Year, Make and Model of Kevin Kline's Car in "The Ice Storm"

Cafe Society
1

Enquiring minds can’t remember. I did a Google image search–got plenty of pics of real ice-coated cars.

Thanks.

Sir Rhosis

2

I think I found a picture of the car (the dark-colored one) but can’t tell what it is from that angle. The hubcaps appear to be a Ford model.

3

I’m not sure if that is the car or not. I recall it was a medium shade of blue, not as dark as that one, but it may just be the exposure in that frame. I think it was one of those cars with a short trunk, it may have even had the “tire” impression (for lack of a better word) on the trunk.

Thanks for the pic.

Sir Rhosis

4

It probably appears darker because it’s in shadow.

5

There are two identifiable cars in the photo. The dark 4-door in the foreground is a '69 or '70 Plymouth Belvedere or Dodge Coronet. The brown one further back is most likley a '70 or '71 Lincoln Continental Mark III. Sorry haven’t got the film to pin them down further.

6

I’m thinking '68 Dodge Dart.

7

Looks like the Belvedere is a better match for that rakish pillar.

8

I did a Google image on both the Belvedere and the Coronnet, and don’t think either was the car Kline’s character drove. The Belvedere, especially, is just too boxey. As I recall, his character’s car had a very short, rounded rear-end.

Sir Rhosis

9

So, was it the Lincoln, then?

10

Unfortunately, the only other picture I can find of any Ice Storm car is an interior shot.

11

No, his car was blue, about the shade of the background color backing the thread titles here on the Straight Dope BBS, slightly lighter, maybe. The film was set in November '73–Kline’s character was upper middle-class, so it woud probably have been no more than a two or three year old car. I remember thinking it looked like a cross between a '73 Olds 98 and a '68 Pontiac LeMans (cars, I’ve owned–I’m terrible on my car knowledge).

When the answer is found, I may be way off in my memory of this seven year old film.

Sir Rhosis

12

How are you finding these pics?

13

Is this what you mean by a rounded rear-end?

14

I found the outdoor shot and the car interior by plugging “Kevin Kline” “Ice Storm” in the Google image search.

15

No, maybe “circular” would be more apt.

Hope I’m not putting you guys out doing all this.

Sir Rhosis

16

I stress that my memory is so fuzzy, I could be way off – it may turnout to be some stupid station wagon, so please don’t stress out looking on my behalf.

Sir Rhosis

17

Hey, no, I enjoy this type of sleuthing. Anyway, I know what it is now. There’s only one car that had a rear quarter window like the one shown in the shot of Kline driving. I give you…

The 1972 Buick ‘Boattail’ Riviera.

18

^^I think you’re right. It is very close to my fuzzy memory, and the unusual rear-end is definitely present.

Thanks!

Sir Rhosis

19

Hey, I put “Kevin Kline” and “Buick Riviera” into Google and VOILA, you’re right. One site said it was a '71 instead of a '72, but no difference, I imagine.

Damn, you definitely know your cars!

Thanks again, to you both.

Sir Rhosis