Aaron Paul’s classic ride barely makes ‘Need for Speed’ premiere

Aaron Paul rolled into the “Need for Speed� premiere on Thursday night in Hollywood, but just barely — the classic car he and wife Lauren Parsekian were riding in overheated just as they arrived at the red carpet.

“That never happened once during the shoot!� a smiling Paul told reporters who quizzed him on the carpet about the mechanical failure.

We’d hope not, given the high-powered nature of the vehicles that will tear up movie screens starting May 14. For the premiere, the actor best known for “Breaking Bad� was behind the wheel of a 1969 Ford Torino GT, one of the cars his lead character drives in the movie.

After his Emmy-winning run in the intense, recently ended meth-themed AMC TV drama, Paul said starring in an action film was just the right medicine.

“It was emotionally exhausting playing Jesse Pinkman [in ‘Breaking Bad’],� he told Variety on Thursday, “and the idea of doing something a little bit lighter and just fun was exciting to me.�

Still, he told “Entertainment Tonight,� the “Speed� shoot was far from a complete vacation. “Grueling days, from sunrise to sunset. Long, long, long days, but so much fun,� he said. In and around shooting the final season of “Breaking Bad,� he said, he spent as much time at the track as he could.

Perhaps contributing to some overheating at the premiere? The lovely Parsekian rocked a hot black dress with sheer panels and a high slit. No wonder the couple is so crazy in love.

Also spotted at the TCL Chinese Theatre from the “Speed� cast: Dominic Cooper, Michael Douglas, Ramon Rodriguez, Imogen Poots, Rami Malek and Scott Mescudi a.k.a. Kid Cudi. Musician Skylar Grey also made the scene.

Interesting point to note: Unlike the scene at many premieres, if you watch the video, it seems that most of those clamoring the loudest for Paul’s autograph were guys. Nice change from screaming girl fans, though we’re sure he has plenty of those as well.

ALSO:

Kesha — not Ke$ha — returns from rehab after two months

Girl feud: Katy Perry, Miley Cyrus tangle over a slip of that tongue

Lindsay Lohan on ‘Tonight’: Talks Oprah, ‘Mean Girls,’ plays water war

Follow Christie D’Zurilla on Twitter and Google+. Follow the Ministry of Gossip on Twitter @LATcelebs.