Can You Match the Car to Its Nickname?

Estimated Completion Time
5 min
Can You Match the Car to Its Nickname?
Image: schlol/E+/Getty Images

About This Quiz

Does your car have a nickname, like Sally or Betty or Bertha? It's not uncommon that the most popular names people give to their cars are often the same ones that we'd also give to our kids, like Betsy, Steve, or the Beast -- OK, maybe not that last one. It's OK. It's in our nature to want to anthropomorphize everything from the cars we drive to our computers, smartphones and any other inanimate object around our home.

Whether you play the name game with your cars or think it's a silly way to go, colloquially we've been calling the models of cars by anything but their given names since the introduction of Henry Ford's Model T -- and probably Karl Benz's one-cylinder two-stroke motor car had a code name back in 1879, too. And there's no sign we'll stop.

From Godzilla to the Beetle, we’re counting down the most memorable car nicknames of all time. See how much you know about the names we've collectively given beloved -- or broken-down -- cars and trucks from Ford to Volkswagen and everything in between.

Nissan GT-R
n/a
Which Japanese monster is the Nissan GT-R nicknamed after?
Elmo
Godzilla
King Kong
Mothra
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The GT-R may be called "Godzilla," but those letters actually stand for Gran Turismo Racer. In fact, the Japanese referred to the GT-R as "Obakemono," which means "a shape-shifting monster" -- it was in Australia where it gained its monstrous nickname.

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1996 BMW Z3
Miggy2RawFilms via Youtube
Because of its design, which of these luxury cars carries the unfortunate nickname Clown Shoe?
BMW Z3
Chevrolet Camaro
Mazda RX-7
Saab 900 Combi Coupé
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The BMW Z3, the M coupé, has been called a Clown Shoe since it debuted in the late '90s. It was designed with two features that give it its distinct look: it's a "shooting-brake style," which means its rear end is more hatchback than coupé -- and that clamshell hood doesn't help.

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Porsche 911 Turbo
WikiCommons via Axion23
Which of these Porsche sports cars is known as the Widowmaker?
Porsche 911 Turbo
Porsche 930 Turbo
Porsche 993 GT2
All of these have been called the Widowmaker.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Although the moniker is usually referring to power and handling of the 911 Turbo, the 911 isn't the only Porsche that's been given the nickname. These rear-engined sports cars had lots of power and lots of turbo lag, a combination that led to the Widowmaker warning.

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39 Ford Model T
Carfection / YouTube
It was the first to be mass-produced on an assembly line. But what was Henry Ford's Model T more commonly known as?
Flivver
Leaping Lena
Tin Lizzie
It was called any and all of these things.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Model T was built by the Ford Motor Company between 1908 and 1927 when it was replaced by the Model A. In addition to being known as the Model T or the T-Model Ford, Henry Ford's first mass-produced and affordable roadster was also commonly known as "Tin Lizzie," "Leaping Lena," and "Flivver" -- the latter meaning it was a small, cheap car.

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Cadillac One
Wiki Commons by Maj. Dale Greer
What nickname is given to the custom-built and well-armored U.S. presidential limousine?
the Beast
Big Chief
Big Rig
Tippecanoe
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The U.S. presidential limousine is a custom-built Cadillac referred to as "the Beast" by the Secret Service, but it's also known as the more subdued "Cadillac One" (like Air Force One, but on the ground). An identical version rides in the presidential motorcade for safety purposes.

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VW Beetle
YouTube
Officially known as the Type 1, what's the common nickname for this Volkswagen?
Beetle
EOS
Runabout
Scirocco
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

In Australia, Canada, India, the United Kingdom, and in the United States the Volkswagen Type 1 is better known as the "beetle" or "bug" -- although you'll find it by numerous names, like "turtle," depending on what country you visit.

