What Happened To the "I Love Lucy" Car??--Pontiac Convertible & What is it worth??

[@gcfifthgear]

There were actually five Pontiac convertibles involved: The one we're looking for here, the one that was used for the process shots, and three others that went to the series' writers: Bob Carroll, Bob Schiller, and Madelyn Pugh...incidentally, Pontiac referred to the two-tone finish as "Vogue" two-toning...and one more thing: The car sold at auction had the standard Star Chief wheel covers. The "I Love Lucy" car had the optional wire wheel covers which were used by several makes in the 1950s...my dad had a '55 Star Chief sedan with those wheel covers, which he transferred from one car to another through 1982 (the last car was a '71 Grand Safari station wagon)...

[@captain7265]

Update: I found the VIN on the Barrett Jackson website. It was K855H19445. The best I can tell, this is what it tells us. K= KansasCity plant. 9= chieftain convertible. 55 = model year. H= hydromatic transmission. 194= production ( this was an early model probably provided by Pontiac for promotion) and.....drum roll..... 9= Falcon Grey ( probably top) and 5= Avalon Yellow (probably bottom) . This research could have been done in 5 minutes by the owners. I think they thought that the new color scheme looked flashier. Anyway, hope this helps. Any correction is welcomed as I am not an expert, but just an enthusiast.

[@jodycarter9382]

The car sold at B-J is the TV-Land tribute car, and not the actual Lucy car. There were 5 cars used for those episodes. Now you can track down 1 or all of the 5.

[@QueenCityHistory]

The funny thing is they used a Pontiac and Ford became a huge sponsor of I Love Lucy and later in the last episode of I love Lucy, they actually own a Ford. I always loved the yellow Mercury they drove in The Long Long Trailer.

[@donaldcrabbe7404]

I liked the Mercury, better. That said, my fave car brands, ever? Mercury and, Pontiac. Seriously. Oh, well 🤔

[@williamoneal3947]

Are you sure it was a Mercury? I thought it was a Lincoln Capri. Mercury and Lincoln are almost identical in appearance.

[@danielulz1640]

@@williamoneal3947 for most of the scenes a Mercury was used. However for some of the Mountain Driving seems a Lincoln was necessary as the Mercury could not pull the trailer up the steep grades. If you look very closely you can detect the difference in some scenes.

[@larryfoster4455]

@@williamoneal3947 it was a Mercury that turned into a Lincoln Capri in the steep mountain scenes actually filmed at 10,000 feet, the MERCURY didn't have enough power, even the Lincoln was stressed. Look close in those scenes, especially the side view, chrome was painted over on the Lincoln to match the Merc

[@Porsche996driver]

Classic great movie just for fun ha.

[@mitch58100]

Loved the little place where they stopped to eat cheese sandwiches. Then they left in the Pontiac only to have Lucy drive in one big circle and end up back in the same place, lol!

[@paulbruno8327]

The cars ID plate would show the codes for the factory colors, options and build date.

[@lazyhomebody1356]

The FBI helping out here! Brilliant

[@briankruse3584]

That’s what I was thinking

[@MrThesper]

When I was 10 years old, my dad bought a 1955 Pontiac, but it wasn't a convertible. We had many fun years driving that car. Thanks for all the effort you put into this channel, Rick. It really pays off with some gems of information.

[@lazyhomebody1356]

Oh, the family car is a part of the family! White Oldsmobile, then a maroon Monte Carlo

[@shelbycat3843]

@@lazyhomebody1356 Mustard colored dodge duster from the 1970s here. Wasn't that Al Bundy's car, too?

[@lazyhomebody1356]

@@shelbycat3843 My bff's boyfriend had a gold Duster, so that's a car I know well!

[@EPShockley]

Always loved how the Pontiac dashboard “disappeared” when they were singing, “California, here we come!”, on the road! 😉😁 Thanks for all of the informative & fun videos, Rick!😁

[@markchandler90]

Also on the studio shot it’s quite obvious that the windshield was removed and a coating put on the car to reduce reflection from lighting equipment.

[@spiff8862]

Mark Chandler... Was aware of the window being removed (you can spot that as well on the Chryslers used in the Beverly Hillbillies), but I never thought about the glare from the paint. Thanks for the info.

[@anthonypirozzi837]

Even the vent windows are gone

[@spiff8862]

@@anthonypirozzi837 They did the same thing with the vent windows on Inger Steven's '59 Mercury on that episode of The Twlight Zone where she's traveling across country and continues to see that same hitch hiker.

