The car’s the star!

These cars weren’t just props. They helped define characters, shape storylines and lodge themselves in our memories. Whether futuristic, heroic or hilariously ordinary, TV star cars prove that sometimes four wheels can steal the spotlight just as easily as the actors behind them.

1. KITT – Knight Rider

No TV car list feels complete without KITT. The sleek black Pontiac Trans Am from Knight Rider was way ahead of its time, complete with artificial intelligence, turbo boost and that iconic red scanner light. To many viewers, KITT wasn’t just a car, he was Michael Knight’s partner. The show made every school run feel like a covert mission and turned a generation into dashboard dreamers.

2. The Batmobile – Batman (TV series)

The Batmobile has appeared in many forms over the years, but the 1960s TV version remains a fan favourite. Based on a Lincoln Futura concept car, it was packed with gadgets, fins and flair that perfectly matched the colourful style of the series. Even today, the Batmobile is shorthand for superhero cool and proof that no crime fighter should ever travel by bus.

3. The General Lee – The Dukes of Hazzard

Bright orange, roaring engine, and a habit of flying through the air, the General Lee was impossible to ignore. The Dodge Charger became the breakout star of The Dukes of Hazzard, known for its jumps, chases and rebellious attitude. Love it or loathe it, this car left tyre marks all over TV history and remains one of the most talked about vehicles ever seen on the small screen.

4. Starsky & Hutch’s Ford Gran Torino

Red with a bold white stripe, the Gran Torino from Starsky & Hutch looked fast even when parked. It perfectly suited the gritty yet stylish tone of 1970s TV crime drama and helped define the look of the era. This car turned routine police work into something effortlessly cool and is still a favourite among classic car fans.

5. Mr Bean’s Mini – Mr Bean

Simple, small and endlessly unlucky, Mr Bean’s lime green Mini with its black bonnet is one of the most recognisable cars in British television. It didn’t rely on speed or gadgets, just perfect comic timing and creative chaos. The Mini became a silent partner in Mr Bean’s mishaps and helped cement the show’s worldwide appeal.