Full confession here: We at MyStarCollectorCar are huge fans of ‘The Rockford Files’, arguably the best detective series in the history of television.
Jim Rockford (played by the incomparable James Garner) was the lead character in ‘The Rockford Files’ after he traded in his ‘Maverick’ horse for a stylish Pontiac Firebird in 1974.
Jim Sutherland
‘The Rockford Files’ ran from September 13, 1974, until January 10, 1980, before Jim Rockford jumped into his Firebird and drove into the sunset as a weekly TV series. By then, the character Jim Rockford was miling out his 1978 Firebird because the actor James Garner was not fond of the newer front grille on a 1980 Firebird and chose to stick with the older look.
The main reason we know about Garner’s choice was an interview with a dedicated ‘Rockford Files’ fan named Patrick McKinney provided the information about the car.
Patrick qualifies as a superfan because he owns three cars from the TV show, including a 1977 Firebird Formula that was used as a sound car in the series, along with the cookie jar where Rockford stashed his gun for occasional use in a tough case.
Patrick purchased the TV car in the early 2000s from its previous owner who bought the ’77 Firebird from a guy who used it as a daily driver for 22 years before he sold it.
Patrick told MyStarCollectorCar he bought the Firebird 20 years ago for only $2800, but he was only at the start line for a complete restoration.
The entire project took 15 years and was a tough process because the former TV star car was worn out and required plenty of TLC to bring it back on the road. Patrick describes himself as a ‘Rockford Files’ archeologist, a label he applies to others who share his enthusiasm for the TV series.
Patrick is a stickler for accurate details when it comes to his ‘Rockford Files’ memorabilia, including his Firebird. He was able to find the right paint color for the car and mentioned Pontiac did not offer the correct shade for Firebirds in 1977, but James Garner wanted it on his TV cars, so they were painted in that color.
Patrick was able to replicate the color via a new scanning process used by paint suppliers after he uncovered the right shade hidden under layers of paint. Even small details like correct exhaust tips for the TV car were addressed by Patrick because he wanted accuracy in the project.
As mentioned, tackling a major restoration is a monumental task that requires plenty of cash, a fact not lost on Patrick who explained “life in got in the way” and extended the process for him because of higher priorities in his world.
Patrick took the right approach with his wife when he sold her on the investment potential for a car used in a famous TV show. He also married the right woman, given the length and breadth of his ‘Rockford Files’ hobby.
The net result is a famous car in the hands of a dedicated fan of its TV series. The 1977 Firebird Formula is not for sale-but an opportunity to purchase his late father’s 1970 Dodge Charger R/T 440 Six-Pack 4-speed manual would change his mind if he could find the exact car.
However, a car driven by the legendary James Garner in an iconic TV series is a solid choice in our opinion here at MyStarCollectorCar if Robert does not find his dad’s car.
Jim Sutherland
BY: Jim Sutherland
Jim Sutherland is a veteran automotive writer whose work has been published by many major print and online publications. The list includes Calgary Herald, The Truth About Cars, Red Deer Advocate, RPM Magazine, Edmonton Journal, Montreal Gazette, Windsor Star, Vancouver Province, and Post Media Wheels Section.
- CLICK HERE to Sign Up for the Newsletter
- CLICK HERE to Like us on Facebook
- CLICK HERE to Follow us on Twitter
