The M25 near Watford has witnessed its share of impressive sights over the years in the shape of expensive sports cars and big trucks but perhaps the most spectacular of all happened shortly before it had even opened.

Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher officially opened the last section of the M25 on October 29, 1986, but earlier that month two giants of Hollywood, a film crew and a giant crane had descended on the motorway at Bricket Wood to film a scene before the carriageway had opened to traffic.

Superman IV: The Quest for Peace was to prove a box office flop. Hampered by budget constraints and cutbacks, it was filmed solely in England, with certain key sequences shot in Milton Keynes which was meant to double as New York.

Watford Observer: Christopher Reeve in conversationChristopher Reeve in conversation (Image: Watford Observer)

The scene filmed on the M25 on October 10, 1986 involved the Man of Steel – famously portrayed by Christopher Reeve – lifting a car driven by villain Lex Luthor, who was played by Gene Hackman.

Watford Observer: Christopher Reeve enjoys a light-hearted chat with Gene HackmanChristopher Reeve enjoys a light-hearted chat with Gene Hackman (Image: Watford Observer)

A Watford Observer photographer was present to capture these incredible pictures of the shooting of the film which proved to be Reeve’s final appearance as Superman before his death in 2004.

Watford Observer: The giant crane lifting Lex Luthor's carThe giant crane lifting Lex Luthor's car (Image: Watford Observer)

Watford Observer: A member of the crew balances on the edge of the carA member of the crew balances on the edge of the car (Image: Watford Observer)

Watford Observer: Another view of the craneAnother view of the crane (Image: Watford Observer)

Watford Observer: Not a sight you see on the M25 every day...Not a sight you see on the M25 every day... (Image: Watford Observer)

Watford Observer: Seeing what all the fuss is about...Seeing what all the fuss is about... (Image: Watford Observer)

Watford Observer: Some people went down the embankment to try and get a better viewSome people went down the embankment to try and get a better view (Image: Watford Observer)

Watford Observer: Photographers snap away on the other carriagewayPhotographers snap away on the other carriageway (Image: Watford Observer)

Watford Observer: Christopher Reeve in a dressing gown gets some directions before filmingChristopher Reeve in a dressing gown gets some directions before filming (Image: Watford Observer)

Watford Observer: Superman gets ready...Superman gets ready... (Image: Watford Observer)

Watford Observer: Is it a bird?Is it a bird? (Image: Watford Observer)

Watford Observer: Is it a plane?Is it a plane? (Image: Watford Observer)

Watford Observer: The view from behind of Superman in actionThe view from behind of Superman in action (Image: Watford Observer)

Watford Observer: The two stars of the filmThe two stars of the film (Image: Watford Observer)