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Chevy Caprice
Mr.choppers via Wiki Commons
Some say its model name comes from a restaurant, while others claim it was named for the daughter of an auto executive. Which Chevy is nicknamed the Box?
Chevy Caprice
Chevy El Camino
Chevy Light Six
Chevy SSR
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

From "Bubble" and "Float Boat" to "Donk" and "Heavy Chevy," the Chevy Caprice has a lot of nicknames. But the one that's stuck to this full-sized model is the Box.

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Pontiac Firebird Trans-Am
n/a
Famous for its iconic role in the 1977 classic movie, 'Smokey and the Bandit,' what nickname is the Pontiac Firebird Trans Am known by?
El Diablo
The Screaming Chicken
The Pterodactyl
The Thunderbird
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

It's been called the Hood bird. The Laughing Phoenix and the Screaming Chicken. The Pontiac Firebird Trans Am was at the forefront of the supersized hood graphic revolution, with vehicles like Ford's King Cobras following.

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Lamborghini LM002
n/a
What was the nickname for the luxurious but tough-as-nails SUV, the Lamborghini LM002?
Cobra
Commando
Predator
Rambo Lambo
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

When it began production in 1977 it wasn't nicknamed how we know it -- the Rambo Lambo -- but, as the Cheetah. The Rambo Lambo was applied to the Lamborghini LM002 SUV that was produced from 1986-1993 -- it could go from 0 to 60 mph in 7.7 seconds and hit a top speed of 118 mph, all while conquering offroad.

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Subaru 360
Youtube via Petrolicious
Because of the aerodynamic design of Subaru's first automobile, the Subaru 360, it was given what nickname?
The Beetle
The Flea
The Ladybug
The Mosquito
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Subaru 360, the company's very first automobile, is a rear-engined, 1,000-pound car manufactured from 1958 until 1971 when it was replaced by the R-2.

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Pontiac Fiero
Wiki Commons by Greg Gjerdingen
Which cheap, plastic-bodied sports car was nicknamed Plastic Fantastic?
Pontiac Fiero
Pontiac Grand Am
Pontiac LeMans
Pontiac Sunbird
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Manufactured between 1983 and 1988, the Pontiac Fiero was made with plastic body panels that were not only impervious to rust, they could be swapped for replacements. (Anyone want to make a "Fier-rari" or "Fiero-borghini"? You could.) Under the hood you'd find a 60-degree V6 -- the mightiest engine available in this Plastic Fantastic car.

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Lotus Esprit S1
Wiki Commons by Jeff Greenland
Which Lotus sports car, probably most famous for its role in 'The Spy Who Loved Me,' has the affectionate nickname Wet Nellie?
Lotus Elan
Lotus Elise
Lotus Elite
Lotus Esprit S1
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

When it went into production in 1976, the Esprit S1 was a hot commodity. But it may be most famous for its role as a Bond car, in the 1977 James Bond film "The Spy Who Loved Me," where it featured surface-to-air missiles, a cement sprayer, mines, and torpedoes -- and it was amphibious, able to transform into Wet Nellie.

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buick elektra 225
Wiki Commons by --Xocolatl
Which old school Buick model, debuting in the '60s, was nicknamed Deuce and a Quarter?
Buick Electra 225
Buick LaCrosse
Buick Rendezvous
Buick Wildcat
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Buick Electra is a big car from the '60s and '70s, hitting showroom floors as the "225" in 1961, a name added to represent the now 225-inch length of the car. It's this "225" that earned the car the street name "deuce and a quarter" by owners and enthusiasts.

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Volvo 262C
Wiki Commons by de:Benutzer:Bettenburg
Which European car brand's 200 series was known as the Brick because of its heft?
BMW
Mercedes
Vokswagen
Volvo
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Maybe it's because of its safe reputation and tank-like heft -- or that it was as some say, aerodynamic as a bag of bricks, that gave it its nickname. But the design of the 200 series models solidified that reputation.