[@racingmach1]

As I was watching this video I was wondering why the hub caps were painted. Then saw all the glass removed then realize why. Never noticed the headlights though

[@rsprockets7846]

I surmise they painted the whole car to reduce reflections and hot spots. Paint is too dull and wonder what color the car was originally??

[@andrewg.1481]

Loved when they sang "California Here We Come", in the Pontiac ! Great update. Thanks for sharing !

[@Greatdome99]

In in very formal dress, too: neckties, hats, overcoats, pearls, gloves (with the top down yet). For a dusty road trip???

[@stevedeleon8775]

Andrew..1950's..California Here We Come 2021..California Here We LEAVE!!

[@lenanicholas3486]

Hey Rick just wanted to say that I watch I love lucy every day on hulu and i also have the complete season as well I just wanted to ask if you can do more research on the ss constitution I heard it was a real ship and maybe compare the state rooms to the ones on the show that would be so Awsome

[@ricknineg]

The ship exterior was real. Closeups were all set pieces as were the indoors. Hollywood magic

[@lenanicholas3486]

@@ricknineg thank you so much for that information

[@yuvgotubekidding]

What I notice, not only in this show but many television shows that use actual cars in an episode, is how the glass is removed and the exterior paint is somehow dulled as to not reflect the studio lights.

[@Tmanaz480]

Same with their toaster and coffee percolator.

[@johnchildress6717]

You are correct. The car in Adam 12 had the windshield removed and was being towed during a lot of filming.

[@jaya.0069]

I thought it looked funny, now it makes sense!

[@bluefinster6209]

The cars were dusted so the lights wouldn't reflect. Same thing was done to the actors faces. It was called powdering.

[@PrincetonBrat]

I also noticed that the "over-the-hood" shot(s), like on the bridge, are not in the car itself, but a mockup of some form. First, you do not film close-ups while driving. Second, the angle of the shot cannot possibly work if there's a dashboard in the car, which would obscure a considerable portion of the bottom of the shot. Personally, my guess is that there were at least TWO Pontiacs involved, one with the glass removed and the paint dulled, and MAYBE a third one where they stripped the car and mounted it on a trailer for the over-the-hood shots. It would not be unusual, and would certainly be more appropriate to have a "stand-in" for the glassless shots. It would be very hard to keep the car in roadworthy condition if you were swapping glass in and out. Just saw Jody Carter's post below, and find myself vindicated!

[@billinglot4670]

That's "A" Pontiac Star Chief , not "The" Pontiac used in the show. It's a car that was part of a Nickelodeon giveaway that was a restored car they probably bought as it was which is why the colors are reversed. Likely there were at least 2 cars used. One for the on-set work and another for the second unit's location work.

[@OsbornTramain]

I agree, it's not the I love Lucy Car, it's the TV Land give away car which was to pay homage to I love Lucy, but it's not the car that was on the TV Show.

[@crazeenydriver]

I agree with you. You can clearly see each car has a different style of hubcaps. The I love Lucy car in the series had the wire spoke hubcaps but the one on the Barrett Jackson auction had the plain wheel covers.

[@swisscamperronniecool5419]

@@crazeenydriver they could have changed hubcaps...easy thing to do

[@markmurto]

@@swisscamperronniecool5419 not likely. People keep correct placements, and parts are rare. This was not the right car. The video is good click-bate.

[@starman2337]

So why did it sell for so much money? "A Pontiac Star Chief" would be worth 1/5 to 1/8 that price.

[@mls_words_of_wisdom]

I love the episode when they stop at the motel next to the train and both couples slide across the room when the train goes by! Tears in my eyes!

[@RobertPerrigoOkiechopper]

There were two cars, the one inside the studio did not have a windshield because of light glare, the second one for outside shots had a windshield. This was talked about in the '60s.

[@meanses20]

In addition to removing the windshield, they also taped over both the wire wheels and the chrome trim, ostensibly, so as to not create glare from the cameras. You can see this in some of the shots, for example, when they pull up to the service station. The shot that shows the windshield IN PLACE and the chrome trim and wire wheels uncovered, is when they arrive in Hollywood and the car is shown driving down the street.

[@meanses20]

Although you are correct in that there were at least two cars used for filming, Pontiac did furnish Desilu studios with more Srar Chief convertibles (there may have been a total of four.) Desi Arnaz offered them to the writers to drive- Pontiac took them back after about a year...

[@RobertPerrigoOkiechopper]

@@meanses20 They did the same to Andy's police car on the Andy Griffith show. They all looked to be painted flat black.

[@meanses20]

@@RobertPerrigoOkiechopper Yeah- the cameras back then were pretty crude, compared to the ones they use today!

