Ever hear of a car getting top billing on a TV show? Well, when it comes to the scene-stealing General Lee from "The Dukes of Hazzard," such recognition wouldn’t have been out of order (Sorry, Tom Wopat and John Schneider). Join us for a journey across land, sea, and in the air as we salute iconic vehicles from shows that kept us glued to our TV sets during the 1970s and '80s.
'Charlie’s Angels'
On air: 1976-81
Though her dazzling smile may have been the draw, there's no denying that what Farrah Fawcett drove during her years as Jill Munroe got its share of attention, too. The private investigator tooled around town in a white and blue-striped 1976 Ford Mustang Cobra II. Internet buzz says the original car is now in the hands of a restorer.
'Knight Rider'
On air: 1982-86
Hmmm, who was the real star? David Hasselhoff as the crime-fighting Michael Knight or K.I.T.T. (Knight Industries Two Thousand), the computer controlling his flashy black Pontiac Firebird Trans Am T-top. Voiced by William Daniels, the K.I.T.T.-powered Firebird became a phenomenon sought after by superfans.
'Happy Days'
On air: 1974-84
Henry Winkler's Arthur Fonzarelli, aka The Fonz — the proverbial tough guy with a heart of gold — was known for his leather jacket (now part of the collection at The Smithsonian) and his ride, a 1949 Triumph Trophy TR5 Scrambler Custom motorcycle. The Fonz initially rode a Harley-Davidson Knucklehead Bobber in the first season, but because Winkler couldn't ride a motorcycle, it was swapped for a lighter Triumph that could be pulled on set. Too bad he later switched to water skis for the now infamous latter-day episode that led to the pop-culture phrase "jumping the shark."
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'Starsky & Hutch'
On air: 1975-79
Paul Michael Glaser and David Soul played Southern California police detectives David Starsky and Ken Hutchinson with enough swagger and playful back-and-forth to build a loyal following, but they shared the stage, as it were, with Starsky's red and white-striped Ford Gran Torino. It was called the "Striped Tomato" by Starsky in one episode and would continue to be known by that nickname. The car, unsurprisingly, was reprised in the 2004 movie version that starred Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson.
'The A-Team'
On air: 1983-87
The action-adventure series that rocketed Mr. T to fame focused on four former members of a United States Army Special Forces unit on the run and working as soldiers of fortune from a 1983 GMC Vandura van filled with numerous devices. Elements such as its red stripe and its rooftop spoiler helped it become an iconic vehicle, with the original displayed at the New York International Auto Show in 2010.
'Magnum, P.I.'
On air: 1980-88
Sorry, but the only "Magnum" is Tom Selleck, no reboots recognized. The mustachioed private eye Tom Magnum who worked both the shorty shorts and the Hawaiian crime scene could often be found in quite the ride — a Ferrari 308 GTS owned by Robin Masters, the elusive novelist on whose estate Magnum lived (and worked as security chief).
'Miami Vice'
On air: 1984-90
The cavalcade of sleek suits, sleek music, and sleek characters led by Sonny Crockett (Don Johnson) and Ricardo Tubbs (Philip Michael Thomas) combined to become a cultural phenomenon. The undercover police detectives were all about being showy and while several cars were featured over the years, its aesthetic was perhaps epitomized by Crockett's white (and white-hot) 1986 Ferrari Testarossa. The hero car used for filming has been put up for auction twice without success, but the owners tried again and sold it in 2017 for $151,800 — a fraction of the $1.5 million to $1.75 million the car was expected to bring.
'CHiPs'
On air: 1977-83
The California Highway Patrol officers portrayed by Erik Estrada and Larry Wilcox weren't confined to a squad car. Rather, these macho men kept the Golden State safe from the back of their Kawasaki KZP motorcycles (as did their real-life counterparts). Often doing their own riding, the stars were said to have incurred a few injuries along the way.
