What happened to the cars?

[I Lean]

Back in the day (80's specifically, but definitely 70's also) there were TV shows that featured cars or other vehicles prominently, or even ones that were specifically centered around the vehicle. Even more with less prominent cars, but still "signature" or recognizable things, well-known from the snow. A few examples I can think of off the top of my head:

Airwolf (helicopter)
Blue Thunder (helicopter)
The Dukes of Hazzard (General Lee, Daisy's CJ7, Jesse's Ford truck)
Starsky and Hutch (Ford Torino)
The Fall Guy (GMC Truck)
The A-Team (Van)
Knight Rider (K.I.T.T. / Firebird)

I watched some of these, and LOVED a couple of them. I'm sure there were more, what did I miss?

I can't really think of ANY in the last 20 years or so though. Why is that? Is it because the action sequences don't involve car chases and stuff anymore? There is more "story" overall, so no time for filler action? The movie "Cars" might be an exception to that, but I'm kinda throwing that out since it's not a TV show.

 

[Kiel]

Transformers

 

[jeeper]

I think in the early 2000’s fast and furious brought back a real surge in car fantasies.. at least it did for my high school.
Gone in 60 seconds did the same for the mustang.

But for more recent years, I wonder if the always streaming world we have become has resulted in a quantity over quality video content..

Also the ‘Man’ has become a he/she pronoun and prefers Starbucks over cars. Shows with drama and current culture are more relatable than tough men getting things done.

 

[ID Bronco]

But for more recent years, I wonder if the always streaming world we have become has resulted in a quantity over quality video content..

Also the ‘Man’ has become a he/she pronoun and prefers Starbucks over cars. Shows with drama and current culture are more relatable than tough men getting things done.

This - I don't watch much (nearly none) tv and haven't for years, but I suppose there are plenty of internet folks traveling in vans and living "diverse" lifestyles along the way.

The "pickers" type shows may be similar to this?

 

[1969honda]

Magnum P.I. (Ferrari)
Nash Bridges (Barricuda)
James Bond (Aston Martin)

Those ones come to my mind along with the others mentioned. I think car manufactures probably play into it as well, seems like if you're running a movie or TV series they want their piece of pie to advertise or show off the newest model line up. I don't know what the different auto companies are paying or making but I'm sure it's not a small sum.

 

[I Lean]

Magnum P.I. (Ferrari)
Nash Bridges (Barricuda)
James Bond (Aston Martin)

Those ones come to my mind along with the others mentioned. I think car manufactures probably play into it as well, seems like if you're running a movie or TV series they want their piece of pie to advertise or show off the newest model line up. I don't know what the different auto companies are paying or making but I'm sure it's not a small sum.

How did I forget Magnum P.I.? That was one of my favorites.

 

[1969honda]

My old man was a police officer for 23 years and rocked a killer Tom Sellek mustache. Those three I listed are all fond memories of time with him and discussing the shows as well a the cars.

 

[Spork]

I think they've moved to just making all the cars a certain make vs having a car as one of the main features. I see it a lot with BMW.

 

[Mouse]

I thought this thread was about the rock band "The Cars"

 

[I Lean]

I thought this thread was about the rock band "The Cars"

I liked them too. (still do...shouldn't have been past tense on that "like")

 

[Tacoma]

Don't forget the Coyote kitcar in that show with the fat judge.... and the 'Cuda on Nash Bridges
The 512 and Daytona on Miami.Vice...
...Firefox....

Etc. I think liking American power and things that represent it has fallen out of vogue over the years. It's a shame.

 

[DAA]

Rockford Firebird.

Rat Patrol Jeep.

- DAA

 

[Herzog]

I just figure that everyone who drives an audi wants to be ironman

 

[moab_cj5]

I belive major car manufacture's were behind funding for many of those movies. As times have changed, so have advertising priorities. It'd be great to have one of them sponsor a show, but I wonder if it will happen. The next one will likely be an EV.

 

[N-Smooth]

Other than bad guys driving black BMW's and Mercedes, it's not all that prevalent anymore. I did notice that all the SHIELD cars in the Avengers movies were Acura's but not the same thing you're talking about by any stretch.

 

[Thursty]

Don't forget the Coyote kitcar in that show with the fat judge....

I believe that was Hardcastle and McCormick.

I loved all the cars they had on different shows. The Ferrari on Magnum along with the Jimmy that would show up once in a while. TC’s Island Hopper van and helicopter too. All the obvious cars from Dukes along with Daisy’s yellow Roadrunner, Boss’ Caddy and Roscoe’s cop car. Don’t forget the Powerwagon and IROC Z from Simon and Simon. I also liked the white Testarossa from Miami Vice.

 

[johngottfredson]

My favorite is Walt Longmire’s 1994 Bronco. It’s a part of his character identity - more old school, no cell phone, rugged. I want one.

 

[Rot Box]

Not a ‘show’ (movie I guess) but my favorite by far!

 

[Hickey]

Men in Black-Ford LTD Coupe

 

[TurboMinivan]

The most recent series prominently featuring a car that comes to my mind is Burn Notice and his black Charger, but even that show ended 9 years ago.