A Real Hardcastle & McCormick Coyote

Some information passed on by Dave, the owner of one of the original Coyotes used on Hardcastle & McCormick...

There has been a lot of legend and lore surrounding the Coyote. Straight from George's mouth, there were 2 of these cars made. The one I have (what he called "the money shot car" and the stunt vehicle. Some time after the show, Jay Ohrberg Cars of The Stars sold the car to Eric at Code1. Back in August of last year (2000) I purchased the car from Eric at Code 1. I then scheduled a meeting with George Barris to authenticate the car. He told me I had the original vehicle. After some of the shows, they switched to the Delorean. Code1 stated it was because Brian Keith said he didn't like getting in and out of the car but that is not the case.

George said is was very close to a McLaren M-6 GT. He would neither confirm nor deny modifying a Montage but I noticed the wheel wells front and back are tighter than any Montage that I have seen. He just kind of side stepped the question and I felt luck to be in his office and getting a 1/2 hour of his time so I didn't press the issue. With the body completely off the car an inspected under light, it does not appear to have additional fiberglass added to the original structure. Anyhow...after speaking with an affiliate of McLaren about a windshield, I was informed that the reason Hardcastle & McCormick switched to the Delorean was because McLaren threatened suit.

George Barris also hooked me up with a few scripts from the TV show. I think he got them through Steven Cannell production company. A nice jesture. His office was a mess (just like mine) and he had a poster on the door behind him that hat the Coyote, The General Lee, and one other care I cant remember.

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