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1968 Mustang GT 390
WikiCommons via Sicnag
Which 1968 Steve McQueen film was this Ford Mustang GT 390 fastback nicknamed for?
"Bullitt"
"The Cincinnati Kid"
"The Great Escape"
"The Hunter"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

It was Steve McQueen's character, Detective Frank Bullitt, who drove a dark green '68 Ford Mustang GT 390 fastback in the 1968 film, "Bullitt". The Bullitt Mustang chases a black 1968 Dodge Charger R/T 440 around San Francisco. In the end, two Mustang GTs were modified to make "Bullitt."

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RUF CTR "Yellow Bird"
n/a
Which car was based on the 1987 Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2 and nicknamed the Yellow Bird?
Aston Martin Vanquish
Audi 100 Coupé S
Dodge Charger Daytona
RUF CTR
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Introduced in 1987, the RUF CTR -- which stands for, Group C, Turbo RUF -- was based on the 1987 Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2. Also known as the CTR Yellow Bird or just Yellow Bird, because of how it stood out in yellow, you could expect speeds of up to 211 mph from its 450 hp engine.

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Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider
YouTube
Which specially built Ferrari was nicknamed the Bread Van because of its low nose and square rear end?
Ferrari 365 GTS/4 Daytona Spyder
Ferrari 360 Modena
Ferrari 250 GT California
Ferrari 250 GT SWB
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

This special Ferrari was designed to compete against the 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO at Le Mans and other races. With its long, flat roofline, a pointed nose, and a square back end, some thought it resembled a hearse. Others, a van -- to the French, a "camionnette," while to the English-speakers, a "bread van."

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Chev Corvette ZR-1 1994
Youtube
When it debuted in 1990, the Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1 had what nickname?
Betsy
Brick House
King of the Hill
Super Sport
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Chevy Corvette ZR-1 was known as the King of the Hill. It got its nickname from how the Corvette and Group Lotus engineers expected it to perform among competing performance cars -- at the end of the day, it didn't look much different than other Corvettes.

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Mercedes-Benz 300 SL
Thesupermat via Wiki Commons
When the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL debuted in 1954, its unique doors led to what nickname?
Airplane
Filoplume
Gullwing
Honeycomb
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

When it debuted at the International Motor Sports Show in New York in February 1954, the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL was a hit. Its most distinctive feature was a pair of top-hinged, upswinging doors -- and it's this feature that led to its nickname, Gullwing.

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Saab 9-2X
Wiki Commons by IFCAR
Which compact wagon was a rebranded and restyled Subaru nicknamed a Saabaru?
Audi A4 Allroad
Saab 9-2X
Volkswagen Golf SportWagen
Volvo V60 Cross Country
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The years 2005-2006 gave us this joint venture: a Saab-Subaru mash-up called the Saab 9-2X. Or as it was affectionately known, the Saabaru -- which was basically a rebadged Subaru Impreza WRX.

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1974 Pontiac GTO
WikiCommons
It's been called the Grandfather of Muscle Cars, The Great One and a legend. But what animal is the Pontiac GTO traditionally known as?
the Barracuda
the Bluebird
the Cougar
the Goat
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Built between 1964 and 1974, the Pontiac GTO is often called the Grandfather of Muscle Cars, and often considered the first American muscle car. GTO stands for Gran Turismo Omologato -- although it was never officially certified Grand Touring, it was one of the fastest Pontiacs ever. So where does Goat come from? No one can remember.

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Hummer
YouTube by Doug DeMuro
Since it's beginnings as a military off-road vehicle, the Humvee developed what nickname?
HMMWV
Hummer
Hummingbird
TJ
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Called the HMMWV -- pronounced 'Humvee" -- in the military, an acronym for High Mobility Multi-Purpose Wheeled Vehicle, " this military off-road vehicle garnered the shorter nickname, Hummer. The name Hummer went on to be licensed by General Motors in 1999.

