If you're looking for a show that will make you laugh, then The Beverly Hillbillies has got you covered. Featuring a Missouri family that moves to sunny California after an unexpected event that leaves them wealthy, The Beverly Hillbillies is a stellar example of comedy.
Another element that makes The Beverly Hillbillies enjoyable is the appearance of a 1921 Oldsmobile Model 46. This antiquated, classic car will delight those who love cars from a bygone era, as this Oldsmobile is frequently featured on the show. The plot, dialogue, and character development of the show are enticing, and this car is another great bonus.
We're examining how this show was created with the Oldsmobile in mind, why this car's engine is outstanding, and what happened to this car after the show's final season.
Its Critical Role in the Movie
The Beverly Hillbillies was a CBS show that premiered in 1962 and ended in 1971. It depicted a family originally from the Ozarks region in Missouri. Jed Clampett lives with his daughter and mother-in-law. While hunting near a swamp that is close to their family home, Jed discovers oil. The OK Oil Company surveys the land, and Jed is rewarded $25 million from this company after he authorizes them to start drilling.
Pearl Bodine, Jed's cousin, encourages him to move to California. Jed is now the owner of an elegant Beverly Hills mansion, much to the chagrin of his new neighbors: Millburn Drysdale, Jed's banker, and his wife Margaret. Jed's minimalistic and simple lifestyle clashes with the lavish and snobby attitude of his neighbors, contributing to many funny moments on this show. The difference between the mindset of Jed and Millburn makes this show compelling. The Beverly Hillbillies joins our never-ending watch list.
Despite living an opulent lifestyle in Beverly Hills, Jed rebuffed the idea of getting rid of the Oldsmobile and was against getting a new car. It was apparent that Jed took pride in this classic and that this unwavering car earned his trust. It's no secret that other Oldsmobile cars, not just the Model 46, have an incredible legacy and are admired. We didn't expect anything less from the manufacturer that was responsible for the soaring popularity of the muscle car.
To say that this show was successful is an understatement: It was one of the most-watched shows on television and was nominated for seven Emmy Awards. Comics, a film, and a game based on this show were later developed.
Five Oldsmobile trucks appeared in The Beverly Hillbillies, and they took up a tremendous amount of screen time. It was evident that Jed and the Oldsmobile were a formidable pair, as it was even hauled to England when the cast filmed several episodes that followed Jed's exploration of this European country.
Crew member George Barris was responsible for acquiring the cars. In an October 2016 article, Rod Authority reported that, "Barris was tapped to create a vehicle suitable for a hillbilly family, and set out to find something that would render it as both practical and nostalgic. His answer came in the form of a 1921 Olds he found behind a feed store in Fontana, California. And, although the previous owners had not kept it pristine, that was just fine with Barris, who intended to leave the weathered and rusted patina, and missing back end, just the way it was."
Engine Performance and Exterior
Starting at $1,735, the 1921 Oldsmobile Model 46 had a 246 cubic-inch V8 engine. This was particularly impressive, as Oldsmobile was one of the first manufacturers to offer a robust V8 engine. Concept Carz stated that, "Their V8 was introduced in August of 1915 on the Model 44. V8 engines would continue to be available on Oldsmobile cars through 1923. A second V8 engine with a slightly smaller displacement became available in 1921 and was offered in the Model 47."
This car further had a lengthy front and large wheels. Dual chrome rollbars bolstered safety in the event of a car crash and fender flares served as a buffer for the huge wheels. The fender flares also gave the Oldsmobile a more powerful, assertive look.
Interior
The 1921 Oldsmobile 46 took on several forms: Owners could either purchase a four-passenger open car, a seven-passenger open car, or a five-passenger sedan. There were buggy-style seats and the wheelbase was 122 inches.
The interior remained relatively unchanged with each passing year.
What Happened to the Oldsmobile After Production Ended
One of the trucks had a worthwhile run. The Ralph Foster Museum, informally known as the Smithsonian of the Ozarks and located on the College of the Ozarks campus, temporarily displayed one of the Oldsmobile trucks. This had a special backstory, as the Beverly Hillbillies producer Paul Henning gave the car to the museum because the institution was celebrating its 200th anniversary. The region had emotional significance to Henning, as he was raised in the Ozarks. The four remaining trucks suffered the same fate: They were all destroyed.
Overall, the classic 1921 Oldsmobile Model 46 was a testament to reliability. Jed was nothing without the Oldsmobile, and this was a credible car that he could rely on. For those dreaming about owning an Oldsmobile car, there's a long list of great models that you can buy now.