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 No. 50, and counting down to our No. 1 pick, follow along with our memories, and see where your favorite show lands.

45. Riptide: 1946 DeSoto Custom Suburban

On the ebb and flow of what was mid-’80s television, “Riptide” had familiar tones of popular private detective programming that was a hit with viewers, albeit short-lived. It aired from 1984 to 1986, and at its demise, was in direct competition with the new series “Moonlighting” with Cybil Shepard and newcomer Bruce Willis. In the automotive department, however, its star cars were a treat on land, air, and sea.

In the action-adventure, three main characters worked as California PI’s (the show was filmed in and around Redondo Beach), with two piloting their own classics. Cody Allen (played by Perry King) had a boat named Riptide while Nick Ryder’s (Joe Penny) owned several through the life of the series – a Sikorsky S-58T helicopter named the Screaming Mimi, a red 1960 C1 Corvette, and an orange Ford Woodie wagon.

Perhaps because the ‘Vette and Woodie were regulars on the series, we took notice when the 1946 DeSoto Custom Suburban stood out in season two, episode 20. With the exception of a few other major television series, such as “Happy Days,” there were not many DeSoto’s featured on the boob tube. For this reason, it earns a place on our list as a most unusual suspect.

DeSoto’s History, Style, And Birth Of The Suburban

The DeSoto brand was marketed by the Chrysler Corporation from 1928 through its 1961 model year. With more than two million vehicles built in this span, it was dropped as a marque in late November 1960, ceasing production.

Photo from flickr

DeSoto contributed its fair share of support for WWII, manufacturing parts for firearms, parts for various military vehicles, and bodies for bombers. With the end of the war, its production line was once again fired up in 1946. New styling meant updated hoods, front and rear fenders, relocated and larger parking lights, exposed headlights, and a bumper that wrapped around the front. All models were complemented DeSoto’s signature grille with vertical teeth, which would remain a signature feature through 1955.

The nine-passenger DeSoto Suburban was new to the brand in 1946, and at just under $2,100 was the most expensive in its overall lineup. It included upgraded configuration that allowed for a fold-down rear seat without the barrier of a partition between the trunk and row seating, and a roof rack for added storage. Inside, the appointments were elegant with interior panels crafted of polished wood and chrome, and seats upholstered in Delon, a heavy plastic that would stand up to long-time use.