[@scottw550]

I remember one episode when they all pulled up in the Pontiac to get gas and Fred said "Fill'er up with Ethel!"

[@michaelantone7465]

Don't know if you're old like me, but ethyl was a reference to "high test" fuel (we now call premium).

[@beaukat3]

I think you can find the original advertisement paperwork for the Pontiac from 1955 to see what colors combinations were available … Just a thought

[@lazyhomebody1356]

A good thought!

[@spiff8862]

I'm sure you could get the correct color scheme from one of the Pontiac Clubs in the country.

[@s.sestric9929]

Another poster said that it was robin's egg blue from what he read. That would be my guess, or it could be a pale green, with a darker blue or green on top.

[@fk4515]

Which may be where they went wrong, possibly Pontiac comped them some cars that were factory colors and they didn't work well in camera testing so they painted it a different color to make it work on camera, who ever restored it went back to factory. Other posts state that the car mentioned and featured here is not the original but one that surfaced as part of a Nick at night/TV land promotion and that gave it enough provenance to push it through BJ as the I love Lucy car. It is my understanding that in this era auto manufacturers supplied cars to production companies to be used in TV and movies. The production companies used them and turned them in when they were done. It was an advertising write of for the manufacturer and it paced their product on TV. Think about it, how many guys drove Firebirds because that's what Jim Rockford drove? Or why did during the Beverly Hillbillies did it seem like everyone drove Chrysler Corporation products?

[@melindawood323]

My favorite episode with the Pontiac, (and my most favorite episode of all period!), is where they have to pull over for the night at this ratchet place and get a cabin near the train tracks. I cannot handle it. Every time I watch it, I laugh at them bouncing around on those beds like it’s my first time seeing it. 😁❤️

[@politicallyincorrect869]

Oh man ! Rick i often wondered what happened to that Pontiac convertible. So glad you do such detailed investigation to find out. It's really too bad whoever restored the car didn't do their homework to keep the original 2 tone the way it was in the show. Great work my friend !

[@mikee2]

My friend Rick. You "ain't" "gonna" believe this. I just ran across this video about the Pontiac used in the Lucy series. Here we go. I'm 74 years old, so this dates me. My father owned Oxnard Auto Sales in the years 1949 thru 1961, when he retired. He was the Pontiac dealer in Southern California, not the only one but one of a few... He sold this car to the studio. I was very little at the time but I remember later my dad talking about it after he retired. My first car was a Pontiac 4 door Star Chief Supreme. I was in high school, 1963. Dad bought a new Pontiac tempest Le Mans and gave me the old "family" car. It was a 4 door so all my buddies could jump in....I remember on the show room floor he had a plaster statue of Chie Pontiac I used to admire. I do remember a Pontiac on the show room floor that didn't have a roof. I remember because I told my dad that it was missing the roof. I'm just wondering if that was the car. Obviously dad is long gone, but what memories he could have told. Ahhh, such is life.

[@paulk9985]

I found this in one of the first Lucy biographies, a 1976 book entitled, "Lucy & Ricky & Fred & Ethel: The Story of I Love Lucy." On page 116: "It was no idle choice that resulted in the use of a sparkling new 1955 Pontiac convertible in several I Love Lucy episodes. For the inherent promotional consideration, General Motors agreed to pay Desilu $50,000 cash to cover the added production costs of some exterior shooting involving the automobile. GM also tossed in five Pontiacs, three of which went to the series writers." ($50,000 in 1955 equates to about $495,000 in 2021.) Another interesting note on page 117: "Lucy's long-time friend Hedda Hopper also made a guest appearance that season in 'The Hedda Hopper Story.' Such bosom buddies were they that upon her death in 1966, Miss Hopper bequeathed her black-and-blue- Rolls-Royce to Lucille Ball." I seem to remember Ricky referred to her as Hedda Hooper. LOL

[@peace__777]

As a car enthusiast, I think this is my new favorite video of Rick's.

[@ricknineg]

Awesome! I have a few others on TV cars. Hogan’s Heroes and Gilligan’s Island. More to come

[@lazyhomebody1356]

His enthusiasm comes through doesn't it? I was expecting more car videos since Rick literally did his earlier videos sitting in a car!

[@sallyn2393]

Very cool! I think I spot the car from the movie Christine right next to it at the auction. Beautiful restoration.

[@krisgett]

My favorite episode with the Pontiac is First Stop. All the Aunt Sally signs, only to be closed when they get there and of course the horrible cafe and cabin.

