Ever watched a classic music video or movie and thought, “What is that amazing car?” It happens all the time, especially with iconic titles that evoke specific eras. You might find yourself searching, trying to pin down that exact make and model, but getting tangled in discussions mixing up different works with similar names. It’s frustrating when you just want a straight answer about that cool car you saw.
The iconic British sports car in the Tears for Fears “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” music video is a **1964 Austin-Healey 3000 MkIII BJ8. Separately, the primary muscle car driven by Jake Bradford in the Richard Linklater movie Everybody Wants Some!! is a blue 1971/1972 Oldsmobile 442.**
Understanding the specific vehicles used adds another layer of appreciation, whether it’s the sleek style of a vintage sports car embodying 80s cool or the rugged charm of American muscle setting the scene for a period film. Stick around as we dive deep into identifying these memorable automobiles, exploring their specifications, their roles in the respective productions, and why they were likely chosen. We’ll clear up the confusion and give you the definitive details on the cars driven in both “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” and Everybody Wants Some!!.
Key Facts:
* Music Video Car: The Tears for Fears video prominently features a 1964 Austin-Healey 3000 MkIII Phase 2 Series III (BJ8), a classic British convertible sports car (IMCDb.org).
* Movie Main Car: The lead character Jake Bradford in Everybody Wants Some!! drives a blue Oldsmobile 442, listed as a 1971 model on IMCDb but often referred to as a 1972 (IMCDb.org).
* Music Video Locations: Filming for “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” included iconic Southern California spots like the Salton Sea and Cabazon (famous for its dinosaurs), featuring the Austin-Healey driving through these landscapes (IMDb).
* Movie Setting: Everybody Wants Some!! is set in Texas in 1980, and the cars, including the Oldsmobile 442, AMC Gremlin, and Buick Skylark, were chosen to reflect this specific time and place (IMCDb.org).
* Austin-Healey Popularity: The Austin-Healey 3000, particularly the 3-litre model, was immensely popular, especially in North America, cementing its status as a desirable classic sports car (Smiths Instruments).
What is the Iconic Car in the “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” Music Video?
The unforgettable car cruising through the desert landscapes in the Tears for Fears “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” music video is a 1964 Austin-Healey 3000 MkIII (Phase 2, Series BJ8). This quintessential British sports car, driven by band member Curt Smith, is central to the video’s aesthetic, appearing in numerous shots as it navigates scenic Southern California routes.
The Austin-Healey 3000 represents a specific kind of cool – classic, stylish, and slightly adventurous. Its presence in the video, set against wide-open spaces, evokes themes of freedom, ambition, and the open road, perfectly complementing the song’s grand, atmospheric sound and lyrical themes. Identifying this specific vehicle adds depth to the viewing experience, connecting the visuals to a tangible piece of automotive history.
Identifying the Austin-Healey 3000 Model and Year
Pinpointing the exact model requires looking closely at details visible in the video and cross-referencing with automotive databases. The car is widely identified by sources like the Internet Movie Cars Database (IMCDb) as a 1964 Austin-Healey 3000 MkIII Phase 2 Series BJ8.
Key features confirming this identification often include:
* Model: Austin-Healey 3000 MkIII (Mark III)
* Series: BJ8 (Specifically Phase 2)
* Year: 1964
* Body Style: 2+2 Convertible
* Origin: United Kingdom
* Distinguishing Marks (Phase 2 BJ8): Separate flashing indicators on front wings (introduced mid-production), wrap-around windscreen, wind-up windows, and a more luxurious interior compared to earlier models.
A quick note: Some online discussions, like one referenced on IMCDb citing Curt Smith, mention his father owning a 1966 Austin-Healey 3000 MkIII. While this adds an interesting personal connection, the car visually documented in the video aligns with the specifications of the 1964 Phase 2 BJ8 model (IMCDb.org). The visual evidence from the music video itself strongly points towards the ’64 model year based on features present.
The Car’s Role in the Music Video’s Narrative
The Austin-Healey isn’t just transportation in the “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” video; it’s practically a character. Its journey connects the disparate scenes and reinforces the song’s themes. Driven by Curt Smith, the car travels through distinct Southern California locations:
- Desert Highways: Symbolizing freedom, escape, and perhaps the relentless drive for power or success mentioned in the lyrics.
- Salton Sea: A stark, somewhat desolate landscape that adds a layer of melancholy or introspection.
- Cabazon Dinosaurs: These iconic roadside attractions lend a surreal, almost dreamlike quality to the visuals.
The act of driving, especially in a classic open-top sports car, often represents control, aspiration, and movement. In the context of the song’s title and lyrics (“Acting on your best behaviour, turn your back on mother nature, everybody wants to rule the world”), the car journey could symbolize the pursuit of dominance or the desire to chart one’s own course. The visual contrast between the sleek, man-made car and the vast natural landscapes further underscores the themes.
What Cars Were Driven in the Movie Everybody Wants Some!!?
