Have you ever wondered what happened to the iconic cars from ‘The Great Race’?

We’ll take you behind the scenes and uncover the fate of one particular car: the ‘Leslie Special’. Designed to resemble the 1907 Paris to Peking winner, the Thomas Flyer, there were four ‘Leslie Specials’ built, each with its own unique history.

One made an appearance in ‘The Ballad of Cable Hogue’, while another can be found at the Tupelo Automobile Museum.

Join us as we delve into the intriguing journey of the Leslie Special and discover more exciting trivia from fellow car enthusiasts.

Introducing the Iconic Leslie Special

You may be intrigued to learn about the iconic Leslie Special, a car that was custom built for the movie ‘The Great Race’.

This car holds a significant historical resemblance to the Thomas Flyer, the winner of the 1907 Paris to Peking race.

The Leslie Special’s design and craftsmanship truly capture the essence of elegance, making it a standout in the realm of custom-built automobiles.

Custom-built elegance: The inspiration behind the Leslie Special

Four custom-built ‘Leslie Specials’ were created for the movie ‘The Great Race’, each designed to resemble the iconic Thomas Flyer. These cars were the brainchild of Professor Fate, the character played by Tony Curtis in the film.

The Leslie Specials were meticulously crafted to capture the elegance and grandeur of the early 20th century. The attention to detail is evident in every aspect of these movie cars. From the sleek curves of the body to the intricate design of the grille, no expense was spared in creating these custom-built masterpieces.

The Leslie Specials became an integral part of the film, showcasing the craftsmanship and artistry of the automotive world. They truly embody the essence of custom-built elegance.

Historical significance: The car’s resemblance to the Thomas Flyer

The iconic Leslie Specials, designed to resemble the Thomas Flyer, hold historical significance due to their meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail. These cars were custom built for the movie ‘The Great Race’, a comedic take on the 1908 New York to Paris automobile race.

The Thomas Flyer, manufactured by the E.R. Thomas Motor Company, was the winner of the 1907 Paris to Peking race, making it an important part of automotive history. The Leslie Specials were created to pay homage to this legendary vehicle, with their distinctive design and features. They featured large rear wheels, similar to the Thomas Flyer, and were built by the Webber Motor Car Company.

Their presence in the movie world collection further solidifies their historical significance and showcases their enduring legacy.

Crafting a Movie Star: Design and Creation

Crafting a movie star involved Warner Brothers’ vision of paying tribute to the 1908 New York to Paris Race winner through the creation of the Leslie Special. This iconic car played a significant role in ‘The Great Race’, capturing the essence of the original Thomas Flyer.

From its design to its construction, the Leslie Special was meticulously crafted to become a standout symbol in the film, showcasing the dedication and attention to detail that went into its creation.

Warner Brothers’ vision: A tribute to the 1908 New York to Paris Race winner

You brought to life Warner Brothers’ vision of paying homage to the 1908 New York to Paris Race winner by crafting a movie star. The creation of the ‘Leslie Special’ for the film ‘The Great Race’ was a meticulous process, capturing the essence of the historic race and its victor.

Here are three key elements that contributed to the success of this tribute:

• Attention to Detail: The ‘Leslie Special’ was designed to resemble the actual winner of the 1908 New York to Paris Race, the Thomas Flyer. Every aspect, from its exterior appearance to its interior features, was meticulously crafted to match the original car.
• Movie History: The ‘Leslie Special’ became an iconic symbol of the film industry, appearing not only in ‘The Great Race’ but also in the 1970 film ‘The Ballad of Cable Hogue.’ Its presence in multiple movies solidified its status as a legendary piece of movie history.
• Natalie Wood’s Influence: The late Natalie Wood, who starred in ‘The Great Race,’ played a crucial role in the creation of the ‘Leslie Special.’ Her passion for the project and dedication to accuracy ensured that the car truly honored the 1908 New York to Paris Race winner.

Through careful design and collaboration, Warner Brothers succeeded in crafting a movie star that paid tribute to the historic race and left a lasting impact on movie enthusiasts.

The role of the Leslie Special in The Great Race

Get ready to dive into the fascinating story behind the creation and significance of the iconic ‘Leslie Special’ in the film ‘The Great Race’.