[@lazyhomebody1356]

That is my favorite ILL episode of all time

[@scottkemp2747]

Her outfit changes when she gets out of the car then when she gets back in she had her outfit back on

[@lazyhomebody1356]

@@scottkemp2747 I actually noticed that! She has her coat on! That's seriously the only continuity error I've ever noticed- proud of myself,lol

[@yuvgotubekidding]

I knew Aunt Sally was spending too much money on advertising.

[@diamondtiara84]

And the cafe owner, serving those crummy cheese sandwiches, singing with that horrible voice and charging them an "entertainment tax"?

[@johngiltzow4764]

Love knowing where the old cars from TV ended up. A friend of mine has the blue Brady Bunch convertible from the original series. He has been parked in my driveway snoring in the back seat.

[@williamatchison6261]

I can remember this as a kid born in 1952. I always loved cars and this pontiac was fabulous.

[@lazyhomebody1356]

I've read a lot of books about Lucy and in one of them I read that the car was a very light Robin's egg blue. Oh wow, I never noticed the headlights are painted over opaque white! (In my defense I've only seen those episodes 100 times)

[@s.sestric9929]

If you look closely the whole car has a matte appearance to prevent glare, and they even took out the windshield for set filming. This is still done for television and movies and you'll notice it if you look for it.

[@JoeBravo75]

The trip to LA episodes were my favorites. It felt like they weren't really in the studio. I really liked it when they'd show Lucy hop out of the car to check something, or they'd show the actual car and the doubles in the second unit sequences.

[@ashleybarnes8374]

I 💙 the episode where Lucy learns to drive the Pontiac!

[@dansotelo228]

One of the major reasons my wife and I got along for over 24 years is we grew up in the 50s and she the 60s watching every possible show on TV. We could always compare any day-to-day situation with some TV quote or scene and make light of it. The funny thing is she was born in Korea, and Lucy and many other popular TV shows and cartoons also ran in Korea. Incredibly the family ending up in Hollywood California where she grew up to become a Cheerleader and a homecoming queen at Hollywood High. Both of us knew just about every scene on the Lucy show. Thanks for the memories. Dan

[@ernestoross]

1955 Pontiac became one of my favorite cars because of that series.

[@PaulTesta]

My favorite Pontiac episode HAS to be "Lucy Learns to Drive." I can just imagine the audience watching Lucy drive off with the antique Cadillac towing the Pontiac, and then arriving back with the Pontiac towing the Cadillac! That is pure comic genius! No dialogue was necessary! Just the visuals of the 2 cars and Lucy and Ethel's facial expressions! That is what makes a sit-com SO funny, so memorable. Thanks for a great video, Rick. This was a REALLY good one. Thanks for your time and research. As always, be hopeful, Paul+

[@ricknineg]

Much appreciated Paul!

[@joemackey1950]

Re: The first stop. A couple of years ago I was on vacation and stopped a decent motel. I found out after I had checked in there was a railroad behind the motel with trains coming and going most of the night. Though the bed never rolled across the floor I thought of this episode several times. :)

[@rivaridge7211]

My late Dad bought a 1955 Pontiac Chieftain, as a second hand car around 1966 - it was a 2 door hard-top (green on white). It was in excellent condition and I recall Dad saying it had very low mileage. I loved going for rides in that car (I was all of 11 or so). Later, when I began watching the "I Love Lucy" re-runs, I was excited to see "our car" in the "California, Here I Come" episodes. BTW, William Frawley does a great Al Jolson impression as he sang the above song (along with the rest of the crew). Cheers and thanks for the fond memory!

[@bejoyful]

Agree the Ricardo's Car became part of the Hollywood series; I imagined the car colours to be Robin Egg blue for the main section and darker blue on the upper sections; my favourite Car episode is the one Getting Ready when Fred makes the poor car look like a laundry wagon and actually thinks Ricky can drive it all the what to CA. My two most favourite seasons are 3 & 4 when Lucy Riccardo changes persona; more self-confident and glamourous.

[@robertphillips6296]

The Old Cadillac from the first Episode featuring the Pontiac is somewhere in Florida.

[@64098]

It may have been mentioned already, but SunStar Scale Models sells a 1:18 scale "I Love Lucy" '55 Pontiac in two tone blue, with all four stars sitting in it. Great video, thanks for posting it.

[@scratchbuiltreplicas824]

I have it.

[@timtmt522]

My favorite scene in that episode was in the cabin with the trains passing by.

[@janicechoiniere5990]

Remember Fred and Ethel’s bed with the huge SAG and she ends up having to take him to the bed?

[@lray1948]

Was that the one with Tennessee Ernie Ford as the hillbilly?

