The West Coast LA Auto Show exhibit returned to the Los Angeles Convention Center this past November. For the second consecutive year, SPARQ, the innovative Irvine-based startup, was featured at the event. As a prominent movie car showcase, SPARQ highlights famous cars in movies and video games, Formula 1 cars, and pop culture favorites, also known as hypercars. This year, the automotive artificial intelligence (AI) company revealed a rotation of interactive displays, as well as a new feature for its SPARQ Diagnostics device.

SPARQ’s Big Reveal and How It Supports Drivers

Founded in 2021, SPARQ Diagnostics made its public debut at the 2024 Los Angeles Auto Show, unveiling its plug-in scanner. The device, created by owners Codrin Cobzaru and Daniel Nieh, plugs into a car’s OBD-II port and lets drivers become their own mechanics after pairing with the SPARQ app. The $129 device provides rapid diagnostic insights for many common vehicle issues. It even allows users to ask the SPARQ AI chatbot questions about their vehicle, so they receive personalized answers on what the vehicle needs.

However, the co-founders have taken the device one step further. They unveiled their newest feature, SPARQ CoLab, at the LA Auto Show 2025. With SPARQ CoLab, drivers can connect directly with certified mechanics, share their vehicle’s data, discuss diagnostics, schedule appointments, and manage invoices within the app. In other words, drivers will know what the issue is and how much it will cost them to fix it before setting foot in the repair shop.

The Most Iconic Cars Featured at SPARQ

Along with exploring its newest feature, SPARQ invited Hollywood car culture enthusiasts to its “Hall of SPARQ” movie cars exhibit, featuring five distinct experiences throughout the 10-day LA Auto Show. Each day, the company presented a new theme and lineup, including:

• Rare hypercars and F1 performance vehicles
• Distinguished cars from the Petersen Automotive Museum
• SPARQ’s one-of-one creations
• Vehicles, creators, and contributors from the Need for Speed movie and video game series
• Hero cars, including Dominic Toretto’s Dodge Charger, and production team members from the Fast & Furious films
• Lowriders and hip-hop-inspired builds, honoring LA’s automotive legacy

How Hollywood Shapes America’s Car Obsession

Hollywood has long portrayed movie cars as symbols of the American dream and part of a person’s identity. For example, in the 1950s, Marilyn Monroe and Elvis Presley were known not only for their roles as Hollywood stars but also for the vehicles they drove. Americans viewed Monroe as sexy and fashionable. But once they saw her behind the wheel of her 1956 Ford Thunderbird, she became a symbol of female independence. Elvis Presley’s 1955 Cadillac inspired a color trend, and fans soon began painting their own cars pink.

Thirty years later, Universal Pictures released Back to the Future. The film became a cult classic, building a dedicated fanbase for the iconic DeLorean time machine. Before the movie, DeLoreans were relatively unknown. However, the 1985 film sparked interest, leading many fans to learn more about the racecar, which is now an automotive icon of the 1980s.

Similarly, the entire production of the Fast and the Furious — the plot, setting, characters, lighting, props, and soundtrack — excited fans, bringing street racing to the mainstream. A new generation discovered a passion for customizing and restoring cars, and even attending local auto shows to learn more about vintage and modified cars.

Behind-the-Scenes Design and Restoration Insights

If decades of car culture have inspired you to customize your own vehicle, then there are a few factors you’ll want to consider before investing in the restoration and auto design process.

Start Small

Big projects take a lot of time and money. When you’re just starting, take on a smaller project first. Find a car that requires minor mechanical restoration and has a clean body. This way, you get to learn the process without being overwhelmed by too many tasks.

Assess the Car’s Condition

When you buy a car at the dealership, thoroughly checking its condition is critical. Hobby cars are no different. Before signing a purchase agreement, check for any signs of rust or corrosion. Although these issues may seem small, fixing structural damage can be expensive and time-consuming. Also, consider how much mechanical restoration is involved.

Explore What Mechanical and Bodywork the Car Requires

After checking the car’s body, engine, and interior, estimate what the process will cost you. How much mechanical restoration is involved? Does the vehicle need transmission or engine work? What about specialized parts? Finding originals that are no longer in production can be challenging, but not impossible. It may just take time… and a trip to the junk yard.

Suppose the car’s body is in good condition, but the interior needs an upgrade. How much will look-alike upholstery, carpets, and detailing cost? Do your best to estimate the restoration process in advance. This way, you can create a budget and determine what you can or can’t afford.

Invest in the Right Tools & Materials

Before you start working on your car, make sure you have the basics and any tools specific to auto restoration. Examples include screwdrivers and wrenches, sockets and ratchets, paint sprayers, and even jacks. You can always buy new, but it’s never a bad idea to utilize your own network and ask if anyone has doubles they’re willing to sell you or lend. If you’re planning to show off your new ride — whether you plan to drive it around town or take it to an auto show — consider whether an extended auto warranty or vehicle service contract could help reduce out-of-pocket costs in the event of a breakdown.

Why Pop Culture Keeps Classic Cars Relevant

In pop culture, vintage cars are more than methods of transportation. They signify identity and freedom, and they help create emotional connections to the past. Often, classic cars featured in films and songs stir up feelings of rebellion, adventure, and youth. And because classic cars foster emotional connections, they retain their significance for decades as memories are shared and passed down through generations.

Even now, merchandise fills store shelves — i.e., Fast & Furious diecast cars and t-shirts, Deloreans for Hot Wheels and LEGO, and RC cars for both franchises. Fans don’t hesitate to collect their favorite pieces of history, whether they keep them for themselves or share them with friends or family. Therefore, classic cars not only generate memories but also revenue long after their initial release.

Restoring Cars & Building Lasting Connections

As time passes, cinematic storytelling, film festivals, museum exhibits, and auto shows featuring beloved movie cars continue to build real-life car culture. Sometimes, a new generation of auto enthusiasts is born. Other times, on-screen innovations drive new inventions into existence, and we get to watch in amazement as the impossible becomes reality. In the end, the relationship between film and car innovation keeps moving forward, fulfilling imaginations and inspiring future dreams.

Protect Your Older Car with a Vehicle Protection Plan

If you own a used vehicle that’s up to 20 years old, choosing an extended warranty or auto protection plan that covers major components, such as the engine, transmission, and electrical systems, can help manage repair costs. Endurance offers customizable vehicle service contracts, with added benefits including 24/7 roadside assistance, rental car reimbursement, and trip interruption coverage.

To explore coverage options that fit your vehicle and budget, call an Endurance representative at (800) 253-8203 or request a FREE quote today. You can see your price and plan recommendations by shopping on our online store.