The Leslie Special played a crucial role in the movie, capturing the attention of viewers with its unique design and historical significance. This custom-built car was meticulously crafted to resemble the Thomas Flyer, the winner of the 1907 Paris to Peking race.

Behind the scenes, four Leslie Specials were constructed, each with its own distinct features and functions. These cars became stars in their own right, captivating audiences with their speed, elegance, and charm.

However, their fate after the movie remains a mystery. Some speculate that one of the Leslie Specials made an appearance in another Warner Brothers film, ‘The Ballad of Cable Hogue’.

Regardless of their current whereabouts, the Leslie Specials will forever be remembered as iconic symbols of ‘The Great Race’.

A Quartet of Classics: The Four Leslie Specials

Let’s explore the birth of the four replicas of the Leslie Specials and what makes each one distinct.

From design to realization, these cars were meticulously crafted to resemble the iconic Thomas Flyer.

From design to realization: The birth of four replicas

The birth of the four replicas of the Leslie Specials was a meticulous process that involved designing and realizing each car with utmost precision. The creation of these replicas aimed to capture the essence and allure of the original Leslie Specials, ensuring that they remained true to the spirit of the actual car. Here are three key aspects of the birth of these replicas:

• Extensive research: The process began with thorough research into the original Leslie Specials, analyzing every available detail, including historical photographs and documentation, to ensure accurate replication.
• Precise engineering: The design phase involved expert engineers meticulously crafting the replicas, paying attention to every element, from the bodywork to the engine specifications, to ensure an authentic recreation of the Leslie Specials.
• Artistic craftsmanship: Skilled artisans with a deep appreciation for classic car design meticulously handcrafted the replicas, ensuring that every curve, every detail, and every finish was executed to perfection, resulting in stunning recreations of the iconic Leslie Specials.

The birth of these replicas was a labor of love, paying homage to the original Leslie Specials and preserving their legacy for future generations.

Distinct features: What sets each Leslie Special apart

You can easily distinguish each Leslie Special by its unique features. Despite being built as replicas of the Thomas Flyer, each car has its own distinct characteristics.

In the Great Race movie, the Leslie Specials were showcased in different colors, including red, green, and blue. The red Leslie Special, driven by Professor Fate, features a prominent grille with a large ‘Leslie Special’ badge. It also has a tall, curved windshield and a pointed hood ornament.

The green Leslie Special, seen in The Ballad of Cable Hogue, has the words ‘Leslie Special’ on its grille and a sleek, convertible design.

The blue Leslie Special, displayed at the Tupelo Automobile Museum, is marked as a 1963 convertible.

These unique features make each Leslie Special stand out and contribute to their individuality in the world of movie cars.

From The Great Race to The Ballad of Cable Hogue

Did you know that the Leslie Special, the iconic car from ‘The Great Race’, made another appearance in the 1970 film ‘The Ballad of Cable Hogue’?

It was painted green and still had the words ‘Leslie Special’ on its grille, making it easily recognizable.

This reuse of the car by Warner Brothers showcases their policy of giving movie cars a second life, adding to the fascinating life cycle of these vehicles.

The Leslie Special’s green makeover: Its appearance in the 1970 film

While watching the 1970 film ‘The Ballad of Cable Hogue’, you may be surprised to spot the Leslie Special, originally from the movie ‘The Great Race’, now sporting a vibrant green color and proudly displaying the words ‘Leslie Special’ on its grille. This unexpected transformation adds an interesting twist to the car’s story.

Here are three key points to consider about the Leslie Special’s green makeover and its appearance in the 1970 film:

• The Leslie Special’s green makeover was likely done to differentiate it from its appearance in ‘The Great Race’. The filmmakers probably wanted to give the car a fresh look for its role in ‘The Ballad of Cable Hogue’.
• The Leslie Special’s appearance in ‘The Ballad of Cable Hogue’ showcases the versatility of this iconic vehicle. It demonstrates how the car can seamlessly fit into different narratives and time periods.
• The fact that the Leslie Special made an appearance in another film highlights its status as a memorable and recognizable automobile. Its presence in ‘The Ballad of Cable Hogue’ further solidifies its place in cinematic history.

