Top Gun (1986): 1958 Porsche 356A Speedster

Describing Top Gun as one of the blockbuster hits of 1986 is an understatement; it seamlessly blended drama, emotion, and electrifying 80s rock into a flawless military action film that set new box office records. Set against the backdrop of elite fighter pilot training at the Top Gun Naval Fighter Weapons School, Maverick (Tom Cruise) navigates intense aerial combat and a complex romantic relationship with his love interest, Charlie (played by Kelly McGillis). In this cinematic masterpiece, we first see the Porsche 356A sighting during a tense moment between Maverick and Charlie. Following their exchange, Maverick speeds away on his Kawasaki bike, prompting Charlie to give chase in a 1958 Porsche 356A Speedster, maneuvering it with what can generously be described as enthusiasm. Notably, there’s a moment where she literally jumps the car over the crest of a small hill.

This 30 to 40-second sequence holds significance for two reasons. Firstly, it showcases Charlie’s adept handling of a high-performance sports car in a film centered around the mastery of performance machinery. Secondly, except for a few daring shots during the chase, the sequence emphasizes the use of authentic vehicles, with no specialized “stunt cars” employed. Despite the age, the 356A Speedster still holds up in performance!