Some of the most unforgettable movies feature stunning cars. Gearheads looking for a truly nostalgic and retro movie to watch should consider Ferris Bueller's Day Off. This beloved movie focuses on three friends who spend a day in Chicago. It's an extremely quotable movie, as you may recognize the quote, "Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it."
The plot was memorable, but so was the car showcased throughout the movie. What's shocking is that while they try to pass it off as the ultra-rare Ferrari 250GT California, that's not actually the car you see in most shots. It's actually a Modena GT Spyder, another rare jewel in the sports car world. It was responsible for the driving scenes with the characters in Chicago. They simply wouldn't have created worthwhile memories while exploring the city without this car's help. Incorporating this Modena into the movie required a lot of time, as the director requested this car and was in contact with company leaders. Public interest in this car didn't stop after this movie's debut, as the media highlighted how this car was up for auction.
We're tracing the Modena's extensive history, starting with why the Ferris Bueller's Day Off director chose this car and ending with how it was placed into an auction.
The Modena GT Spyder Played A Major Role In The Film
The movie spotlights Ferris Bueller, a high school senior living in the Chicago suburbs. He pretends that he's sick so that he can avoid school that day, even though his sister knows he's lying and the Dean of Students already has doubts about Ferris's motives. Ferris's next goal — helping his girlfriend Sloane Peterson escape from the school building — is successful.
The duo, along with their best friend Cameron Frye, borrows Cameron's father's "Ferrari". Cameron is nervous to use his father's car, but Ferris reassures him that nothing bad will happen and that they will remain cautious while driving. They drive into Chicago, and this car is the reason they are able to have such a fun time. Once they reach the city, they visit the Art Institute of Chicago, Sears Tower, Chicago Mercantile Exchange, and Wrigley Field. We're adding this movie to our ever-growing watch list that includes car-related movies and television shows.
Acquiring The Car Took Time
Silodrome reported that director John Hughes planned to use a Mercedes and particularly liked the 500SL. However, the Modena captivated him when he read a Car and Driver article that praised this sports car. Hughes called Modena co-creator Neil Glassmoyer and explained that he wanted this car before production began. Glassmoyer, believing that Hughes was not serious and was actually lying, hung up. After Hughes called again to further explain his credentials and that he truly wanted this car, Glassmoyer spent four weeks constructing three Modena GT Spyder cars for the movie.
Hughes additionally said he would have loved to have used the 1961 Ferrari 250 GT in the movie, but the Modena was a great alternative and resembled the Ferrari model. He wanted to put a Ferrari badge on the Modena, but Ferrari said they would sue him. Instead, the Ferrari 250 GT was used when shooting very detailed scenes. The Modena was displayed in wide-angle shots. According to TheDrive, one of the Modena cars was equipped with automatic transmission for Matthew Broderick, the actor who played Ferris because he couldn't drive a manual car.
The Spyder Had Impressive Features
The bold, red car had a V8 engine from the Ford Motor Company. The engine was responsible for generating 195 horsepower. The car also had 258 lb-ft torque.
Inside, the car had a slim steering wheel and beige leather seats. This Modena truly exhibited luxury and incredible style. The decision to use this car in a movie propelled the Modena to the forefront of American popular culture. Ferris Bueller's Day Off should definitely be added to the list of movies that car fans should watch.
The Car Was Later Auctioned
All three Modena GT Spyders used in Ferris Bueller's Day Off had different fates: One was demolished, and the second was placed near a Planet Hollywood restaurant. Glassmoyer thought he had misplaced the third car, but he stopped at a Southern California sale that had a Modena. He recognized the production stamp that was displayed on the upper suspension mount and bought this car.
Renovating this car was a long process, as Glassmoyer made great strides to improve the Modena's quality. 16-inch chrome wire wheels were an improvement. Carbon fiber contributed to faster acceleration and weight decrease. Independent suspension meant that all wheels didn't react the same to road conditions. A 427 engine also substituted the original V8 engine. Moreover, new brakes improved the car.
After the renovation was finished, the Modena was sold for $235,000 at a Mecum auction. The owner's name was never disclosed.
It's no doubt that including a car in a movie can lead to more recognition and even higher sales. Overall, the Modena GT Spyder contributed to an exceptional joyride for the Ferris Bueller's Day Off cast. The Modena, the result of Glassmoyer's hard work, surged in popularity after it was featured in the movie. Its bittersweet time in the public eye came to an end once it was sold at an auction.