Where is the Original Mayberry Police Car?
Mayberry, the fictional town in North Carolina, has become a cultural phenomenon thanks to the popular TV show "The Andy Griffith Show" (1957-1968) and its spin-off "Mayberry R.F.D." (1968-1971). The show’s iconic protagonist, Sheriff Andy Taylor, and his trusty sidekick, Deputy Barney Fife, patrolled the streets in a 1962 Plymouth Belvedere, affectionately known as the Mayberry Police Car. So, where is this original police car today?
The Original Mayberry Police Car: A Brief History
The 1962 Plymouth Belvedere was chosen for the show because of its classic design and durability. The car was customized with a red and white paint job, a siren, and a light bar on the roof. During the show’s eight-year run, the car became an integral part of the Mayberry experience, symbolizing law and order in the fictional town.
The Search for the Original Car
After the show ended, the original Mayberry Police Car was sold and passed from owner to owner. It changed hands several times, and its whereabouts became shrouded in mystery. In the 1980s, a group of enthusiasts formed the Mayberry Car Club, dedicated to preserving the car’s history and tracking down its current location.
Where is the Original Mayberry Police Car Today?
After years of searching, the Mayberry Car Club finally located the original 1962 Plymouth Belvedere in Culver City, California. In 1995, the car was purchased by a private collector, who had been keeping it in storage for over 20 years. The Mayberry Car Club and the Andy Griffith Museum worked together to recover the car and return it to Mayberry, North Carolina.
The Restoration Process
In 2013, the original Mayberry Police Car was fully restored to its original condition, thanks to the efforts of the Andy Griffith Museum and a team of skilled craftsmen. The restoration process took over two years and involved meticulous attention to detail, including repainting the car in its iconic red and white colors and replacing its original interior.
Today’s Location
The original Mayberry Police Car is now on display at the Andy Griffith Museum in Mount Airy, North Carolina, the real-life inspiration for Mayberry. The museum is dedicated to preserving the history of Andy Griffith and "The Andy Griffith Show." Visitors can see the car up close and take part in a guided tour of the museum.
Fun Facts
Here are some interesting facts about the original Mayberry Police Car:
- The car was driven by actor Howard McNear, who played the role of Floyd Lawson, the local barber, during the show’s run.
- The car’s original price was around $2,700, which is equivalent to approximately $23,000 today.
- The car was equipped with a 12-volt electrical system, which was a novelty at the time.
- The car’s siren was actually a real siren that was used by the Los Angeles Police Department.
- The car has been featured in several TV shows and movies, including the TV series "The Dukes of Hazzard" and the movie "The Blues Brothers."
Conclusion
The original Mayberry Police Car is an iconic symbol of American television history, and its whereabouts have been a mystery for decades. After years of searching, the car was finally located and restored to its original condition. Today, it is on display at the Andy Griffith Museum in Mount Airy, North Carolina, where it continues to delight fans of the show and serve as a reminder of the joy and nostalgia that "The Andy Griffith Show" brings to audiences around the world.
Table: Key Dates in the History of the Original Mayberry Police Car
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1962 | The original Mayberry Police Car, a 1962 Plymouth Belvedere, is chosen for the show |
| 1980s | The Mayberry Car Club is formed to track down the car’s whereabouts |
| 1995 | The car is purchased by a private collector and stored for over 20 years |
| 2013 | The car is fully restored to its original condition |
| 2013 | The car is returned to the Andy Griffith Museum in Mount Airy, North Carolina |
Bullets List: Interesting Facts About the Original Mayberry Police Car
• The car was driven by actor Howard McNear, who played the role of Floyd Lawson, the local barber, during the show’s run.
• The car’s original price was around $2,700, which is equivalent to approximately $23,000 today.
• The car was equipped with a 12-volt electrical system, which was a novelty at the time.
• The car’s siren was actually a real siren used by the Los Angeles Police Department.
• The car has been featured in several TV shows and movies, including the TV series "The Dukes of Hazzard" and the movie "The Blues Brothers."
