The Cars of Dallas
In the 1970s and 1980s, no television show was cooler than Dallas. Millions tuned in each week to watch the dirty dealings of J.R. Ewing and his dysfunctional relationships with his brother, wife, and business associates. The show lasted for 14 seasons as audiences watched the lives of these millionaires and their beautiful homes, clothing, and lifestyles. Not only were audiences given the treat of seeing Southfork in each episode, they were also given the treat of seeing attractive cars parked outside of the iconic home. Here are a few:
1982 Porsche 911 Targa: Pamela Barnes-Ewing, the wife of Bobbie, was the lucky driver of the Porsche 911. This pretty black sports car wore the “Ewing 6” license plate and looked great sitting next to the other high-end luxury cars the other family members drove.
1981 Rolls Royce Silver Spirit: Nothing says “oil money” like a good old fashioned Rolls Royce. This silver Silver Spirit was driven by a few of Dallas’ finest: Clayton, Dusty, and Sue Ellen.
International Scout: Dallas was not just about big oil and the dynamic J.R. Ewing. There was the ranching side of the show. While J.R. was out causing trouble, his brother Bobby Ewing was often out on the ranch working with the horses and ranch hands. While working on the ranch Bobby did not drive a Porsche or a Mercedes; he was often seen in an International Scout. But, in true Ewing form, Bobby’s International Scout had to be a convertible version, just to amp up the cool factor.
1987 Cadillac Allante: Since Dallas was such a popular show, product placement advertising was often used. One of the most recognizable product placements was putting J.R. Ewing behind the wheel of a brand new Cadillac Allante. The convertible Cadillac did not sell well, but the most were sold in the first year, 1987, and the last year, 1993, of production. J.R.’s Allante proudly wore the “Ewing 3” license plate.
1981-1986 Mercedes Benz 560 SL: Bobby could not just drive the ranch cars, he had to have something for city driving. The Mercedes Benz 560 SL was a perfect choice – especially in bold and bright red. His car showed his status in the family with the “Ewing 4” license plate. Bobby drove several model years of this car, but sadly in later episodes, his car was blown up (but not with him in it).
