When it comes to classic television detectives, few were as cool — or as car-savvy — as Joe Mannix, played by Mike Connors in the long-running CBS series Mannix (1967–1975). A tough, street-smart private investigator with a penchant for physical confrontations and old-fashioned grit, Mannix was also notable for the parade of stylish, performance-oriented automobiles he drove across the show’s eight seasons. These cars not only underscored his rugged yet sophisticated persona, but also became stars in their own right, many of them customized by legendary car builder George Barris, of Batmobile fame.
Let’s take a deep dive into the cars Mike Connors drove as Joe Mannix, season by season.
Season 1 (1967): The Era of Experimentation and Barris’ Custom Toronado Roadster
Above: 1967 Oldsmobile Toronado roadster built by car customizer George Barris
In the show's first season, the producers tried several different vehicles before settling on one iconic ride:
- Pilot Episode ("The Name is Mannix") – 1966 Mercury Comet Caliente Convertible
This was the very first car viewers saw Mannix drive. Sleek and understated, it suited the show's early noirish tone.
Above: 1967 Mercury Comet Cyclone convertible piloted by 'Mannix' aka Mike Connors in real life
- Episode "Skid Marks on a Dry Run" – 1967 Mercury Comet Cyclone Convertible
This performance-oriented variation appeared briefly but didn't become a series staple. - Episode "The Cost of a Vacation" – 1967 Ford Galaxie 500 four-door hardtop, later replaced by a 1967 Ford Fairlane 500 four-door sedan
These vehicles were assigned Intertect company cars—Mannix worked for the hi-tech detective agency before going solo. The Galaxie was riddled with bullets, prompting the switch to the Fairlane. - Main Car for Season 1 – 1967 Oldsmobile Toronado Roadster, custom-built by George Barris
Oldsmobile never made a convertible Toronado, but producers wanted something futuristic and open-topped. Enter Barris, who transformed a Toronado coupe into a low-slung, exotic-looking roadster. With front-wheel drive and powerful V8 performance, it was a perfect blend of brawn and style, embodying Mannix’s unique character. Although “The Cost of a Vacation” aired after the Toronado had already appeared, it had actually been filmed earlier, creating a mild continuity anomaly.
Seasons 2 & 3 (1968–1969): The Iconic Dodge Dart GTS 340 Convertible
Video: Season 2 - No Brakes!
- Primary Car – 1968 Dodge Dart GTS 340 Convertible, custom-built by George Barris
Perhaps the most famous of all Mannix cars, the '68 Dart GTS was heavily modified by Barris, who equipped it with:- Functional hood scoops
- Lucas Flamethrower driving lights
- Custom taillights and spoiler
- Blacked-out grille and taillight panel
- Racing-style gas cap
- Motorola car phone (a rarity in 1968)
- Rader mag wheels (later replaced with Cragar S/S wheels)
Above: Actor Mike Connors, who played Joe Mannix in the TV detective show for eight years from 1967-1975, stands in front of the recently found and restored 1968 Dodge Dart GTS convertible.
Originally red, the car was repainted British Racing Green at Executive Producer Bruce Geller’s request. Barris also added his signature “Barris Kustoms” badge. This car became a one-of-a-kind vehicle, with no duplicates made for the show.
Intriguingly, in the 1969 episode “A Penny for the Peep Show,” both the 1968 and 1969 Dart GTS convertibles are used in the same scene to confuse a police tail, though no plot explanation is offered.
- Second Car – 1969 Dodge Dart GTS 340 Convertible
Built to replicate the ‘68 Dart, this Barris creation was visually identical, but it never quite took over the spotlight. After filming ended, the car was sold and eventually totaled in a wreck.
Above: Actor Mike Connors portraying Joe Mannix back in the day
The original '68 Dart was rediscovered decades later and restored to its Mannix-era glory. Its story has since been featured in:
- Hemmings Muscle Machines (Dec. 2009)
- Motor Trend Classic (Summer 2011), where Connors, Barris, and stuntman Dick Ziker reunited with the car
- Mopar Action (Oct. 2011)
- The New York Times (July 22, 2012)
- Discovery HD Theater’s Drive (2010)
- Sirius/XM Radio’s “60s on 6” with DJ Mike Kelly
The restored car is now owned by automotive journalist C. Van Tune.
Season 4 (1970): Enter the Muscle Era
Above and two below: Screen grabs of actor Mike Connors playing Joe Mannix trying to evade a bad guy during filming in the 1970 season of Mannix, or perhaps that's a stunt car driver behind the wheel (with exception of the third side view photo where Mannix is parked in front of Western Pacific University).
- Car – 1970 Plymouth 'Cuda 340 Convertible (dark green)
Transitioning away from Barris customs, the show adopted stock muscle cars. The 1970 Cuda maintained the aggressive image but added Chrysler's fresh E-body styling and 340-cubic-inch small-block V8 performance.
Season 5 (1971): Three Cudas, Three Engines
- Cars – Three 1971 Plymouth Cuda Convertibles
All were painted dark green with green interiors and black soft tops, but each had a different engine: 318, 340, and 440 cubic inches. One was wrecked during production but later repaired. Chrysler’s involvement provided flexibility with stunt driving and availability.
Season 6 (1973): Same Cars, New Face
- Cars – 1973 Plymouth Cuda Convertibles
These were actually two of the 1971 Cudas updated with 1973 grilles, headlamps, fenders, and bumpers to reflect current models, saving production costs while maintaining consistency.
Season 7 (1974): A Challenger Appears
- Car – 1973 Dodge Challenger 360 Coupe
Two Challengers were custom-built for the show and came loaded with every available factory option, including a rare sunroof. Barris contributed subtle modifications:- Cragar S/S 15" chrome wheels
- G60x15 Goodyear radials
- A pinstripe running along the upper body
The Challenger balanced modern flair with Mannix’s need for speed and style.
Season 8 (1975): The Final Ride
Above: 1974 Chevrolet Camaro LT with Z28 mag wheels, 350-cubic inch V8, and three-speed Turbo Hydramatic transmission
- Car – Chevrolet Camaro LT
For the show’s last season, Mannix switched allegiances from Chrysler to GM, piloting a stylish Camaro LT. While less customized than earlier rides, it remained in line with the show’s commitment to contemporary performance vehicles.
Conclusion: Cars as Character
Mannix wasn’t just a detective show — it was a showcase of American muscle and style, with Joe Mannix’s cars symbolizing his independence, strength, and adaptability. Thanks to custom builders like George Barris and some forward-thinking producers, Mannix remains a standout not just for its action and storytelling, but for its automotive legacy. Whether roaring through a high-speed chase or parked outside a suspect’s lair, Mannix’s cars were always ready for action — just like their driver.
Classic Industries - Components for Every Mannix American Muscle Machine
To give you some idea of how many American pony car and muscle car components Classic Industries has available for purchase, every single vehicle in the eight seasons that Mannix ran on TV has parts available from Classic Industries. What's more, there are several ways to shop for these must-have components. Pony and muscle car owners can shop online starting from your vehicle's shopping page. The Dodge Dart page is a great example. There are also several extensive parts and accessories catalogs where those hard to find items can first be found. If Joe Mannix was still an active private detective, and he was driving one of his 12 vehicles from the popular TV show, he'd be able to source those great restoration, performance parts, and accessories from Classic Industries!
