What was the cop car used in Adam-12?

Answer 1

Several year makes and models were used on the show Adam-12. The pilot episode used an actual 1967 LAPD Plymouth Belvedere. The first regular episode used a consumer 1968 Plymouth Belvedere. Jack Webb had LAPD supply the props department with equipment so that the cars looked authentic. You can notice the white painted trunk & engine compartment areas, which are black in real police cars. LAPD purchased black cars that were painted white with the chrome strip dividing the color below the rear window. The 1968 and 1969 studio cars were white painted black with no chrome below the rear window. Also note the cars did not have the 'police package' heavy-duty springs so they would sag in the back. The producers were smart not to use the Mercury Montego in 1970. The department was sorry that they purchased these cars due to the inferior performance. By 1971 Jack Webb had convinced LAPD to allow them to purchase a Plymouth Satellite, Chrysler had dropped the Belvedere name in '71, the first year you will see the roof numbers. Air support was just becoming an important tool for law enforcement. The last car used was the iconic 1972 AMC Matador. Cops loved the Matador because it had performance close to the '69 Belvedere but had Power Steering! Some of the Matadors were later used on other Universal productions like Columbo. I do not know of any 'ADAM-12' cars still in existence. I have re-created one of the '69 Plymouth Belvedere cars and take it to local car shows and charity events. It has been the most fun. Many retired and current LAPD officers have been delighted to see the car because of the fond memories of watching Malloy & Reed on TV.

Answer 2

Ford

Answer 3

Ford