That rattling, smoking eyesore of a car became as much a star of the show as Peter Falk himself. While every other TV detective in the 1970s drove sleek American muscle cars or polished European sports cars, Lieutenant Columbo puttered around in what looked like a junkyard reject. But here’s the twist: that “beater” was actually a rare French luxury convertible worth a small fortune today.
I fell down this rabbit hole when I spotted what I thought was a replica at a car show. The owner set me straight with five words that changed everything: “This is the real deal.” What I learned about what kind of car Columbo drove—and why it was the smartest character choice in TV history—will make you rewatch every episode with new appreciation.
What Kind of Car Did Columbo Drive? (The Short Answer)
The iconic ride was a 1959 Peugeot 403 Cabriolet, though you’d be forgiven for thinking it was a junkyard special. Here’s why this car was pure genius:
Only 504 were ever made – Ultra-rare even when new
Artfully distressed to look like a junker (it wasn’t)
French luxury disguised as American beater
“We wanted something that would make people go, ‘Wait…what?’ just like Columbo himself.”
— Production designer, Columbo
The Car Almost Wasn’t a Peugeot (Behind-the-Scenes Drama)
The Original Contenders
The producers tested dozens of cars before finding “the one”:
- Volkswagen Beetle (too comedic)
- Chevy Impala (too American)
- Mercedes 190SL (too rich for a detective)
The Parking Lot Miracle
The breakthrough came when assistant director Robert F. O’Neill spotted a forgotten Peugeot 403 in the Universal Studios lot. The moment they saw it:
- The sagging convertible top screamed “overworked public servant”
- The French curves whispered “hidden sophistication”
- That distinctive front grille became as recognizable as Columbo’s cigar
They bought it on the spot for $3,000 (about $22,000 today). Little did they know they’d just created television history.
Why This Was the Perfect Columbo Car
Psychological Warfare on Wheels
That seemingly pathetic Peugeot was Columbo’s secret weapon:
- Made suspects underestimate him
- Disarmed arrogant killers with its “harmless” appearance
- Became a visual extension of his “just one more thing” tactic
A Masterclass in Contrast
The genius details:
| Feature | Reality | Illusion |
| Make | French luxury | American junk |
| Condition | Mint (artfully aged) | Ready for scrap |
| Value | $3,000 in 1971 | Looked worthless |
Fun Fact: The car received its own fan mail addressed to “Columbo’s Peugeot, Universal Studios”
Where Are Columbo’s Cars Now?
Three Peugeots were used during filming. Their fates:
- The Hero Car
- Now displayed at the Peterson Automotive Museum
- Still bears fake rust and “damage” from the show
- The Stunt Double
- Last sold at auction for $189,000
- Current owner unknown
- The Missing One
- Rumor says it’s in a French collector’s garage
- No sightings confirmed since 1999
Could You Buy One Today? (A Collector’s Quest)
I tracked down Jean-Luc, a Parisian Peugeot specialist, who told me:
- “Maybe five exist in drivable condition worldwide”
- “The last one sold privately went for €210,000”
- “Americans call me monthly asking about the Columbo car”
Your best bets:
- Specialty auctions (Bonhams, RM Sotheby’s)
- French barn finds (yes, really)
- Painstaking restorations (starting from $75k)
Final Verdict: Why This Car Still Matters
That Peugeot wasn’t just transportation—it was:
- A character that outlasted the series
- A design masterpiece in deceptive packaging
- Hollywood magic at its finest
As Jean-Luc told me: “In France, we forget Peugeot made this. In America, nobody forgets Columbo drove it.”
FAQs
Did Peter Falk drive his own car in Columbo?
No—the Peugeots were studio property. Falk’s personal car was a Chrysler New Yorker, about as far from Columbo’s ride as you could get.
What kind of car did Columbo drive in real life for sale?
Authentic 1959 Peugeot 403 convertibles occasionally surface at European auctions, typically selling for $150,000-$250,000. Only about 20 are known to survive.
Who bought Columbo’s car?
One screen-used model resides at LA’s Peterson Museum. Another was last purchased by a Monaco-based collector in 2015 for €180,000. The third remains missing—possibly in a Beverly Hills garage.