[@ricknineg]

No, that one comes right after the trains passing by episode

[@leah96]

My favorite I love Lucy episode is when they stay at the messed up hotel but when they decide to leave the Steering wheel to the Pontiac is gone 😂😂😂

[@althunder4269]

The car in the static shots doesn't have a windshield installed probably so there are no lighting reflections. The car should have been restored to what it was originally; why would they go to all that trouble to restore it and make it different colors?

[@danielulz1640]

Not the actual I Love Lucy car.

[@DarthJermz]

The in car shots, there is no Car, the car was a mock up.

[@markchandler90]

Hi Rick If you google or go on eBay you can find the actual colors used. I always thought the main color was off white but there is a choice very close to the colorized version which would have complemented Lucy’s hair.

[@ajkleipass]

There was a collectable model of the car with the four actors as figurines. The color scheme was a white body with teal upper, and matching two-tone interior.

[@laurenschultz9128]

Pontiac was a beautiful car in the I love lucy series. Loved it!

[@jliscorpio]

They originally wanted a blue Cadillac convertible. Fred brings home that relic of a blue Cadillac convertible. Then they end up with a blue Pontiac convertibe.

[@11sfr]

That one still exists, too - 1922 Cadillac V63 Touring Car, now apparently owned by a classic car rentals company, still in original/unrestored condition

[@johnjensen4502]

My dad had a Pontiac when i was a kid. Loved that car! Sadly its gone. :(

[@Roadglide911]

Nothing like an old Pontiac. This is one of my favorite shows. The Lucille Ball show was also one of the top of my list shows. Just like

[@visitandolosclasicos]

I loveee pontiacs from that era!!!

[@davehue9517]

My mom thought the scene was hilarious when Lucy went to drop off the Pontiac for repairs and on returning described to Ethel how another driver got reeeeallllly close while going downhill and she turned to give em a dirty look and ....no one was driving. The car she was towing had passed her by....lol

[@meanses20]

Rick- I recently read in one of my books about Lucille Ball and/or Desilu ( I cannot remember which one, but I I could look it up) that the Pontiac Division of General Motors offered the Star Chief convertible for the show and actually lent them three or four for the show. Desi Arnaz gave the "extra cars" to the show's writers for them to drive. I believe the cars were only "loaned" to Desilu for a year or so and had to be returned after the loan-out expired. I don't know what happened to any of the cars after the shows were filmed or how Ron Pratte came across the one used in the show, that was sold in Arizona in 2015.

[@Porsche996driver]

White Mist lower body. Turquoise Blue upper. According to 1955 Pontiac color chart for two-tone cars. I’m a car guy and I always ask the names of vintage car colors. They always evoke a mood with the name. That color combo must certainly be the colors of the Ricardo’s Pontiac! 👌🏼

[@Greatdome99]

"Lower Slobbovia" came from the comic strip "Li'l Abner" 1946.

[@donnadelaware6984]

Having a grandmother who lived in the Bronx NYC and I on the other side of the George Washington Bridge, I loved seeing them cross that bridge and think they actually traveled a road that I have too!!!!

[@lazyhomebody1356]

One of my biggest thrills was standing on a corner waiting for an Uber and realizing Harry Styles had stood on that same corner!

[@jons.6216]

Well, there's also another big difference between the original car and the restoration version and that's the new version having a WINDSHIELD and other glass on it!! Sorry to see that the original color wasn't retained because cars back in those days really had harmonious color schemes! I would wonder what the car's registration info would reveal? It is wonderful to see it's still around and well cared for - unlike the fate of the poor Partridge Family school bus!

[@falcon664]

The 1955 VIN does not have a color code. The registration would likely have the colors changed to ID the car as it currently is. You would need the original data plate that would show exterior color, interior trim, build date among other things.

[@JulieSmith-bh3sh]

I loved watching Lucy being taught by Ethel to drive the Pontiac. Great episode.

[@robertvalentin5846]

ok also you remember went those two did movie call long long trailers a 53 ford hauling that monster trailer lucy wanted to learn how to drive he didn't her wanted to drive but she did

[@williamoneal3947]

@@robertvalentin5846 I thought it was a Lincoln Capri.

[@jamesbusjahn6962]

You got it switched around, Lucy was attempting to teach Ethel to drive.

