run car wash scene
One of the many car washes featured in The Cannonball Run
Cars (2006) - various locations, USA
While not a live-action film, Pixar's Cars features several iconic car wash scenes set in the fictional world of Radiator Springs. The Radiator Springs Car Wash was inspired by real-life car washes across the United States, including the Pit Stop Car Wash in San Luis Obispo, California.
The Radiator Springs Car Wash from Cars
Herbie: Fully Loaded (2005) - Los Angeles, California, USA
This modern-day Herbie film features a memorable car wash scene where Maggie Pepitone and Herbie get a thorough cleaning at the Speedy Sparkle Car Wash in Los Angeles, California. The car wash was also used in the filming of The Cannonball Run, making it a popular spot for car-centric movies!
!Herbie: Fully Loaded car wash scene
Maggie Pepitone and Herbie get a wash at the Speedy Sparkle Car Wash in Herbie: Fully Loaded
Honorable Mention: The Karate Kid (1984) - Reseda, California, USA
While not a car wash scene, we couldn't resist including the iconic crane kick scene from The Karate Kid. The scene where Daniel LaRusso and Mr. Miyagi work at the All Valley Car Wash in Reseda, California, is a fan favorite. Although the car wash is no longer there, the location has been immortalized in pop culture history.
!The Karate Kid crane kick scene
Daniel LaRusso and Mr. Miyagi at the All Valley Car Wash in The Karate Kid
So there you have it, folks! A whirlwind tour of some of the most iconic car wash movie filming locations. Next time you're watching one of these classic films, keep an eye out for these memorable spots. And who knows, maybe you'll even find yourself inspired to give your own ride a good ol' fashioned wash and wax! Until next time, happy motoring!