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Ferrari 365 GTB/4
Wiki Commons by Mr.choppers
Which city in Florida shares the same name as the Ferrari 365 GTB/4?
Daytona
Key West
Orlando
Tallahassee
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

It's officially named the Ferrari 365 GTB/4 -- but no one calls it that. This two-seat grand tourer Ferrari is best known as the Ferrari Daytona.

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pontiac gto
Wiki commons by Sicnag
Which popular muscle car gets its nickname -- The Judge -- from a comedy skit called 'Here Comes the Judge' on the popular TV show, 'Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In'?
Chevy Monte Carlo SS
Dodge Super Bee
Plymouth Road Runner
Pontiac GTO
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"Here Comes the Judge" was a popular comedy routine starring Sammy Davis Jr. on "Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In" -- a popular comedy TV show at the time. The nickname, The Judge, comes from that bit.

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Toyota MR2
ThatDudeinBlue via Youtube
What formal nickname is given to the Toyota MR2?
Doctor Two
Misses Two
Mister Two
Sister Two
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

In English, we use "Mr." as a title before the surname or full name of a male -- whether he's married or not. It's the abbreviation of Mister; and in regard to the MR2, its nickname is the non-abbreviated alternative.

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1932 Ford Coupe
Wiki Commons by Sicnag
What hot rod inspired the Beach Boys' song and album, "Little Deuce Coupe"?
'32 Ford
'38 Lincoln 'Led' Zephyr
’57 Chevy
’63 Buick
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

This iconic hot rod was the inspiration for the Beach Boys and immortalized in the movie, "American Graffiti." The 1932 Ford Coupe is known among hot rod enthusiasts as the Deuce Coupe or simply, Deuce.

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Jeep Wrangler
YouTube
Between 1941 and 1945, Willys produced its original go-anywhere MB model, which was nicknamed what?
Bronco
Jeep
Land Cruiser
Scout
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Today we know Jeep as a brand in its own right. But it didn't start that way -- in fact, it started out as military slang before it because a nickname for Willys' military 4x4 trucks from 1941 to 1945, during World War II.

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corvette z06
Wiki Commons by Steven N. Severinghaus
Which super car, the first super car convertible from Chevrolet, was nicknamed the Big Nasty?
Camaro
Corvair
Corvette Z06
Tahoe
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

It promised at least 625 horsepower and 0-60 mph in under 3.5 seconds from a supercharged V8 engine. But it was GM product chief Mark Reuss who gave the Chevy Corvette Z06 its nickname, the Big Nasty.

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Subaru
Vincent Dumont via Wiki Commons
Among names like Hawk Eye, Blob Eye and Bug Eye, by what nickname do Subaru owners call their cars?
Bert
Martha
Shaggy
Subie
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Subaru owners aren't shy when it comes to giving their cars nicknames. From names like Foz (for Forrester) to Rex (for the WRX), it's no surprise that all Subarus are collectively known as Subies -- or Scubies.

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Customized 1954 Lincoln Futura
YouTube / Bigtruckseriesreview Motorsports
The 1954 Lincoln Futura became known as what after its turn with an iconic superhero?
The Batmobile
The General Lee
KITT
Mystery Machine
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

If this customized 1954 Lincoln Futura looks familiar, it's because it starred in the 1966 live action television show, "Batman" starring Adam West -- the model became known as the Batmobile after the car's show appearance.

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Ford Mustant SVT Cobra 1996
Youtube
Which Ford muscle car was dubbed the Terminator during its development?
Ford EcoSport
Ford Fiesta
Ford F-250
Ford SVT Mustang Cobra
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

This muscle car got its nickname as the Terminator from the team of engineers working on it before it was even ready to hit the streets. You may know it as the SVT Mustang Cobra, the SVT Cobra, or simply as Cobra -- but you probably call it the Terminator.

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Fiat 126
Wiki Commons by Tony Harrison
From the Small One to Flea, which cheap economy car, built between 1973 and 2000 in Europe, had more than 10 nicknames?
Fiat 126
Honda Civic
Kia Soul
Toyota Corolla
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Fiat 126, a rear-engined, small economy car, debuted in 1972 at the Turin Auto Show as the intended replacement for the popular Fiat 500. Sold around the world, the 126 has been called everything from the Small One to Cougher to Bambino (the Italian word for child) among others.

