Decades before today’s diverse media landscape, there was a genre of American television in which vehicles outshined human actors. The most famous star cars have well-known names, like KITT - opens in new window or tab., the talking Pontiac Firebird from Knight Rider, and the high-flying General Lee - opens in new window or tab. Dodge Charger from The Dukes of Hazzard.
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But many other unique television vehicles deserve attention and preservation. For example, the whiz-bang tractor-trailer from the 1987 TV series The Highwayman was recently for sale on eBay in North Hollywood, Calif.
The Highwayman truck’s bizarre ultra-low cab separates into a futuristic sports car, while the trailer neck extends over the cab’s top rather than behind it.
While the seller says the TV truck used a 1982 Peterbilt - opens in new window or tab. as its foundation, its design was inspired by a German concept truck called the Steinwinter Supercargo - opens in new window or tab.. A battering ram front bumper and Ferrari Testarossa - opens in new window or tab.-esque side strakes add to the dystopian look.
The Decade for Wild TV Cars
According to the seller, The Highwayman truck cost $500,000 to build in 1982. That’s a whopping $1.5 million in today’s dollars. In December 2022, the Peterbilt was offered locally in Los Angeles for $65,000.
The truck’s new Detroit Diesel engine - opens in new window or tab., capable of 700 horsepower, has clocked only 5,000 miles. The seller reports $5,000 of improvements, including recently installed batteries, hoses, and filters. The body needs work. The seller offers a list of ideas for transforming the truck into a car carrier, mobile home, or modern television vehicle.
The Highwayman lasted only nine episodes before it was canceled in May 1988. However, the truck made a comeback in 2001’s Power Rangers Time Force.
The truck from - opens in new window or tab.The Highwayman - opens in new window or tab. belongs in a pantheon of other nearly forgotten celebrity vehicles from 1980s television, including:
- A Bell 222 helicopter from Airwolf
Tell us about your favorite television vehicle in the comments below.
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This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.