The Leslie Special’s green makeover and its appearance in ‘The Ballad of Cable Hogue’ provide an intriguing chapter in the story of this beloved car. It continues to captivate audiences, even decades after its initial debut.

A consistent presence: The tell-tale Leslie Special grille

Continuing the exploration of the Leslie Special’s journey, its tell-tale grille has remained a consistent feature from ‘The Great Race’ to ‘The Ballad of Cable Hogue’.

The Leslie Special, custom-built for the Great Race movie, was designed to resemble the Thomas Flyer, the winner of the 1907 Paris to Peking race. With its unique grille, the car became instantly recognizable as the Leslie Special.

This consistency is evident in the 1970 film ‘The Ballad of Cable Hogue’, where one of the four Leslie Specials appeared with its distinctive grille, painted green and proudly displaying the words ‘Leslie Special’.

This consistency in the grille’s design showcases the attention to detail and the commitment to maintaining the authenticity of the car throughout its appearances on the big screen.

It’s a testament to the lasting impact and recognition of the Leslie Special.

Warner Brothers’ reuse policy: The life cycle of movie cars

Throughout the life cycle of movie cars, Warner Brothers has implemented a reuse policy that allows iconic vehicles like the Leslie Special to make appearances in multiple films. This policy ensures that the cars remain a part of the studio’s history and gives them a chance to be appreciated by audiences in different contexts.

Here are three key aspects of Warner Brothers’ reuse policy:

• Preservation: Warner Brothers takes great care in preserving their movie cars, ensuring that they’re stored in a controlled environment to prevent deterioration. This allows them to be used again in future productions.
• Adaptation: The reuse policy also allows for modifications to be made to the cars, depending on the requirements of the new film. This ensures that the vehicles fit seamlessly into the narrative and visual style of each production.
• Legacy: By reusing movie cars, Warner Brothers is able to create a sense of continuity throughout their films, connecting different stories and eras. This not only adds depth to the cinematic universe but also allows audiences to recognize and appreciate these iconic vehicles in a variety of contexts.

Preserving Cinematic History: Museums and Exhibits

As you explore the topic of preserving cinematic history through museums and exhibits, one potential destination to consider is the Tupelo Automobile Museum.

Here, you can witness the 1963 Leslie Special Convertible on display, a car that played a role in both ‘The Great Race’ and ‘The Ballad of Cable Hogue’.

Additionally, there may be other resting places for the remaining Leslie Specials, offering further opportunities to appreciate these iconic pieces of cinematic history.

A visit to the Tupelo Automobile Museum: The 1963 Leslie Special Convertible

You can explore the 1963 Leslie Special Convertible, a piece of cinematic history, at the Tupelo Automobile Museum. This car holds a special place in the hearts of movie enthusiasts due to its appearance in the iconic film ‘The Great Race’.

Here are three intriguing facts about the Leslie Special and its connection to the movie:

• The Leslie Special was custom built for ‘The Great Race’ to resemble the Thomas Flyer, the winner of the 1907 Paris to Peking race. Its unique design and attention to detail make it a standout among other cars from the film.
• There were four Leslie Specials built, according to the Petersen Automotive Museum. However, it’s unclear whether the car on display at the Tupelo Automobile Museum is one of the original four or a replica.
• Warner Brothers Pictures produced both ‘The Great Race’ and ‘The Ballad of Cable Hogue’. It’s plausible that the Leslie Special seen in the latter film is the same car used in ‘The Great Race’. This connection adds another layer of intrigue and history to the car on display.

At the Tupelo Automobile Museum, you have the opportunity to see firsthand this incredible piece of movie history. Don’t miss the chance to admire the craftsmanship and significance of the 1963 Leslie Special Convertible.

Other potential resting places for the remaining Leslie Specials

Now let’s explore where the remaining Leslie Specials from ‘The Great Race’ movie might be found, preserving their cinematic history in museums and exhibits.

Behind the scenes of the movie, it’s believed that there were four Leslie Specials built. While one of them is currently on display at the Tupelo Automobile Museum in Mississippi, there are potential resting places for the other remaining cars.

Museums and exhibits dedicated to preserving cinematic history would be ideal locations for these iconic vehicles. One possible destination could be the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles, known for its extensive collection of classic cars.

Another option could be the National Automobile Museum in Reno, Nevada, which showcases a wide range of automobiles from different eras.

