Herbie Goes to Monte Carlo (1977)

Herbie Goes to Monte Carlo (1977) is an American sports adventure comedy directed by Vincent McEveety and written by Arthur Alsberg and Don Nelson. Protagonist Jim Douglas, accompanied by his partner and mechanic Wheely Applegate, heads to Paris for the chance to participate in the Trans-France Race (a fictional version of the famous Monte Carlo Rally) in hopes of reviving his racing career. The competition includes three formidable opponents: veteran German driver Bruno Von Stickle, French racer Claude Gilbert, and the sole female driver in the Trans-France Race, Diane Darcy.

Herbie is instantly smitten with Giselle, Diane’s vehicle. Initially, Diane dislikes Jim for what she thinks was his fault in ruining her chances of success during the first qualifying rounds. However, it was actually Herbie’s impulsive actions that caused the problem. Being a strong-willed person, Diane doesn’t believe in cars having their own minds. Herbie and Giselle go on a ‘date’ together and both successfully qualify for the race the next day. Herbie even impresses Giselle by performing donuts at the finish line. Meanwhile, two thieves named Max and Quincey steal a diamond and hide it in Herbie’s fuel tank to escape from police. They try to take back their diamond by stealing Herbie but he outsmarts them every time.