'Airwolf'
On air: 1984-87
Airwolf was the code name of the high-tech military helicopter around which the series was built. Its crew — including Jan-Michael Vincent, Ernest Borgnine, and Alex Cord — was all about completing exotic missions, dealing with espionage and Cold War themes along the way. The supersonic helicopter — fittingly featuring stealth capabilities and an impressive arsenal — kept the storylines propelling ever forward (and earning this chopper its own Wikipedia page).
'The Rockford Files'
On air: 1974-80
The suave James Garner played Jim Rockford, a scamp of a private investigator, in this popular series that was equal parts drama and charm. Rockford was often behind the wheel of his gold Pontiac Firebird — initially an Espirit and later Formula 400s made to look like Esprits — and even had a signature move: the "Jim Rockford J-turn," helpful in chasing (or running from) the bad guys. One of the last Firebirds used on the show sold at auction in 2019.
'Fantasy Island'
On air: 1977-84
"The plane, the plane" — (or "Da plane, da plane") — you've heard it, you've maybe even said it. Those memorable words uttered by Hervé Villechaize as Tattoo to his "Boss," Mr. Rourke (Ricardo Montalbán) signaled the arrival of wealthy guests to the tropical island where their dreams sometimes came true, sometimes went horribly wrong. The plane, a 1967 Grumman Widgeon, went up for auction in 2016 in Branson, Missouri, proving its status as a cultural icon. And, let's not forget Tattoo's custom-made Plymouth Volare golf cart, complete with its signature striped awning, as yet another show regular.
'Stingray'
On air: 1985-87
Nick Mancuso — who went by the single name of Ray — was often seen driving around Southern California in his black 1965 Corvette Stingray. The car was pivotal in that the mysterious do-gooder with a sketchy past only helped those who knew to answer his car-themed advertisement.
'Emergency'
On air: 1972-77
The fast-paced series devoted to a medical rescue team in Los Angeles featured stars Randy Mantooth and Kevin Tighe. It put an early spotlight on paramedics and their role as first responders, often credited in helping popularize the profession. Squad 51, a 1972 Dodge D-300 truck, saw much action during the show's tenure. A testament to its legacy, the vehicles of Station 51 — featured on the show as the base — are part of the collection of the Los Angeles County Fire Museum.
'Vega$'
On air: 1978-81
Set and filmed in Sin City itself, the series featured Robert Urich as private detective Dan Tanna. He cruised Las Vegas in his sleek 1957 Ford Thunderbird convertible — red, of course.
'Movin' On'
On air: 1974-76
Though it lasted just two seasons, this show starred Claude Akins as an old-school truck driver with co-pilot Frank Converse, an educated fella providing yet another television study in opposites. The truck is said to be a dark green 1973 Kenworth W-925 in the pilot ("In Tandem") that was subbed out for a 1974 model for the show itself — and was eventually renovated to its original glory. The big-rig drama featured a theme song sung by Merle Haggard, so you can't argue its all-American edgy authenticity.
'The Partridge Family' On air: 1970-74
C'mon, get happy! There's no separating the titular Partridge family from its converted old school bus, a 1955 Chevrolet 6800 with a Superior Coach body they painted in a Mondrian-like fashion. It not only served as their transportation near home but also on the concert trail. It even served as a plot point several times, like when a skunk wandered onto the bus and left the songbirds in a stinky state before a gig.
'The Brady Bunch'
On air: 1969-74
This blended family needed more than a sedan so, of course, there was the beloved 1970, and later, 1971 Plymouth Satellite station wagon that was often seen as mom Carol and housekeeper Alice returned from grocery shopping. It was a fittingly nondescript vehicle many families of the time could relate to, but this one went on to be commemorated as a Hot Wheels model car.
'The Waltons'
On air: 1972-81
The drama focusing on the life of future writer John Walton Jr., aka John Boy, and his extended family in 1930s and ‘40s rural Virginia often featured the family's run-down mode of transportation, a 1929 Ford Model A pickup that patriarch John Walton (Ralph Waite) often drove.