Online Buzz and Community Discoveries

Have you ever wondered how information can slip through the cracks on the internet?

In the case of the Leslie Special, it seems that the fact that it appeared in a second film went unnoticed until now. This oversight has sparked a vibrant online discussion, with fans sharing trivia, excitement, and speculations about the car’s appearances in movies.

It’s fascinating to see how community discoveries can enhance our understanding and appreciation of cinematic history.

The internet’s oversight: The absence of the Leslie Special’s second film appearance

The internet’s oversight of the Leslie Special’s second film appearance has sparked a wave of online buzz and community discoveries. As fans of ‘The Great Race’ delve deeper into the history of this iconic car, they’ve come across an intriguing gap in its cinematic resume. Here are three key points that have emerged from the online discussions:

• Curiosity about the missing second film: Fans are wondering why the Leslie Special’s second film appearance has gone unnoticed for so long. The car played a prominent role in ‘The Great Race’ as the villainous Professor Fate’s vehicle, making its absence in subsequent films perplexing.
• Speculation about the fate of the car: Some enthusiasts believe that the Leslie Special may have been retired or repurposed after its first film appearance. Others speculate that it may have been used in a lesser-known production or even a personal project by the filmmakers.
• The search for undiscovered footage: The online community is actively searching for any evidence of the Leslie Special’s second film appearance. This includes combing through archives, reaching out to experts, and sharing any leads or sightings that may help solve this intriguing mystery.

As the discussion continues, it’s clear that the absence of the Leslie Special’s second film appearance has become a captivating topic of exploration for fans of ‘The Great Race’ and automotive enthusiasts alike.

Engaging the audience: Fans share trivia, excitement, and speculations

As fans delve deeper into the history of the iconic car, they continue to uncover fascinating trivia, fueling excitement and speculation within the online community.

One interesting discovery is the car’s connection to the Paris race. The Leslie Special was designed to resemble the Thomas Flyer, the winner of the 1907 Paris to Peking race. This adds another layer of significance to the car’s history and enhances its appeal to fans.

Another intriguing aspect is the existence of a new car in a private collection. This suggests that there may be more undiscovered information about the Leslie Special waiting to be uncovered.

Additionally, fans are speculating about hidden devices that might’ve been incorporated into the car for movie purposes. This adds an element of mystery and intrigue to the car’s story.

The Legacy of the Leslie Special

As you explore the legacy of the Leslie Special, you’ll discover that it has become a symbol of early 20th-century automotive elegance. Its unique design, inspired by the Thomas Flyer, has captivated car enthusiasts and moviegoers alike.

With its appearances in multiple films and its presence in museums, the Leslie Special has left a lasting impact on both cinematic history and the hearts of those who appreciate classic automobiles.

A symbol of early 20th-century automotive elegance

Experience the legacy of the Leslie Special, a symbol of early 20th-century automotive elegance. This iconic car, built for the movie ‘The Great Race’, captures the essence of a bygone era. Its sleek design and attention to detail make it a standout among the other cars used in the film.

Behind the scenes, the Leslie Special played a crucial role in bringing the story to life. It was meticulously crafted to resemble the Thomas Flyer, the winner of the 1907 Paris to Peking race, adding an air of authenticity to the movie.

Today, this car stands as a testament to the craftsmanship and innovation of the early 20th-century automotive industry, reminding us of the beauty and elegance that once graced the roads.

The lasting impact on cinematic history and car enthusiasts alike

The legacy of the Leslie Special continues to leave a lasting impact on cinematic history and car enthusiasts alike.

This iconic car, featured in the movie ‘The Great Race’, captivated audiences with its unique design and performance. Its association with the beloved character, the Great Leslie, portrayed by Jack Lemmon, only added to its allure. The Leslie Special became more than just a vehicle; it became a symbol of adventure and elegance.

Its appearance in the film, where it raced against the evil Professor Fate’s whimsical contraptions, including the infamous ‘Newspapers Car’, showcased its power and agility. Equipped with an automatic transmission, this car effortlessly maneuvered through daring stunts and thrilling chase scenes.

The Leslie Special’s role as Leslie’s nemesis solidified its place in cinematic history and earned it a special place in the hearts of car enthusiasts worldwide.