We are counting down the Top 50 hot rods and street cars of all time that have made an appearance in a television series, or a memorable television episode. Starting from #50, and counting down to our #1 pick, follow along with our memories, and see where your favorite show lands.
38. Peyton Place: 1964 Plymouth Sport Fury Convertible
In 1964, the American Broadcasting Channel (ABC) gave birth to the prime-time soap opera series, Peyton Place, a small New England town founded by the Peyton family.
Packed chock full of drama, seduction, divorce, adulteration, murder, love, passion, insanity, and scandal in a complicated web it pulled in viewers over 514 episodes, some airing three nights each week, through 1969.
Starring a teenage Mia Farrow and handsome young actor Ryan O’Neal, it was the grandfather of primetime soaps that followed in its footsteps, including such era-defining series as Dallas, Dynasty, Melrose Place, and Knots Landing to name a few. The show saw a healthy rotation of celebrity guest stars as well, bolstering viewership.
The series also featured many cars during its run, including several years of Dodge and Plymouth, with makes that included Belvedere, Coronet, Dart, Fury, Polara, Savoy, and even a Sport Suburban. For this spot on our countdown, we chose to highlight the 1964 Plymouth Sport Fury Convertible driven by Rodney.
Forming a love triangle are three: Allison MacKenzie (Farrow) as a quiet, fragile, and intelligent daughter of Constance who becomes romantically involved with Rodney Harrington (O’Neal), the eldest son of the Harrington family. Though they become involved many times, their relationship falters due to the constant meddling by Rodney’s former girlfriend and bad girl, Betty Anderson (Barbara Parkins).
This year also marks the 60th anniversary of Grace Metalious’ novel by the same name, “Peyton Place.”