In Richard Linklater’s 2016 film Everybody Wants Some!!, set in Texas during the fall of 1980, the primary vehicle associated with the main character Jake Bradford (played by Blake Jenner) is a blue 1971/1972 Oldsmobile 442. Several other period-appropriate cars also feature prominently, helping to establish the film’s authentic early 80s atmosphere.
Unlike the singular focus on the Austin-Healey in the music video, Everybody Wants Some!! uses a variety of cars to paint a picture of its era and characters. The vehicles reflect the personalities of the college baseball players and the car culture of the time, ranging from muscle cars to more utilitarian or quirky models.
Jake Bradford’s Blue 1971/1972 Oldsmobile 442
Jake’s arrival at the baseball house in his blue Oldsmobile 442 is a key introductory scene. This classic American muscle car immediately establishes his character as someone with a bit of style and perhaps a traditional, all-American background.
- Make/Model: Oldsmobile 442
- Year: Listed as 1971 on IMCDb, but commonly referred to (even reportedly by actor Blake Jenner) as a 1972. The styling between these two years was very similar, which might explain the discrepancy. For accuracy, IMCDb’s meticulous documentation points to ’71 (IMCDb.org).
- Color: Blue
- Type: Muscle Car
- Significance: Represents Jake’s transition into college life and serves as the main transport for him and his new teammates’ early adventures.
The “442” designation originally stood for 4-barrel carburetor, 4-speed manual transmission, and dual (2) exhausts, although automatic transmissions became available later. By the early 70s, it was known for its performance and distinctive styling within the Oldsmobile Cutlass lineup.
Other Notable Cars in the Film
To fully capture the essence of 1980 Texas, Everybody Wants Some!! features a diverse cast of automobiles beyond Jake’s Oldsmobile. These vehicles add authenticity and visual texture to the film’s setting. Based on IMCDb listings, some other cars appearing include:
- 1974 AMC Gremlin: A distinctive and somewhat quirky subcompact car, representing a different facet of 70s automotive design.
- 1970 Buick Skylark: Another popular GM model from the era.
- 1977 AMC Pacer Wagon: Known for its unique rounded design and large glass area.
- 1966 Buick Electra 225: An older, larger luxury model perhaps belonging to a parent or faculty member.
- 1979 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am: A late 70s icon, representing flashy performance.
- Various Ford F-Series Trucks: Essential vehicles in a Texas setting.
- Volkswagen models (Beetle/Thing/Rabbit): Reflecting the presence of import cars.
This selection showcases the mix of aging muscle cars, newer (but still distinctively 70s-styled) models, trucks, and imports that would have populated roads in 1980.
Key Takeaway: While Jake’s blue Oldsmobile 442 (likely a ’71 model despite often being called a ’72) is the hero car of Everybody Wants Some!!, the film uses a wide array of vehicles like the AMC Gremlin, Buick Skylark, and AMC Pacer Wagon to authentically recreate its 1980 Texas setting.
Why Were These Specific Cars Chosen?
The selection of cars in both the “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” music video and the movie Everybody Wants Some!! was far from random. These vehicles were chosen deliberately for their period accuracy, symbolic meaning, character representation, and overall visual appeal within the context of each production.
In filmmaking and music videos, cars often function as extensions of character or theme. The sleek lines of the Austin-Healey project an image of sophisticated freedom fitting the global ambition in Tears for Fears’ song. Conversely, the brawny Oldsmobile 442 driven by Jake in Everybody Wants Some!! immediately signals his arrival into the masculine world of college baseball in 1980s Texas. Director Richard Linklater is known for his meticulous attention to period detail, making the car choices crucial for authenticity.
The Austin-Healey’s Fit with “Everybody Wants to Rule the World”
The 1964 Austin-Healey 3000 MkIII was a perfect choice for the music video due to several factors:
* Aesthetic Appeal: It’s a visually stunning car, widely regarded as one of the most beautiful British sports cars ever made. Its classic lines looked great on camera, especially against the dramatic landscapes.
* Symbolism: As a convertible sports car, it inherently represents freedom, aspiration, and a certain level of success or style – themes resonant with the song’s title and tone.
* 80s Context: While a classic car from the 60s, featuring such a vehicle in an 80s music video added a touch of timeless cool and sophistication, contrasting with some of the era’s more angular automotive designs. It suggested taste and an appreciation for classic style.
* British Connection: Using a quintessential British sports car for a globally successful British band like Tears for Fears added a subtle layer of national identity.
Reflecting the 1980s Texas Setting in “Everybody Wants Some!!”
Richard Linklater’s commitment to authenticity shines through in the automotive choices for Everybody Wants Some!!:
* Period Accuracy: The cars selected – the Oldsmobile 442 (’71/’72), AMC Gremlin (’74), Buick Skylark (’70), Pontiac Trans Am (’79) – were all vehicles commonly seen on American roads around 1980. They weren’t necessarily brand new, reflecting what college students or young adults might realistically drive.
