TV shows over the years have showcased a wide range of cars. Who can forget that sweet Ferrari 308GTS in the eighties' hit Magnum P.I.? Or what about the 1921 Oldsmobile in the Beverley Hillbillies? Or how about the 1969 Dodge Charger on The Dukes of Hazzard? Not forgetting that 1986 Ferrari Testarossa from Miami Vice.
There is one sitcom where the cars can sometimes be forgotten. Yes, it was the show about nothing. Seinfeld! So many cars made their guest appearance on that sitcom which lasted nine seasons (1989-1998). Who can forget Jerry's smelly car? Or what about the car George thought was previously owned by John Voight? Let's take a look at some of those cars that often became an integral part of the show's comedy.
8 The Wig Master - 1976 Cadillac Eldorado
Who can forget Kramer strutting up the street with the Wig Master's technicolor dream coat, snatching a hat from the ground that blew into his direction, holding that silver-handled walking stick, ready to pick up that pink 1976 Cadillac Eldorado? Then to think that the word 'Eldorado' derived from the Spanish to mean 'Golden One', connected to the mythical 'El Dorado', the allure of the explorers.
The 1976 Cadillac Eldorado was one of the 9th gen models, produced from 1971-1978. The '75 model featured rectangular headlamps. While the '76 model sported an updated grill, even including a Cadillac script on the hood. It was promoted as "the last American convertible," with 14,000 being sold.
7 The Mom & Pop Store - Chrysler LeBaron
Who can forget George's LeBaron? Purchased because he thought the previous owner was the legendary John Voight. Then that moment when Jerry asked, "Did you get the Volvo?" George replies, "No, I decided to go with an '89 LeBaron." Of course, George's LeBaron was in fact not an '89 model but a 1983 Town and Country convertible.
The LeBaron had a long history, starting back in the 1920s and 1930s. Competing in the thirties against the likes of Cadillac and Lincoln, they offered luxury and sophistication. In 1953, Chrysler, along with its parent Briggs Manufacturing Company, bought the brand. The Town and Country model, produced from 1983 to 1986, was the 2nd generation LeBaron. Its signature feature was the woodgrain trim (not real wood!). Of course, the Town and Country name goes back to the station wagons of the forties.
6 The Parking Space - 1969 Buick LeSabre
It was that argument over a parking space. George backs into the space while Mike drives in front first, ending up in a stalemate. But what about Mike's 1969 Buick LeSabre?
1959 marked the 1st generation of the LeSabre, with its square chrome grille and slanted taillights. The 1960 model saw a transformation, with its concave grill and its “Mirromatic” speedometer. Mike's '69 LeSabre was part of the 3rd gen models (1965-1970). 1965 saw a restyling of the LeSabre, adopting a more "coke bottle" style.
5 “The Dealership” - Saab 900 NG
Who can forget the episode when Jerry wants to buy a Saab 900 NG convertible? When he visits David Puddy, played by Patrick Warburton, who incidentally stars in Rule of Engagement, then it soon turns into chaos.
The Saab 900 certainly proved its worth over its lifetime (1978-1994). Not only was it built to last, but it was comfortable to drive. The 900 NG or New Generation models were produced from 1994 to 1998, one of the designers being Björn Enval who worked on the 9000 model. The 900 NG never received the same adulation as its predecessor. Interestingly, Jerry's Saab is not the same model in every episode.
4 The Smelly Car - BMW 5 Series
It was the episode where the smell was so bad that Elaine was forced to go to a hair salon, where Jerry's BMW was washed, detailed, and 'de-ionized,' ultimately proving futile. Jerry assumed it was the valet.
But there one thing for certain. The 1993 BMW 525i was like the innocent pedestrian, caught up in one 'smelly' saga. This model was a popular sports sedan, with owners praising its great performance and reliability, not to mention its looks.
3 The Cadillac - Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham
It was the present that caused a stir. That Cadillac Fleetwood that Jerry gave his father. His father Morty loved it. His mother Helen replied, "I'm not letting him buy us a Cadillac. He hasn't got that kind of money."
Cadillac produced the Fleetwood from 1976 to 1996. In the mid-nineties, the Fleetwood got a facelift. Spacious, elegant, and regal - the perfect image for Morty who has a reputation to keep. It was powered by a 5.7-liter V8 engine, delivering 260 horsepower. Yes, the perfect present!
2 The Fusilli Jerry - 1973 Chevrolet Impala
There are so many weird and wonderful personalized nameplates. But one of the most known ones was "Assman", made famous by Kramer and the 1973 Chevrolet Impala.
The 1973 Chevrolet Impala was part of the 5th generation models (1971-1976). The 1971 Impala was the largest vehicle manufactured by Chevrolet. The '73 Impala delivered 145 horsepower, with its Turbo-Fire V8 engine. Due to the 1973 oil crisis, sales dropped off and Chevrolet felt the pinch.
1 The Little Kicks - 1967 Pontiac GTO
What do you do when you want to maintain the image of the 'bad boy'? Of course, you rock up in a 1967 Pontiac GTO. Well, that's what George Costanza did. Unfortunately, he said that it was his father's '68 GTO, when in fact, it was a '67 GTO.
The 1967 Pontiac GTO delivered 335 horsepower with its base 400 cubic-inch V8 engine and a 4-speed transmission. And let's be honest, this '67 muscle car certainly has that 'bad boy' look. But Seinfeld has not been the only time the '67 GTO has featured on screen. Check out Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle (2003) or even Faster (2010).