The iconic car from the Columbo TV series, a battered-looking Peugeot 403 Convertible, is on permanent public display. You can find it at theCité de l'Automobile (also known as the National Museum of the Automobile) in Mulhouse, France. It is part of the museum's extensive Schlumpf Collection.
The car is a central part of the show's charm. Lieutenant Columbo's 1959 Peugeot 403, with its perpetually smoking exhaust and weathered exterior, became a character in itself, reflecting his rumpled but brilliant detective work. The vehicle used in the show was a 1959 model, though the series itself ran from 1971 to 2003. The car's survival is notable, as it was famously unreliable in the storylines, often requiring a push-start.
The museum acquired the vehicle, and it is now preserved in a climate-controlled environment, a far cry from the streets of Los Angeles where it was filmed. The exhibit often includes informational placards detailing its television history.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|
| Car Model | Peugeot 403 Cabriolet |
| Model Year | 1959 |
| Current Location | Cité de l'Automobile, Mulhouse, France |
| Owner | Schlumpf Collection |
| Famous Driver | Lieutenant Columbo (Peter Falk) |
| TV Series | Columbo (1971-2003) |
| Notable Features | Sun-bleached paint, convertible top, frequently seen smoking |
| Engine | 1.5-liter inline-four |
| Transmission | 4-speed manual |
| 0-60 mph | Approximately 21 seconds |
| Top Speed | Around 90 mph |
| Original Color | Slate Gray (appears lighter on camera) |
If you're a fan planning a trip, the museum is one of the largest automotive collections in the world, making the Columbo car a highlight among many other significant vehicles.
