While Road House might be celebrated for its over-the-top action, Patrick Swayze’s iconic mullet, and quotable lines, car enthusiasts know there’s another layer of cool to this 80s classic: the cars. Parked outside the infamous Double Deuce in Jasper, Missouri, you’ll find a collection of vehicles that define the late ’70s and ’80s automotive landscape. Among these, Dalton’s Roadhouse Mercedes, a sleek and powerful machine, stands out as a symbol of the character and the era.
But the Roadhouse Mercedes is just the beginning. From understated classics to monstrous trucks, Road House features a surprisingly diverse and interesting array of automobiles. Some are highlighted through the film’s signature cheesy dialogue, while others play crucial roles in dramatic, often explosive, scenes. Beyond the action, however, lie some genuinely noteworthy and even rare vehicles, proving that Road House offers more than just bar fights – it’s got some seriously cool cars too.
Dalton’s Iconic Roadhouse Mercedes: The 1987 560SEC
The protagonist, the philosophical bouncer Dalton, makes a strong initial statement rolling into Jasper behind the wheel of a stunning 1987 Mercedes-Benz 560SEC. This coupe version of the second-generation S-Class wasn’t just about luxury; it packed serious performance. Its nearly 5.6-liter V8 engine delivered around 300 horsepower, propelling it from 0 to 60 mph in under 7 seconds – impressive figures for its time. The Roadhouse Mercedes was more than just transportation; it was a reflection of Dalton’s sophisticated yet powerful persona.
This particular Roadhouse Mercedes was finished in a striking Diamond Blue, a choice reportedly made by producer Joel Silver himself, according to Mecum Auctions. Silver’s influence extended to the car’s wheels and even the specific shade of window tint, highlighting the attention to detail in crafting Dalton’s image. Interestingly, two identical 560SEC models were used during filming. One met a dramatic end in a stunt involving a fence crash, rollover, and explosion, a fate befitting the movie’s action-packed nature. The other Roadhouse Mercedes survived, becoming a prized possession of Patrick Swayze after filming wrapped.
Years later, in November 2014, this surviving Roadhouse Mercedes went up for auction through Mecum, attracting significant interest due to its documented history. The auction included original paperwork like the purchase receipt from Mercedes Benz of Hollywood and the cashier’s check, adding to its provenance and appeal for collectors and Road House fans alike. The Roadhouse Mercedes remains a lasting symbol of Dalton and a highlight for car enthusiasts watching the film.
Trading German Engineering for American Muscle: The 1965 Buick Riviera
Via: Flickr
Shortly after Dalton’s arrival, a local resident voices his disapproval of the Roadhouse Mercedes, urging support for the American auto industry. Taking the comment to heart, Dalton humorously decides to lay low and trades his German luxury coupe for something more “local.” His choice? A beautiful 1965 Buick Riviera. This wasn’t just any American car; it was a stylish statement of classic American cool.
Dalton’s affinity for Rivieras is hinted at earlier in the film when he’s seen driving a 1964 model. However, the ’65 Riviera is particularly distinctive. It’s the sole model year to feature the unique and sought-after “clamshell” hidden headlights – a detail Dalton himself makes sure are functional when purchasing the car. Beneath the Riviera’s sleek lines was another powerful V8, a 401 cubic inch Nailhead engine. This engine, also found in Skylark Gran Sport models, has an interesting historical footnote: modified versions were even used as starter engines for the legendary SR-71 Blackbird spy plane, linking this classic car to aviation history. While the Roadhouse Mercedes spoke to a certain kind of sophistication, the Buick Riviera represented a different kind of cool, a classic American style.
Brad Wesley’s Villainous Ride: The 1987 Ford Mustang GT Convertible
The film’s antagonist, the corrupt businessman Brad Wesley, chooses a car that perfectly embodies his character: a bright red 1987 Ford Mustang GT convertible. Wesley’s Fox Body Mustang is a textbook example of characterization through automotive choice in cinema. Its vibrant red paint and sporty lines scream for attention in the small-town setting of Jasper, instantly signaling Wesley’s self-importance and desire to stand out. The constantly lowered convertible top further emphasizes Wesley’s arrogance and perceived invulnerability, the feeling that he reigns supreme.
However, this flashy Mustang is also subtly tainted with villainy. In one of Road House‘s most memorable scenes, Wesley cruises down a road in his Mustang, erratically swerving between lanes while singing along to the innocent doo-wop tune “Sh-Boom.” This juxtaposition of carefree singing with reckless driving perfectly encapsulates Wesley’s underlying menace and disregard for rules, turning a classic American muscle car into a symbol of casual evil. While the Roadhouse Mercedes represented cool composure, Wesley’s Mustang was all about showy, and ultimately sinister, power.
The Unexpected Automotive Star: Bigfoot 7, the Monster Truck
Via: Monster Truck Guide
Perhaps the most surprising and outrageous vehicle in Road House is the brief but impactful appearance of a monster truck. In a display of intimidation, Wesley orders one of his goons to drive a monster truck straight through a local business. The truck in question is a 1988 Ford F-250, but not just any F-250. This is Bigfoot 7, a legend in the world of monster trucks and arguably the original monster truck.
To make it appear like a generic, albeit oversized, vehicle for the scene, the Bigfoot decals were removed. However, underneath the paint, it was indeed Bigfoot 7, complete with its massive 66-inch tires. According to IMDb, the demolition scene was filmed in a single take. After its brief acting gig, Bigfoot 7 returned to its car-crushing career, receiving a fresh coat of paint to cover up its Hollywood moment. This unexpected appearance of Bigfoot adds another layer of automotive interest to Road House, going beyond just muscle cars and luxury coupes.
More Than Just a Bar Brawl: The Cars of Road House
Road House offers more than just cheesy action and quotable lines; it presents a snapshot of late 20th-century automotive culture, from the sophisticated Roadhouse Mercedes to American muscle and the spectacle of a monster truck. While the film isn’t explicitly about cars, the vehicles chosen for each character and scene contribute significantly to the movie’s atmosphere and character development. The Roadhouse Mercedes especially, as Dalton’s initial ride, sets a tone of cool confidence that permeates the film, proving that even in a movie about bar fights, the cars can be just as iconic.