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1969 Dodge Charger
n/a
What nickname was applied to the iconic orange '69 Dodge Charger when it starred on the TV show, 'The Dukes of Hazzard'?
Bumblebee
General Lee
Herbie
Lightning McQueen
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The iconic orange '69 Dodge Charger from the TV, "The Dukes Of Hazzard," is known as General Lee and driven by the Duke boys, Bo and Luke. The LEE 1 is currently owned by golfer Bubba Watson.

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Chevy Camaro
Dario Alvarez via Wiki Commons
The original Camaro's working name during its development was 'Panther,' but by the third generation, what derisive nickname was given by its audience?
Ace
Drifter
Slider
Slowmaro
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

By the third generation of cars, the Chevy Camaro, which boasted a V6, wasn't thought of for its speed. In fact it was just the opposite -- and so much so that it caught the nickname, Slowmaro.

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1964 Plymouth Barracuda
Wiki Commons via Greg Gjerdingen
What type of engine was in the Plymouth Barracuda, giving it its 'Cuda nickname?
Boxer
External Combustion Engine
Hemi
Rotary
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Plymouth began manufacturing the two-door Barracuda in 1964, and the Hemi-powered muscle car became a symbol of '70s America. The big block engine, the 426 Hemi of the Hemi 'Cuda, though, was phased out in 1971.

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Volkswagen Type 2
Youtube
Which of these nicknames has the Volkswagen Type 2 collected through the years?
Bully
VW Bus
Hippie-van
All of these nicknames -- and more
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Call it the VW Bus, a Hippie-van, Vee-dub or Splitty, the Volkswagen Transporter (the Type 2), has collected many nicknames since it debuted in 1950. Originally, this microbus was going to be named Bully, but ended up being called a Transporter, instead.

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Ferrari 156 F1
Wiki Commons by Lothar Spurzem
Because of the design of its 'nostril'-like air intake, the Ferrari 156 F1 racer went by what nickname?
Jellyfish
Sharknose
Starfish
Whale
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Ferrari 156 was an F1 racing car designed to meet the new Formula One regulations in 1961. The racer was affectionately nicknamed Sharknose, due to its air intake "nostrils" -- but it wasn't meant to last. The Sharknose was replaced in 1963.

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Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL
Wiki Commons by Thesupermat
What nickname was this Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL given at the racetrack due to heaviness and its lack of gracefulness?
The Black Dog
The Blue Pony
The Green Hornet
The Red Pig
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Mercedes-Benz 300SEL wasn't the most beautiful car in the world when it finished second overall in the 1971 Spa Francorchamps 24 hours, but then, it didn't have to be. Called the Red Pig, at two tons, it was heavy, but it was fast, with 6834 cc and 420 horsepower.

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1969 Ford Mustang Boss 429
Sicnag via Wiki Commons
One of the most valued muscle cars, what Mustang do enthusiasts call the Boss '9?
Boss 429 Mustang
Boss 302 Mustang
Mustang Cobra Jet
Mustang Shelby GT350R
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

This high-performance Mustang was only available in 1969 and 1970 -- and only 1,358 original Boss 429s were made. Today, the Boss '9, as it's known among enthusiasts, is a rare treat.

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Citroen 2CV
Wiki Commons by Alexander Migl
Which French-built economy car was given nicknames such as the Ugly Duckling and the Flying Dustbin?
Citroën 2CV
Renault Laguna
Smart Fortwo
Toyota MiniAce
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Considered the "French Beetle," the Citroën 2CV was produced between 1948 and 1990 but was never officially sold in the U.S. -- although some did make it to American drivers. The Dutch called it the Ugly Duckling, but it was the British who came up with everything from the Flying Dustbin to the Tin Snail.

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