[@Bigbuddyandblue]

One of my favorites is when they’re all on a train and Ricky gets off the train to retrieve Lucy‘s purse and she stopped the train

[@pickled51]

I have always thought that Desilu had to have a few versions of that Pontiac. They had to have versions that could be wrecked and then the version shown while they were on location supposedly driving across the US. I recall that when Ethel drove the Pontiac into the back of the old Cadillac, the chrome driver's side headlight housing was supposed to have fallen off when the Pontiac hit the Caddy. But the headlight housing actually falls off seconds later after the collision. Which means some of the Pontiac wrecked parts were staged by the Desilu production technicians. Maybe with assistance from Pontiac technicians.

[@paulcarmichael596]

Man does this bring back memories from my childhood. My family’s favorite comedy. I guess I remember all the programs where they made their travels. I am glad that others are still around to remember them.Good Job.👍

[@terrypicker1]

The Lucy/Ricky Pontiac Star Chief convertible is an icon of those fantastic years of Golden T.V. The iconic family traveled across New Mexico & took lodging at a once very nice hotel in Gallup. NM. My wife & I traveled through Gallup & we ate at the same hotel restaurant in the 1990s. On the dining room wall there were photos of notable guests of years past. There were pictures which included images of the Lucy/Ricky, Pontiac Star Chief in Gallup, NM. I haven’t traveled that route in many years, so I don’t know if the photos are still there. My first car was a 55 Pontiac Chieftain. I absolutely loved that car. I had to leave it behind when I got drafted into he Armed forces

[@gayladenison5925]

"First Stop" is my favorite episode of I Love Lucy. The train going by and moving the bed across the room is hilarious.

[@luislaplume8261]

My late father's first car was a 1950 Pontiac Chieftain. He bought it in 1956 from the original owner in Woodside Queens, NYC. It lasted until 1964 when he bought a brand new Fiat.The Pontiac was lemon yellow below and dark green on the roof.

[@bdh70]

I read many years ago that Pontiac provided three cars for filming, and that when it was finished they were given to the series writers. It was considered to be a great advertisement for Pontiac.

[@5610winston]

There is a stamped steel plate in most cars detailing the factory options, including paint color. The restorer and owner would have had access to the precise color scheme.

[@roysmith9096]

My uncle (who is now deceased) drove a 55 Pontiac Chieftain back in the late 50s, and I thought it was the coolest looking car around. This brought back a lot of memories. Thanks, Rick!

[@andrewcolsen]

The station wagon of this car is the Chieftain. The coupes and sedan models are the Star Chief

[@roysmith9096]

@@andrewcolsen Thanks for the info! I stand corrected.

[@C-los159]

It’s good to see that the old Pontiac is still around, and in such beautiful condition! These episodes are easily one of my favorites in the entire series!

[@Greatdome99]

That Gun-metal metallic silver was certainly not around in the 1950s. Most cars were painted in non-metallic pastels, including pink, of course.

[@C-los159]

@@Greatdome99 Oh of course, it’s far from the original, but it’s nice to see that it’s still around, instead of in some junkyard.

[@danielulz1640]

@@Greatdome99 metallic paints were very popular in the mid-50s. Chevrolet shows metallic gunmetal gray and salmon pink enamel as the feature colors for the 1955 Bel Air Convertible. Even my daddy's 1952 Chevrolet Deluxe was dark green metallic.

[@zzzut]

Rick, I am sincerely impressed with your research. You should be a detective!

[@ricknineg]

😊

[@ravenpoe7093]

My mom had a blue two tone 56 Chevy hard top. It was like the blue colors in your swatch thing there the light blue and something between the other two blue colors for the other blue color. I love them loading up the car for the trip. The way Fred loaded it up making sure he left a peep hole for driving 😂 Tennessee is prob my second favorite. And of course when they arrive. My favorite part of the diner are those sandwiches the guy tosses at them and the cheese comes out 😆

[@Spike643]

OMG!! My favorite TV car of all times!!! I'm hopeful to win the 4th season. Thank you Rick nineg for this post.

[@nancyM1313]

All the stops they made were fun. I really liked when they went to Ethel's town and she was treated like a star. Thanks Rick9g🛣 PONTIAC

[@PaulTesta]

"My Hero" from the Chocolate Soldier.

[@ricknineg]

Hilarious seeing Fred walking behind with his grimace face holding the growing tree haha 😆

[@PaulTesta]

@@ricknineg "Ethel's Hometown" may very well be my favorite "ILL" episode.

[@lazyhomebody1356]

BUT it was really rotten of the others not to let Ethyl have her moment in the sun! She was always the fourth most important and the one the others picked on. Couldn't they have just been happy for her that she was so popular in her hometown?

[@PaulTesta]

@@lazyhomebody1356 Of course... ...but then, it wouldn't be funny.

