Lieutenant Columbo, with his rumpled raincoat, ever-present cigar, and deceptively bumbling demeanor, is an iconic television detective. Part of his charm and carefully constructed persona was his equally unassuming car. But what car did Columbo drive, and was it really just a random choice? The story behind Columbo’s car is as intriguing as one of his cases.
Initially, Peter Falk, the actor who brilliantly portrayed Columbo, wasn’t thrilled about the idea of his character driving a “junker.” Fresh off the glamour of roles where actors often drove stylish vehicles, Falk felt it was unnecessary and perhaps a bit much. He even pointed to the sleek cars driven by characters like Perry Mason as a counter-example. After all, detective work might not pay lawyer wages, but television often bends reality for style. Think of the impressive Buicks featured in Highway Patrol – fiction often favors flair. However, the producers of Columbo were set on the image of the down-to-earth detective, and they compromised by allowing Falk to choose his own “beater” from the studio lot’s collection of cars. He wouldn’t get a fancy Mercedes or Lincoln, but at least he had some say in his character’s automotive statement.
Despite the array of options, Falk was reportedly underwhelmed until he spotted just the front end of a car sticking out from the back of the lot. That hidden gem turned out to be the perfect fit: a Peugeot 403 Cabriolet. Interestingly, according to stltoday.com, the Peugeot 403 Cabriolet that became synonymous with Columbo was in rough shape. It apparently didn’t even have an engine when Falk selected it, highlighting the serendipitous nature of its casting in television history.
The irony deepens when you consider the Peugeot 403’s production timeline. Manufactured only between 1955 and 1966, it was already out of production for five years when Columbo first aired in 1971. By the time Columbo became a household name, these cars were likely showing their age, adding a layer of realism to the detective’s persona. The choice of a slightly outdated, somewhat worn car reinforced the image of Columbo as someone who was more concerned with solving crimes than with appearances or material possessions.
One can only imagine the interior of Columbo’s car, considering his penchant for hard-boiled eggs and cigars. How many air fresheners would it take to mask those scents? That remains a humorous, unanswered question, much like some of Columbo’s seemingly rambling inquiries. But one thing is certain: the Peugeot 403 Cabriolet is as integral to the Columbo mystique as his raincoat and catchphrase, “Just one more thing…” It wasn’t just a car; it was a character in itself, perfectly embodying the unassuming brilliance of Lieutenant Columbo.
