eBay reveals cost of fixing iconic cars today

To mark the release of the latest film in the Fast & Furious franchise, Fast X, eBay asked motorists to rank the UK’s favourite car chase movies with the original The Italian Job taking pole position. eBay also calculated how much it would cost to repair some of the damaged cars from the top three films with Parts and Accessories available on the site.

The now legendary 1969 The Italian Job, starring Michael Caine and Noël Coward, features a series of pursuits and seriously damaged cars. The key chase follows the trio of 1967 Austin Mini Cooper S models packed with stolen gold speeding across Turin, passing through shopping centres, markets, a river and even the sewer system – flying down staircases and leaping through the air between rooftops. 

Taking the runner-up position was the original The Fast and the Furious. Released in 2001, it was the first chapter in what has become a multi-billion-pound franchise, starring Vin Diesel and Paul Walker. 

Third favourite among UK drivers is Quantum of Solace, released in 2008. Daniel Craig’s second appearance as the world’s most famous spy and the 22nd film in the franchise.

But how much would it cost to repair some of the iconic cars featured in these movies, damaged in the line of duty? To total the costs and estimate the work required to bring them back to good health, eBay consulted expert mechanic Hannah Gordon.

The Italian Job Mk1 Austin Mini Cooper S

With all those stairs and jumps, the shopping list for the three iconic Mk1 Austin Mini Cooper S cars is pretty extensive. They would all require new front and rear bumpers along with the bumper brackets. Front valances, exhausts and exhaust hangers would also be needed. That’s before you even get to the suspension components, where you’d need shock absorbers, springs, arms, top mounts, tie rods, alloy wheels, wheel bearings. Add that all up across the three cars, including new radiators, too, and you’re looking at approximately £3,000 for replacement parts, which can all be sourced from eBay. 

– Hannah Gordon, expert mechanic

The Fast and the Furious 1994 Toyota Supra Mk IV

In The Fast and the Furious, one of the main chase sequences begins when undercover cop Brian O’Conner (Walker) is in pursuit of two motorcyclists in a 1994 Toyota Supra Mk IV, which has been recently restored by the criminal gang. As he makes his way down the harsh hills of Los Angeles, the newly refurbed iconic Japanese sports car takes some punishment. 

To get the car back to its modified standard with all the modified parts could cost in excess of £5,500. The front bumper and trims, suspension components, exhaust, radiator, condenser, intercooler, alloy wheels, headlights, oil sump and engine undertray would all need to be replaced. On top of that, you’d have to consider the cost of repairing its bespoke paintwork.

– Hannah Gordon

Quantum of Solace Aston Martin DBS

Quantum of Solace opens on the roads of Lake Garda, with Bond pushing his Aston Martin DBS to the limit evading two Alfa Romeo 159 3.2 V6 Ti saloons. The battered DBS, finished in ‘Quantum Silver’ with an Obsidian Black interior, ends the chase with a door torn away, plus multiple dents and scratches across the bodywork and more.

In reality this car would probably be a write-off, with the nearside door, windscreen, windows, headlights, wheels, front bumper, nearside wing and sill all badly damaged. The rear quarter panel is not replaceable because it’s part of the body but it would need to be repaired, too, along with the front and rear bumpers.

– Hannah Gordon

At eBay we love a good movie car chase, and can’t wait to see what Fast X will bring as the latest instalment in the ever-green franchise. The cost for replacement parts, as well as the supply of new OEM parts, is a major consideration currently with more and more car owners doing what they can to keep their vehicles on the road for longer. 

Opting for a mix of new and used parts, and more specifically Certified Recycled Parts which deliver greater peace of mind having been vetted and supplied with a warranty, can make a major difference in the cost of car repairs and can mean motorists are able to save hundreds of pounds.

– Laura Richards, Category Lead – Vehicle Parts and Accessories, eBay UK

UK’s Top 10 Car Chase Movies