A 1963 Ford Galaxie driven by rock star Benji Madden made the headlines this week, in part due to the fact that he was chauffeuring British singer Eliza Doolittle in the passenger seat and taking her on a tour of the most upmarket parts of Los Angeles.

The Ford Galaxie was originally built in 1959 and production went on until 1974. Its space-themed name was unsurprising, given the race to conquer the stars that was going on during the decades in which it was in service.

While family-friendly versions were available, the edition driven by Madden is all about the drop top and the muscle beneath the hood, which is what many young celebrities look for in classic cars.

Fords seem to be picking up in popularity amongst the rich and famous in the US, with actor Scott Caan, son of legendary actor James Caan, spotted out and about in a Ford F Series pickup, dated to between 1949 and 1950.

Interestingly enough the presence of classic cars is not enough to dissuade meter inspectors because when Caan returned to his vehicle this week he was confronted with a penalty notice. Don't worry too much, it will probably not make too much of a dent in his bank balance.