The 8 Most Iconic Classic Cars on Television
Updated: Aug. 06, 2019Do you remember these famous TV rides? Join us for a nostalgic look back at eight of the most memorable classic cars in television history.
1. The 1955 Ford Lincoln Concept Car from “Batman”
Batman has undergone countless incarnations over the years, from the original comic books to the many movie versions and television shows. In our minds, however, the definitive version of the Batmobile belongs to the kitschy, campy and downright crazy live-action TV series of the mid-1960s. The customized 1955 Ford Lincoln concept car remains one of the most iconic vehicles ever to grace the small screen. Was this your dream car growing up?
2. The 1969 Dodge Charger from “The Dukes of Hazzard”
The Dukes of Hazzard may not be politically correct these days, but it was a lot of fun during its original run from 1979 to 1985. The 1969 Dodge Charger, dubbed “The General Lee,” was very much the star of the show-and the model is still a favourite with car collectors.
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3. The 1968 Volkswagen T2A from “Lost”
The last thing you’d expect to find on a (seemingly) deserted island is a classic Volkswagen T2A, but that’s exactly what happened on Lost. The head-scratching program took the world by storm in the mid-2000s, and although it wrapped in 2010, its cult following is still debating its twists, turns and cryptic meanings. The sudden appearance of these old Volkswagens (and who kept them maintained) was just one of the many mysteries to unravel during the series’ long run.
4. The 1982 TransAm from “Knight Rider”
KITT was the original self-driving car-and what a car he was. In real life, KITT was a tricked-out 1982 TransAm, and, accompanied by that oh-so hummable Knight Rider theme tune, it was as much a star as David Hasselhoff, who played the human half of the show’s lead double-act. This iconic slice of ’80s history would not have been the same without KITT.
5. The Ferrari Daytona Spider from “Miami Vice”
You don’t have to have watched Miami Vice to remember it. This classic TV show was part of the cultural landscape of the 1980s. The stunning city vistas, the beautiful beaches, and the gorgeous series of dream cars made this Don Johnson vehicle a favourite from the first time it first aired.
6. The 1951 Ford F1 from “Sanford and Son”
Who could forget the sight of that junk-laden truck meandering through the streets in this vintage ’70s sitcom? The program may seem dated now, but it is still a favourite among classic TV aficionados-and lovers of classic vehicles as well.
7. The 1975 Ford Gran Torino from “Starsky and Hutch”
The acting may not have been Emmy-worthy, and sure, the storylines were sometimes hokey, but there’s no denying crimefighters Starsky and Hutch were cool. The only thing cooler? The car they drove, of course. Not unlike KITT in the decade that followed, the show’s 1975 Gran Torino’s screen presence rivalled that of its human co-stars.
8. The 1977 Pontiac Firebird Esprit from “The Rockford Files”
Unlike so many of the shows on this list, The Rockford Files has aged quite well. The acting was solid, and the stories so compelling that it’s easy to forget the show also included an iconic classic car. Even so, the 1977 Pontiac Firebird Esprit made an appearance nearly every week, much to the delight of car fanatics everywhere.