'The Love Boat'
On air: 1977-86
Undoubtedly our biggest "star" on this list, "The Love Boat" set "a course for adventure" every week under the helm of Captain Merrill Stubing (Gavin MacLeod), who even had a few dalliances himself over the course of the campy romance series. In a time when cruising still carried an air of exclusivity, the passenger cruise ship Pacific Princess introduced countless viewers to luxury amenities and exotic ports of call. Sadly, the original vessel ended up being sold for scrap, too costly to repair after decades of service.
'Kojak'
On air: 1973-78
Who loves ya, baby? Telly Savalas, as New York City police detective lieutenant Theo Kojak, was famed for his catchphrase, his lollipop, his bald head, and his 1974 Buick Century 455.
'Riptide'
On air: 1984-86
This series — heavy on the comedic elements — starred Perry King, Joe Penny, and Thom Bray as private investigators in Los Angeles. The show was an air-and-sea bonanza, with the detectives running their agency out of a boat, the titular Riptide, while also sometimes working from The Screaming Mimi, a Sikorsky helicopter, and a speedboat, the Ebb Tide. The Riptide, a 1938 Elco Yacht, lived quite a life even before making it to the small screen as it was first owned by restauranteur Howard Johnson, and later gangster Morris "Mo" Dalitz.
'Taxi'
On air: 1978-82
A traditional Checker cab is seen driving over the Queensboro Bridge at the opening of each episode in this series about the employees of the Sunshine Cab Co. in New York. A 2014 YouTube video, since deleted, traced the actual vehicle’s history and restoration.
'Tales of the Golden Monkey'
On air: 1982-83
The adventure drama focused on star Stephen Collins, a former Flying Tiger pilot, operating an air-cargo business in the late-1930s South Pacific. The co-star? A red-and-white Grumman Goose. Capitalizing on the popularity of the 1981 "Raiders of the Lost Ark" movie, this show was all about the romance of early aviation, intrigue and exotic locales.
'Little House on the Prairie'
On air: 1974-83
The show based on the Laura Ingalls Wilder books traced family life — in all its simple joys and harrowing challenges — in late-19th century Minnesota. Viewers would travel back in time aided by the show's opening, which featured Ma and Pa Ingalls (Karen Grassle and Michael Landon) perched on the bench of a covered wagon as their daughters run toward them down a flower-strewn hill.
'The Dukes of Hazzard'
On air: 1979-85
The General Lee was a 1969 Dodge Charger in blazing orange that took many a leap and hairpin turn with those good ol' boys Bo and Luke Duke. Of course, the doors didn't open so they had to hop in, adding to the excitement of the chase. And who could forget the horn that played "Dixie?" It's said more than 325 versions of the General were used during the show's run with a few dozen remaining today.
'B.J. and the Bear'
On air: 1979-81
Greg Evigan not only starred as the titular B.J. — joined by his pet chimp, Bear — in this comedy series capitalizing on the CB radio mania but also sang the theme song. In the show, freelance trucker and Vietnam vet B.J. hits the country's roads in his Kenworth K100 Aerodyne truck, getting caught up with local crimes along the way. Side note, Claude Akins, who starred in the trucker series "Movin' On," was a frequent guest as Sheriff Lobo.
'The Banana Splits Adventure Hour'
On air: 1968-70
The wacky output of Sid and Marty Krofft included this children's series in which costumed characters — remember Fleegle and Bingo? — were members of a rock band. The madcap adventures would often begin and end with them riding their "Banana Buggies," customized Amphicat six-wheel drive ATVs iconic enough to be turned into scale-model kits at the time.
'Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!'
On air: 1969-76
The original TV incarnation of the popular animated series introduced one happening vehicle for its mystery-solving occupants and their titular dog. The Mystery Machine — a cartoon at first so no specific model noted, though there are plenty of theories — was a traditional panel van of the era painted in a psychedelic manner that few will forget.
'Speed Buggy'
On air: 1973
This short-lived animated series from Hanna-Barbera starred a talking orange dune buggy that solved mysteries with its teen sidekicks while taking part in racing competitions around the world. Mel Blanc, perhaps best known as the voice of Bugs Bunny, brought the title car to life.
