If you’ve ever watched an episode of the classic TV series Columbo, you’ve probably found yourself wondering, what kind of car does Columbo drive? Detective Columbo’s famously disheveled appearance was perfectly complemented by his equally iconic and rumpled automobile.
That car is as much a character as the detective himself. It’s a rolling extension of his seemingly hapless, yet brilliantly perceptive, personality.
This article gives you the complete story. We’ll identify the exact make and model, explore why it was the perfect choice, and even look at what happened to the original cars.
What Kind Of Car Does Columbo Drive
The vehicle driven by Lieutenant Columbo throughout the iconic television series is a 1959 Peugeot 403 Convertible. It’s important to note that it is specifically the convertible, or cabriolet, model, not the more common sedan.
This French-made car, with its distinctive styling and often-tattered roof, became an unforgettable symbol of the detective’s character. Its perpetually rundown condition contrasted sharply with the luxurious vehicles of the wealthy murderers he pursued.
The Definitive Answer: A 1959 Peugeot 403 Cabriolet
Let’s get into the specifics. The Peugeot 403 was a mid-size car produced by the French manufacturer from 1955 to 1966. The cabriolet version was designed by the legendary Italian design house Pininfarina.
Columbo’s particular car was a 1959 model year. Key identifying features include:
- A soft, folding convertible top that was almost never in perfect condition.
- A distinct, curved rear window on the convertible top.
- Simple, rounded body lines typical of late-1950s European design.
- A modest 1.5-liter, 4-cylinder engine producing around 65 horsepower.
The car’s color is often described as a faded, dusty grey or beige, though it was originally a light greenish-grey. Years of use and the Southern California sun gave it its signature weathered look.
Why The Peugeot 403 Was The Perfect Choice For Columbo
The show’s creators didn’t just pick a car at random. The selection of the Peugeot 403 was a stroke of genius that served the character in multiple, subtle ways.
It was a deliberate prop that reinforced everything about Lieutenant Columbo.
Reflecting His Disheveled Persona
Just like his wrinkled trench coat, the car was perpetually a bit messy and worn. It was never shiny or new, which immediately set him apart from the suspects. The convertible top was often patched or stained, and the body had a dull, unloved finish.
This visual cue told the audience that Columbo was not motivated by wealth or status. His focus was entirely on the case.
A Symbol Of Understated Competence
Despite its appearance, the Peugeot 403 was known in its day as a reliable, well-built, and practical car. It wasn’t flashy, but it was competent and got the job done—a perfect metaphor for Columbo himself.
Viewers could sense that, just like the car, there was more to the detective than met the eye. The vehicle’s European origin also added a touch of quirky individuality, seperating him from the typical American detective in a standard sedan.
Creating Visual Contrast
Every episode featured Columbo arriving at a lavish mansion or high-end business. Parking his dilapidated convertible next to a suspect’s pristine Rolls-Royce, Mercedes, or Jaguar created an instant and powerful visual joke.
This contrast highlighted the class difference between the working-class detective and the affluent world of the criminals he investigated. It immediately established the shows central dynamic.
The Real-World History Of The Columbo Car
You might be curious about how the production acquired the car and what became of it. The story involves multiple vehicles and a surprising journey.
Contrary to what you might think, the show didn’t use just one Peugeot 403. Over the course of the series, several identical models were used to ensure production could continue if one needed repairs.
How The Show Acquired The Cars
The story goes that the show’s producers were looking for an unusual, inexpensive, and slightly comical car. They reportedly found the first Peugeot 403 convertible advertised in the Los Angeles Times classifieds.
They purchased it for a modest sum, recognizing its perfect blend of oddity and practicality. As the show’s popularity grew and the car became iconic, the production company secured additional 403 convertibles to serve as backups.
Where Are The Cars Now?
The fate of the primary “hero” car used in most episodes is a topic of some debate among fans. For many years, it was believed to have been lost or scrapped after the series ended.
However, a strong candidate emerged. A car matching its description, with verifiable documentation linking it to the Universal Studios lot, was restored and sold at auction in 2015. It now resides in a private collection.
At least one other verified production car is on public display at the Peterson Automotive Museum in Los Angeles, allowing fans to see this piece of television history up close.
Notable Episodes Featuring The Peugeot 403
The car wasn’t just background scenery; it was occasionally part of the plot or featured in memorable scenes. Here are a few episodes where Columbo’s automobile played a special role.
- “Murder by the Book” (Season 1, Episode 1): The car is introduced alongside the character, establishing its iconic status from the very first film.
- “Any Old Port in a Storm” (Season 3, Episode 2): Columbo famously struggles to start the car in a vineyard, using the moment to lull the suspect into a false sense of security.
- “Now You See Him” (Season 5, Episode 1): The car’s trunk is used for a clever bit of evidence transportation related to a magician’s act.
- “The Greenhouse Jungle” (Season 2, Episode 2): Columbo’s parking of the car, and a comment about its condition, is used as a minor irritation to distract a suspect.
Frequently Asked Questions About Columbo’s Car
Let’s answer some of the most common questions fans have about this iconic vehicle.
Did Columbo Ever Drive A Different Car?
In the vast majority of the original series episodes, he drove the Peugeot. However, in a few rare instances, he was seen in other vehicles, usually when undercover or borrowing a car for a specific reason. The Peugeot was his consistent personal vehicle.
Was The Car’s Poor Condition Real Or Staged?
It was a deliberate artistic choice. The prop department maintained the car’s weathered look. They ensured it always appeared dusty, with a stained or patched convertible top, to uphold its character.
Some of the mechanical issues, like hard starting, were also scripted to emphasize the car’s personality.
How Much Would A 1959 Peugeot 403 Convertible Be Worth Today?
As a classic car, a well-restored Peugeot 403 cabriolet might fetch between $30,000 and $60,000 at auction, depending on condition. However, a verified car used in the Columbo production would carry a significant premium due to its Hollywood history.
The one auctioned in 2015 was sold for well into six figures, proving the enduring power of this pop-culture icon.
Could The Car Really Run And Drive As Shown?
Yes. The Peugeot 403 was a fully functional vehicle. The scenes of it driving, stalling, or having trouble starting were a mix of acting and genuine portrayal of an older car’s quirks. It was not a prop on a trailer; it was driven by the actors.
The Cultural Impact Of An Unlikely Icon
Columbo’s Peugeot 403 transcended its role as mere transportation. It became one of the most recognizable cars in television history, despite—or perhaps because of—its humble nature.
It proved that a hero’s car didn’t need to be fast or flashy. It’s legacy is a testament to clever character design, where every detail, down to the choice of automobile, serves the story.
The car continues to be a beloved symbol of a detective who solved cases not with gadgets or glamour, but with patience, intellect, and a relentless focus on the facts. Just like the dependable Peugeot, Columbo always got there in the end.