A 1951 Cadillac Funeral Coach became the object of affection for gawky teenager, Gidget, who deemed it the classiest surf wagon on the beach. The television series ran from 1965-’66. Photos from IMCDB.

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.

21. Gidget: 1951 Cadillac Funeral Coach

“Wait ‘til you see my Gidget!”

That friends, was part of the familiar theme song to television’s 1965-’66 series, “Gidget.” America, and the world, fell in love with actress Sally Field on the show (after it ended, she went on to star on TV as “The Flying Nun”) and her portrayal of the sweet, zany, surf-loving, boy-crazy California teenager Frances “Gidget” Lawrence. And, although it aired for only one year, it propelled Field, and the series into legitimate success.

With a passion for surfing, and a penchant for getting herself into (mostly) harmless young trouble in each episode, Gidget innocently does what she thinks is the right thing. Take, for example, episode six, titled “A Hearse, A Hearse, My Kingdom For A Hearse!” Tired of depending on others for a lift to the beach, or anywhere else for that matter, she exerts her independence, vowing to find a set of wheels of her own — even though she doesn’t have a driver’s license yet. Hey, a gal needs to plan ahead!

Storming off the beach in after an argument with boyfriend Moondoggie, Gidget comes across a green and pink surf wagon belonging to fellow beach bum, character King Mannix. She learns the car, a 1951 Cadillac Funeral Coach with only 99,000 miles on it, is for sale for $300. With a little more than $6 in her pocket, she hands it over as a down payment with the promise of regular payments, and proclaims it the classiest wagon at the beach.

Daddy Russ (Don Porter) is not amused at her layaway plan for the surf wagon, and like any father, lectures her on the responsibilities and maintenance of owning an old car. But “the Gidge” isn’t having any of it, and enrolls in auto shop classes at school so she can learn to make repairs herself. As one can imagine, working on the hearse does not prove to be Gidget’s strong suit.