The Top 10 Cars from 70s and 80s TV Shows

TV in the ‘70s and ‘80s gave us some truly unforgettable characters, but let’s be real—their cars were the real stars that kept us tuning in. Back when you had to catch your favorite shows live or miss them forever, these cars gave us reasons to glue ourselves to the screen. From supercharged muscle cars to sleek, exotic rides, the cars on this list did more than just get their drivers from point A to point B—they became icons. And while we could have thrown in movie cars (yes, I’m talking about you, DeLorean from Back to the Future), we’re sticking with the legends you’d find on prime-time TV. I’ll give the Bluesmobile a nod here as an honorable mention because it was an old police car from my hometown, but now let’s jump in the driver’s seat and count down the top 10 cars from classic TV, starting from number 10!

10. Columbo: 1959 Peugeot 403 Cabriolet

Coming in at number 10, we have the detective’s trusty (and rusty) sidekick on wheels: the 1959 Peugeot 403 Cabriolet from Columbo. This car was as quirky as the man behind the wheel, Lieutenant Columbo himself. Sure, it didn’t have the sleek lines or roaring horsepower of other cars on this list, but it had something no high-tech supercar could match—personality. Much like Columbo’s rumpled trench coat, the Peugeot 403 said, “Don’t underestimate me. I may look a mess, but I’ll catch you red-handed.”

The Peugeot was so unique that spotting it on-screen was almost like seeing Bigfoot in a Hawaiian shirt. You knew trouble was coming for the perp when that old car sputtered onto the scene. And just one more thing: It’s the perfect car for parking haphazardly while Columbo asked, “Oh, just one more question…”

9. The Rockford Files: 1978 Pontiac Firebird

At number 9, we find the iconic 1978 Pontiac Firebird from The Rockford Files. Now, Jim Rockford wasn’t a flashy guy, so it’s no surprise that his car followed suit. This Firebird was the kind of car you could picture a private detective driving—not too loud, not too subtle, just right. The Firebird was perfect for those epic chase scenes and Rockford’s signature move: the J-turn. Admit it, we all tried that maneuver in an empty parking lot at least once, praying we wouldn’t spin out and end up in a bush.

The car might not have been the glitziest on this list, but you knew it was Jimbo as soon as you saw it, and that’s worth more than a few fancy gadgets.

8. The A-Team: 1983 GMC Vandura

Number 8 isn’t about the car itself as much as who was riding inside: the 1983 GMC Vandura from The A-Team. Now, this car wasn’t anything special on its own—no flamethrowers or missile launchers here. But once you put Hannibal, B.A., Face, and Murdock inside, it transformed into a rolling fortress of brilliant, ridiculous plans and explosive action. I mean, you didn’t watch The A-Team to see a fancy car; you watched it to see B.A. jump out when they all drove this beat-up car into battle.

If the Mercury Marquis could talk, it would probably just scream, “I pity the fool who tries to get in my way!”

 

7. Hardcastle and McCormick: Coyote X

Next up, at number 7, is the the Coyote X from Hardcastle and McCormick. This kit car (not KITT) car had the attitude to match its name—fierce, fast, and totally unforgettable. It was McCormick’s ride of choice, and you can bet it was used to chase down the bad guys with the kind of screeching tire spins that left rubber on the road and stars in viewers’ eyes.

This car wasn’t just cool; it was badass. The show may not have been as popular as some others on this list, but that Barracuda deserves its spot in the Hall of Fame for TV cars.

6. Starsky & Hutch: 1975 Ford Gran Torino

At number 6, we have the red and white-striped 1975 Ford Gran Torino from Starsky & Hutch. While the Barracuda was cool, let’s be honest: we all watched way more Starsky & Hutch. This car was loud, proud, and always ready to take on a high-speed chase. The sight of that Gran Torino flying over a hill or skidding around a corner was enough to make your heart race.

There’s something about those two stripes down the middle that said, “We mean business, and we’re not stopping for red lights.” The car was practically its own character, roaring into action whenever crime needed busting. And yes, we all wanted to slide across the hood at least once, even if we knew we’d end up on the ground in a heap.

5. Miami Vice: 1972 Ferrari 365 GTS/4

Breaking into the top 5, we’ve got the 1972 Ferrari 365 GTS/4 from Miami Vice. It was fast, it was sexy, and it was pure ‘80s cool. Don Johnson’s Crockett wouldn’t have looked quite so suave pulling up in a beater. Nope, only this sleek, black Ferrari could match those pastel suits and loafers with no socks.

Every scene with the Ferrari felt like it should be playing on a loop at a Miami car show, complete with neon lights and a Phil Collins soundtrack. Was it practical for a detective? Of course not. But when you’re busting drug lords in South Beach, practicality goes out the window.

4. Magnum, P.I.: 1978 Ferrari 308 GTS

Yes, there are two Ferraris on this list, and they both deserve it. Coming in at number 4 is the 1978 Ferrari 308 GTS from Magnum, P.I.. This car wasn’t just transportation; it was the cherry on top of Magnum’s mustache-and-Aloha-shirt combo. When you heard that theme song and saw Magnum flying down the road with a grin, you knew you were in for a good time.

The 308 GTS was fast and flashy, everything a private investigator in Hawaii needed to solve crimes and impress the ladies. It was almost like the car itself was saying, “Aloha, troublemakers. Let’s go for a ride.”

3. The Dukes of Hazzard: 1969 Dodge Charger

Sliding into the number 3 spot is the 1969 Dodge Charger, known to fans everywhere as The General Lee from The Dukes of Hazzard. This car could fly over rivers, skid around dirt roads, and make Sheriff Rosco P. Coltrane and Enos look like fools in record time. As a kid, I wanted this car so bad it hurt. To this day, I’m amazed I don’t have a replica parked in my driveway, though I have to admit I’d probably struggle to find dynamite-tipped arrows to carry in the trunk.

The General Lee was the epitome of ‘cool’ for anyone who grew up in the ‘70s or ‘80s. It made you believe you could jump a creek and keep going without so much as a flat tire. Yeehaw!

2. Knight Rider: 1982 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am

At number 2, we have KITT from Knight Rider. Let’s face it: this car was basically Batman’s Batmobile with better social skills. Indestructible? Check. A dashboard full of buttons you had no idea how to use? Check. A voice that was smoother than most humans? Double check. KITT wasn’t just a car; it was a partner in crime-fighting. With turbo boost, scanning lights, and a personality that could out-sass a talk show host, KITT was the car that made you dream big.

I mean, what else does a guy need? A car that talks, solves crimes, and can jump over semi-trucks at the push of a button? Sign me up.

1. The Mach 5: Speed Racer

And the number 1 spot goes to… the Mach 5 from Speed Racer! Yes, it’s a cartoon, but who cares when your car can drive underwater, jump over canyons, and saw down trees while you’re speeding through a forest? The Mach 5 had more gadgets than a Swiss Army knife, and it did all of it without breaking a sweat.

The Mach 5 was every kid’s ultimate fantasy car. It was sleek, it was fast, and it could get out of any sticky situation you could dream up. Plus, it came with a monkey as a stowaway passenger—talk about a bonus feature. Speed Racer’s “Go, go, go!” wasn’t just a catchphrase; it was a lifestyle, and the Mach 5 was at the center of it all.

So there you have it, the top 10 TV cars from the ‘70s and ‘80s that stole our hearts and fueled our dreams. Whether they were racing through city streets, tearing up country roads, or outsmarting villains, these cars were more than just vehicles—they were legends.