The Car: A 1959 Peugeot 403 Cabriolet

If you are a fan of the classic detective series Columbo, you probably remember the car that Lieutenant Columbo drove in many episodes. It was a 1959 Peugeot 403 Cabriolet, a rare and ratty convertible that contrasted with the sleek and expensive cars of the suspects. But how did Columbo end up with such a car? And what happened to it after the show ended? In this post, we'll explore the mystery of Columbo’s car and reveal some interesting facts and trivia about it.

How Columbo Chose His Car

The car was chosen by actor Peter Falk, who played the role of Columbo. He was offered a tour of the Universal Studios back lot to find a car for his character. He saw the nose of a car sticking out and said, “This is the one”. The car was a 1959 Peugeot 403 Cabriolet that didn’t even have an engine in it. 

The 1959 Peugeot 403 Cabriolet was a rare car even in the 1970s, when the show was made. Only 2,030 were made globally over a five-year run. The car had a four-cylinder engine that produced 65 horsepower and a top speed of 90 mph. It also had a four-speed manual transmission, leather upholstery, and a padded dashboard. The car cost 80 percent more than the sedan version of the 403.

How Columbo’s Car Became an Icon

Columbo’s car became an icon of the show because it matched his character’s personality and style. Columbo was a shrewd but humble detective who used his unassuming demeanor, rumpled raincoat, and cigar to catch the murderers off guard. His car was also a part of his disguise, as it made him look like a lowly and incompetent cop who posed no threat to the sophisticated and wealthy criminals.

What Happened to Columbo’s Car

After the show ended in 2003, the fate of Columbo’s car became a mystery. According to some sources, the car was sold at an auction in 1990 for $7,000. However, other sources claim that the car was never sold and remained in the possession of Universal Studios. The car was reportedly seen in a storage lot in Ensenada, Mexico, where it was slowly deteriorating. Some fans have tried to locate and restore the car, but so far, no one has succeeded.

Columbo’s car is a piece of TV history that deserves to be preserved and celebrated. It is a symbol of Columbo’s character and his ingenious methods of solving crimes. It is also a rare and beautiful car that represents a bygone era of French automotive design. Columbo’s car is a mystery that still fascinates and intrigues fans of the show.