* Character Reflection: Jake’s muscle car (Olds 442) fits his role as the incoming freshman pitcher trying to fit into a team of confident upperclassmen. Other cars might reflect the varied personalities within the team or the wider community.
* Setting the Scene: The presence of American muscle, quirky compacts (Gremlin, Pacer), and ubiquitous trucks firmly grounds the film in its specific time (post-muscle car peak, pre-aerodynamic era) and place (Texas).
* Linklater’s Style: The director often uses cultural details like music and cars to evoke nostalgia and build realistic worlds for his characters. The cars are not just props; they are part of the environment the characters inhabit.
Tip: When analyzing cars in media, consider not just what they are, but why they might have been chosen. Think about the time period, the characters, the overall theme, and the visual message the director or artist wanted to convey.
FAQs About Cars in “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” and “Everybody Wants Some!!”
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about the iconic cars featured in the Tears for Fears music video and the Richard Linklater movie:
What specific Austin-Healey model is in the Tears for Fears video?
The car is identified as a 1964 Austin-Healey 3000 MkIII Phase 2 Series BJ8. It’s a classic British 2+2 convertible sports car known for its beautiful design and strong performance for its era.
Where was the “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” video filmed with the car?
Key filming locations featuring the Austin-Healey were in Southern California. Notable spots included desert highways, the area around the Salton Sea, and the famous Cabazon Dinosaurs roadside attraction.
Is the Austin-Healey 3000 expensive today?
Yes, the Austin-Healey 3000, particularly the MkIII BJ8 models in good condition, is considered a valuable classic car. Prices can vary significantly based on condition, restoration quality, and provenance, often reaching well into the five-figure range (USD) and sometimes exceeding $100,000 for concours-quality examples.
What kind of car is the blue one Jake drives in Everybody Wants Some!!?
Jake Bradford (Blake Jenner) drives a blue Oldsmobile 442. It’s a classic American muscle car from the Oldsmobile division of General Motors, known for its performance and sporty styling within the Cutlass line.
What year is the Oldsmobile 442 in Everybody Wants Some!!?
There’s slight conflicting information. The reliable Internet Movie Cars Database (IMCDb) lists the specific car used in the film as a 1971 Oldsmobile 442. However, it’s often referred to in discussions and potentially by cast/crew as a 1972 model, possibly due to very similar styling between the two years.
Did Blake Jenner actually drive the Oldsmobile in the movie?
Actors often perform some driving for filming, especially for interior shots or simple maneuvers. While specific confirmation for every scene isn’t readily available, Blake Jenner has acknowledged the car as Jake’s ride, suggesting he likely did drive it during production, supplemented by stunt drivers for more complex sequences if needed.
Are there other significant cars in Everybody Wants Some!!?
Yes, the film features several period-correct cars to build its 1980 Texas atmosphere. Notable examples identified by IMCDb include a 1974 AMC Gremlin, 1970 Buick Skylark, 1977 AMC Pacer Wagon, and a 1979 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am, among others.
What is an Oldsmobile 442?
The Oldsmobile 442 started as a performance package for the Oldsmobile Cutlass in the mid-1960s. The name originally signified its 4-barrel carburetor, 4-speed manual transmission, and dual (2) exhausts. It evolved into a distinct model line known for being a potent and well-regarded muscle car during the peak era.
Why is the Austin-Healey 3000 considered a classic?
The Austin-Healey 3000 is considered a classic due to its iconic design, strong performance for its time (especially in rallying), British motoring heritage, relative rarity, and significant cultural impact. It represents the quintessential open-top British sports car experience of the late 1950s and 1960s.
Where can I see an Austin-Healey 3000 like the one in the video?
You can often see Austin-Healey 3000s at classic car shows, concours d’elegance events, vintage car races, or automotive museums. They are also actively traded among collectors, so auction sites and classic car dealerships frequently feature them. Joining marque-specific clubs like the Austin-Healey Club can also provide opportunities to see these cars.
Summary: Iconic Cars Identified
We’ve navigated the distinct automotive landscapes of a classic music video and a period film, both connected by the phrase “Everybody Wants.”
To recap the key identifications:
- Tears for Fears – “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” (Music Video): The star car is the 1964 Austin-Healey 3000 MkIII BJ8, a stylish British sports car symbolizing freedom and aspiration as it cruises through Southern California.
- Everybody Wants Some!! (Movie): The main character Jake Bradford drives a blue 1971/1972 Oldsmobile 442, a quintessential American muscle car that helps establish his character and the film’s authentic 1980 Texas setting. The film also features other period vehicles like the AMC Gremlin and Buick Skylark.
Understanding these specific vehicles enhances the viewing experience, connecting the on-screen action to real-world automotive history and the deliberate choices made by creators to build atmosphere and character. Whether it’s the timeless elegance of the Healey or the muscular stance of the 442, these cars have certainly earned their place in pop culture memory.
What are some other memorable movie or music video cars that have stuck with you? Share your favorites in the comments below!