[@falcon664]

I'm wondering how many cars were used in the shooting. It is very clear in these photos that the paint and chrome on the car has been dulled considerably for studio filming. The paint, bumpers, headlight surrounds, side trim, wheels are all dull, I'm sure due to the reflection of studio lights. The exterior shots have all paint and chrome as it should be, in addition to having the windshield and rear view mirror intact. In at least one view, the headlights have been painted white to look like they are illuminated, (1:37). Usually shows have duplicate cars for interior, exterior long shots, driving shots with cameras mounted on front, etc. The California Here I Come shots have no instrument panel. I did see a reference the GM supplied 5 cars, but haven't found confirmation. May be something published at the time...

[@brandbryce]

My grandma was famous for her black Pontiac--also a 1955. Her's was a 4 door sedan however. I used to drive her to church in it.

[@FrankiesFancy]

I actually saw the car when I was about 5 (1965) when my family and I drove down to Los Angeles to visit my aunt and uncle. There was a Hollywood parade of some kind and this car was in it. The color _is_ blue but not the same shade as in the colorized version. The lighter blue was sort of a light "sky" blue, with a bit of a greyish tint and the darker color was a "navy" blue. The convertible top matched the "navy" blue. My mom was in a fit when she saw it because she was a huge Lucy fan. Being 5, the guy in the parade with the dancing dogs was of more interest to me lol. In the episode where they talk about getting the car, I think they talk about the color of the car and it being blue in color. Watch the episodes leading up to the Hollywood trip where they're deciding on whether to take the train or buy a car and the episodes around that period. I'm sure it tells you.

[@toddbob55]

i love history like this especially when Items from TV still exist today

[@stevedeleon8775]

My dad had a 1955 Pontiac Sky Chief Wagon...that wagon was AWESOME!..

[@reghudson5444]

Glad to see that whoever restored it finally installed a windshield. LOL

[@michaeltaylor1603]

When the wreak to two cars. Hilarious scene! No "You stay here and tell that story, I'll drive the car!"

[@tinomacchia5410]

The man with Lucy at 3:25 is Aaron Spelling of Beverly Hills 90210 fame. And did everyone notice the car’s windshield was always removed for filming?

[@brettb8825]

I always noticed the windshield missing. I also notice they take off headrests in movie cars even when there is no one in the back seat.

[@friendofdorothy9376]

They also often remove the sun visors and rear view mirror.

[@spiff8862]

@@brettb8825 They also remove (not all the time) the rear view mirror and not wear their seat belts too. I think later, there were complaints about the actors not wearing seat belts, so the studios made more of a conscious effort to have the actors wear em.

[@ouroboris]

Except for the shots of the car on the road, it is clear that the windshield was removed for filming. And I had no idea the color intensities would change so much between color and black & white! Thanks for adding that little tidbit of information, it stopped me in my tracks and made me tilt my head like a confused dog. Keep up the good work, Mr 9G, you continue to amaze :D

[@ricknineg]

So glad you liked the color palette. Very fun to see it all pan out

[@justmythought1586]

Amazing you were able to find the Pontiac. Sometimes things are junked long time before someone asks where is it.

[@AlandrisFerguson]

Some of the funniest episodes came from the trip to California. From Fred pulling up in that old clunker to when they sleep in the back of the restaurant and train makes all the furniture move around.

[@randytim512]

Very glad to know the 55' Pontiac was saved and restored. Like you said they colored it in shades of gray as a nod to only being seen in B&W film. year: 1955 → make: Pontiac found 15 paint color chips. I think your right that the upper color was Blue and maybe the bottom was the light blue? Excellent video Rick!

[@fw1421]

Bein born in 1953, I love Lucy was on TV all the time as re-runs and later on as The Lucy Show. My family loved this show. What a great cast.❤️❤️❤️. Glad the car survived,beautiful restoration.👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@christianbrother4724]

The Pontiac is awesome. You are brilliant in trying to ascertain the color scheme through the black and white samples. I love classic cars. I have a 58 Ford Fairlane. It is the same car that Ford Motor Company recruited Lucille Ball and Desi Arnez to advertise in 58. I love your channel. The trip o California was always my favorite episode.

[@judithmitchell4667]

Fascinating video Rick. Thank you for hunting all this information down. Have a great day. Blessings-Judith 🎵🎭

[@daviddorward7684]

Great video! It is hard to believe that Pontiac as a automotive brand itself disappeared way back in April 2009!

[@donaldperez7981]

Many years ago,I saw an old faded home movie of Desi and Lucy while they were filming The Long Long Trailer. For a split sec., I thought the automobile was the one in this video; but it was not. If I remember correctly, in the home movie, the color of the automobile was light yellowish cream. (Kind of what a banana looks like without the bright yellow peel. Boy, was I wrong.

