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.
25. Leave It To Beaver: 1953 Chevrolet 210
Airing in January 1963, episode sixteen of season six’s “Leave It To Beaver,” aired “Wally Buys A Car.” His first car, the wide-eyed innocent Wally, played by actor Tony Dow, has his sights set on a clunker. Knowing nothing about cars, and trusting his friend is selling above board, Wally jumps at the chance to blow his $180 in savings.
Not so fast, buddy boy! Old dad Ward Cleaver (Hugh Beaumont) has a few questions about the jalopy. Turns out, he was right, and no deal was struck. Instead, Mr. Cleaver takes Wally around to a few used car lots and teaches him a few things about trusting super slick used car guys trying to pull the wool over your eyes, and pointing out the Honest Abe’s that one can trust.
They agree that Wally must defer to his dad on the final decision of a purchase, and in exchange, Ward and his wife, June Cleaver (Janine Turner), will help with insurance costs. In the end, the men settle on a used Chevy 210 convertible that doesn’t look like a shiny new penny on the exterior, but is deemed safe to drive by dad, and doesn’t break the bank!