Ivan Bana gave his 15-year-old son Eric a second hand Ford GT Falcon Coupe, which Eric has treasured and cared forever since.

The warm-hearted documentary chronicles the actor’s 25-year love affair with his car, including how it was an icon for him and his mates during their schooldays.

Structured around footage of Eric and his friends on the 2007 Tasmanian Targa Rally – which ended with grief and shock when Bana wiped out the car – the film includes appearances and interviews with Top Gear aficionado Jeremy Clarkson, fellow car-collector Jay Leno and contemporary life guru Dr. Phil (who we could have gone without).

Love the Beast is a rev-head’s delight, documenting a relationship with a car that is both entertaining and unavoidably indulgent. Overall, the documentary is good-hearted, sincere and paints an insightful picture into one man’s love affair with his vehicle.

The film features a number of international stars, including Top Gear star Jeremy Clarkson, US talk show host Jay Leno, TV personality Dr. Phil McGraw and many more of his lesser-known friends.

Love the Beast earned AU $309 000 from 59 screens this week.