Browse the American vehicle catalogue for the shape and period your scene needs. For the language of a US production shooting here, see picture car rental.
American cars by decade
Each count comes from the catalogue's American type entries in that decade. Counts describe listings, not confirmed availability. For a scene spanning different years, see period cars for film.
- 1910s: 3 American vehicles
- 1920s: 2 American vehicles
- 1930s: 5 American vehicles
- 1940s: 25 American vehicles
- 1950s: 56 American vehicles
- 1960s: 109 American vehicles
- 1970s: 81 American vehicles
- 1980s: 28 American vehicles
- 1990s: 38 American vehicles
- 2000s: 62 American vehicles
- 2010s: 56 American vehicles
- 2020s: 14 American vehicles
- Year not recorded: 3 American vehicles
See every listing in the American vehicle catalogue.
American classic car hire: 1950s to 1970s
Chrome, fins and long bonnets: the cars that put a scene in post-war America. These are real 1950s, 1960s and 1970s American classics from the catalogue, one per model. They are cast for filming and shoots, not offered as self-drive hire. Follow a car to its page for details, then brief us on the scene.
- 1950 Chevrolet 3100
- 1951 Ford F100
- 1953 Ford Crestline Victoria
- 1953 Ford Popular
- 1953 Hudson Hornet
- 1953 Nash-Healey Le Mans Coupe
- 1953 Willys Jeep
- 1954 Chevrolet Bel Air
- 1955 Buick Special
- 1955 Ford Thunderbird
For music videos built around a classic American look, see music video car hire.
Left-hand drive practicalities
Check each car's details for steering position, gearbox and other information rather than assuming all American vehicles are alike. Tell us who would drive, where the camera will be and whether the car moves or stays static. We confirm the options with the owner before the shoot.
Once a car is chosen, the production arranges picture-car insurance naming the owner. Every job is quoted individually.
US-set scenes shot in the UK
A yellow cab or police cruiser can establish the setting before a line is spoken. The examples below are real catalogue entries; follow their pages to inspect each vehicle, or browse all taxis and police and emergency vehicles. Read police car hire for filming for the planning questions and public-road guidance.
Browse American cars
Every listing can be briefed, from period saloons to later cars; availability is confirmed when you send your requirements.
Browse by make: Ford · Chevrolet · Dodge · Jeep · Cadillac · Pontiac · Buick · Chrysler
Browse by decade: 1910s · 1920s · 1930s · 1940s · 1950s · 1960s · 1970s · 1980s · 1990s · 2000s · 2010s · 2020s
Brief the scene, not just the badge
Send the scene, dates and location, the year and place the story is set, the number of cars and the split between hero and background vehicles. Include reference images and planned driving. Catalogue images are representative of each model; the shortlist shows the real cars.
Why CarSeen
- 2,500+ cars in the catalogue
- Based in Shoreditch, London, sourcing from owners across the UK
- Our team have worked with productions for film, TV and advertising — see our credits
- How we protect owners: owner-submitted listings use the owner's own photos with plates covered, and never show names, addresses or registrations
FAQ
Are the cars left-hand drive?
Check each car's details rather than assuming the steering position from its make. Tell us what the shot needs in your brief and we will confirm the details for each option.
Can they be driven on camera?
Who drives and how a car is used depend on the car, owner and insurance. Tell us the planned driving in your brief; who drives and on what terms is confirmed before the shoot. Stunts need specialist planning.
Do you have US police cars or cabs?
The catalogue includes American police cruisers and Checker Marathon and Ford Crown Victoria taxis. Browse the examples, then send the period, setting and shoot dates so we can confirm suitable options.
Can I hire an American classic car for a music video or photoshoot?
Yes. American classics are a popular choice for music videos and photoshoots as well as drama. Tell us the look, the date and how the car will be used, and we will shortlist cars whose owners are happy with that use.
Can you supply several for a street?
One brief can cover a hero car and background vehicles. We search the catalogue and owners for a group that fits the period and setting, then confirm availability. Several matching cars are not guaranteed.
Cast the whole street.