[@sallykohorst8803]

Well Rick what a thing to talk of. That was very interesting the older car Fred bought was also really amazing and the idea they could sll get to California in that old car was so funny. Whst a hoot. Then of course Lucy wrecks the cars with Ethel's help. I find it always funny how people seem to have trouble learning to drive, in tv shows and movies, when it is not that complicated.

[@toddsoliday5049]

I own a movie car from one of my favorite movies growing up and the chrome and some of the front clip was spray painted to not reflect cameras and lights. I am restoring it now back to original but keeping the bracket that was installed to tow it in the movie.

[@MrCombs234]

I only have 3 tattoos and I just got the I Love Lucy logo tattooed on the top of my foot. Show means a lot to me. Gotten me through a lot.

[@michaelantone7465]

Don't know the reason Stayed here all season With nothing to show but this brand-new tattoo Its the Statue of Venus Tattooed on my penis How it got here i haven't a clue (Oops, sorry Jimmy Buffet)

[@politicallyincorrect869]

I Love Lucy tattooed on the top of your foot. Really ! Why ?

[@MrCombs234]

@@politicallyincorrect869 .... Because I Love Lucy. Pretty simple concept really.

[@susie6301]

My favorite episode that this gorgeous car appeared in is "Lucy Learns to Drive." When Ricky taught Lucy how to drive, and then Lucy ended up on the Holland Tunnel with 2 cars. Lucy didn't get the car insured. It's a hilarious episode!

[@waynel879]

Hello Ric. I believe the 55 Pontiac Star Chief used was a cream white lower half and a robins egg blue upper half accent. If you are ever able to find the vin. number to that exact car, maybe through auction records. You can find the original paint code or color scheme that was on the car from the factory. It would also be interesting if you could trace the different owners through the years. Also as noted in other comments, the car used in the indoor studio shots had all the glass removed, which is very obvious in the episode, due to glare from the lights. Also the cars was dulled down with some type of powder to reduce glare from the shinny new paint. You can see Ricky rub against the car and see the powder substance. Anyway, great episode and car. Beautiful mid 50's styling. Great story and great show. I love lucy, still holds up today!!!

[@susanbernal4808]

True story....my favorite show as a child was I Love Lucy. Because I had to go to school, I would ask my baby sister each day what episode was shown. I remember her describing this one to me. Lucy learning to drive the Pontiac was and is still one of my favorite episodes. ♥️

[@jackiepordon8728]

My favorite part of the I Love Lucy Pontiac episode is over packing the car. Bringing load after load the things they want to take on the trip.. 😂

[@friendofdorothy9376]

Ethel saying she “could of loaded it better with a pitchfork”…too funny.

[@jpgr9404]

I had a 1955 Pontiac Star Chief for 25 years. Sold it in 2005. Loved it!

[@starman2337]

Windshield removed, headlights covered with paper, paint dulled with a flat paste or sand paper, hub caps painted instead of chrome...all to prevent reflection of the bright studio lights when filming inside. Front headlight was rigged to a spring to simulate damage when it rammed Fred's old Cadillac.

[@rf159a]

My dad had a Pontiac Star Chief. I loved that car, especially the hood ornament that lit up. I learned to work on cars with that car. I wish I could have kept that car with me. It was a beautiful car.

[@stephenpereira6239]

I remember Lucy learning how to drive the Pontiac and her referring to the shifter, as the PRNDL

[@frankdellaquila7401]

I thought I remembered lucy saying in that episode how beautiful the color of the car was with her hair and that the car was blue. I haven't seen the episode in decades, but it was the one where Fred bought a very old car and then Lucy was trying to learn how to drive and locked the bumpers of the old car and the new Pontiac together.

[@kensunden6428]

I've got it! Valley Green (darker color) over Castle Grey. Theres even a diecast model that i found that matches!

[@carmencarlton1445]

This is funny Lucy meet Rick while he was filming a movie as a Latin lover and he plays a Latin lover in this show

[@ceilcaswell4041]

He actually plays a happily married husband, NOT a Latin lover smh

[@richardminogue6451]

To find out where that Pontiac ended up you should see if you can get in touch with the Jay Leno garage. He has a team of people who know so much about rare cars, and they likely know who got to win the bidding on the 55 Pontiac

[@barbrajones349]

Lucille Ball's personal car is at the Lucy-Desi museum in Jamestown. NY. It sure would be nice if this car was there. My favorite episode with the car is the first one when Ricky teaches Lucy how to drive.