The echoes of sirens and the sight of gleaming chrome are enough to transport many back to the golden age of television, and few shows embody this era quite like “Highway Patrol.” Starring Broderick Crawford as Chief Dan Mathews, this action-packed crime drama, which aired from 1955 to 1959, remains a beloved classic. Fans tuning in today on channels like RTV not only enjoy the compelling storylines but also get a fascinating glimpse into the automotive landscape of the mid-1950s. One question often arises for modern viewers: why did the program “Highway Patrol” drive different make cars? Unlike many shows that prominently featured vehicles from a single manufacturer, “Highway Patrol” showcased a diverse array of automobiles, sparking curiosity about the reasons behind this vehicular variety.
To understand why “Highway Patrol” featured different car makes, it’s important to first appreciate the show’s production context. In the early days of television, product placement and sponsorship deals were still evolving. While some programs, like “Superman” with its Nash cars, readily embraced exclusive partnerships, “Highway Patrol” took a different route. As a gritty, realistic portrayal of law enforcement, the show aimed for authenticity, and this extended to its choice of vehicles.
Initially, “Highway Patrol” did utilize actual California Highway Patrol (CHP) vehicles, most notably the 1955 Buick Century. These Buicks became somewhat iconic in the early episodes, driven by Chief Dan Mathews and his officers.
However, this arrangement was not long-lasting. The CHP eventually ceased providing vehicles for the show. This decision, rather than hindering production, inadvertently contributed to the show’s distinctive automotive character. Forced to source their own vehicles, the producers of “Highway Patrol” began building their own patrol cars in the CHP style. This provided them with the flexibility to use different makes and models, mirroring the reality of police fleets across the country, which often included vehicles from various manufacturers.
This shift meant that “Highway Patrol” episodes showcased not only Buicks but also Mercurys, Dodges, and even Plymouths, as highlighted in a publicity photo featuring a 1955 Plymouth Belvedere seemingly driven by a “bad guy.”
This diversity in car makes became a hallmark of the show. Unlike fictional narratives heavily reliant on product placement, “Highway Patrol” inadvertently presented a more realistic depiction of the automotive world. The absence of a single car manufacturer sponsorship allowed the show to feature a broader spectrum of American automobiles prevalent in the 1950s. This not only enhanced the show’s authenticity but also provided viewers with a weekly showcase of the era’s popular car models.
In conclusion, the reason why “Highway Patrol” drove different make cars boils down to a combination of factors. Initially using actual CHP Buicks, the show transitioned to building its own fleet when official vehicles became unavailable. This necessity became a virtue, allowing “Highway Patrol” to feature a variety of car brands, reflecting a more realistic, unsponsored portrayal of law enforcement vehicles and inadvertently creating a richer tapestry of mid-century American automotive culture for its audience. This diverse automotive cast is just one of the many reasons “Highway Patrol” continues to captivate viewers and remains a treasured piece of television history.
