The news of Stan Lee’s passing at the age of 95 has seen an outpouring of appreciation for one of the most influential figures in pop culture.
And, while the cinematic universe occupied by the likes of The Avengers and Guardians of the Galaxy is one where motoring is far from a centrepiece, the Marvel films certainly feature a rich vein of cars for enthusiasts to appreciate.
Here are our pick of the best cars from Marvel franchises directly influenced by Stan Lee, or those that featured appearances from the icon who became the master of movie cameos in his latter years.
It’s by no means a complete look at the franchises’ four-wheeled fancies, as that list would run for dozens of pages.
Audi R8 (Iron Man)
It’s safe to say that Tony Stark is something of a petrolhead. A look at his garage during the first Iron Man film reveals that, with a Saleen S7 and a race-prepared AC Cobra among the cars on display. His personal-assistant-slash-head-of-security drives a Rolls-Royce Phantom.
However, the Audi R8 is the most commonly-seen car in the franchise. An original V8 version appears in the first film from 2008, and by the time the sequel arrived, Stark had upgraded to a V10 Spyder.
In 2013’s Iron Man 3, Stark has moved on once again, to the R8 E-tron concept car.
Acura MDX (Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.)
S.H.I.E.L.D. stands for Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement and Logistics Division. That’s what happens when you come up with a cool acronym and then need to find words to fit it.
It’s certainly more than your average law enforcement department, dealing with global and even interstellar counter-terrorism and, more often than not, the nefarious Hydra criminal organisation.
Such a specialist division needs a specialist car and this stealthy black off-roader certainly fits the bill. It is, in fact, an Acura MDX SUV from Honda’s posh sister brand in the US, although it’s a long way from the spec you’d see on American roads.
The Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. TV series wasn’t created by Stan Lee, but it did feature a patented Stan Lee cameo in season one, hence its inclusion in this list.
Lamborghini Huracan (Doctor Strange)
Dr Stephen Strange shares a passion for V10-powered Volkswagen Group products with Tony Stark, if the character’s 2016 film Doctor Strange is anything to go by.
A metallic black Lamborghini Huracan features prominently in the early part of the film, but – spoiler alert! – unfortunately it doesn’t survive, thanks to a crash that damages the hands of Benedict Cumberbatch’s character.
Remember, kids: don’t use your mobile phone while driving, or you’ll end up as a Marvel superhero. No, wait. That almost certainly won’t happen. Just don’t do it, ok?
