Just received Netflix compilation DVD of old TV crime show. Was especially interested in the "Boston Blackie" segments as I had not seen them since we got our first TV set in the late 40s. What the hell is he driving? If I had to guess, I would say a customized Frazier sports car/roadster (?). It has odd bodywork. A protruding nose on the hood, and a central tail fin on the truck lid. It is also painted all black. Curious if anyone knows the history of this car?

6 VOLTS/POS. GRD. NW INDIANA

Found this link:

http://kjdevries.blogspot.com/2011/06/boston-blackies-tv-car-mystery-solved.html

Apparently its a Muntz. Chuck

Y's guys rule!
Looking for McCullouch VS57 brackets and parts. Also looking for 28 Chrysler series 72 parts. And early Hemi parts.

MoonShadow, 292 w/McCulloch, 28 Chrysler Roadster, 354 Hemi)
Manchester, New Hampshire

A "customized" 49 Crosley Hot Shot, a Glaspar or a Muntz Jet according to some info on the web. Wikipedia states there were several different cars used.

57 Black Tbird 312/auto

Saw the museum photos of the purported Crosley/Blackie car. Doesn't look anything like the TV car, and I think it unlikely anyone would restore it to Production Crosley specs if it had indeed been originally custom built by Powell Crosley (?).



I COULD see where some Hollywood type looking to come up with a specialty car for the "Blackie" show might stumble across a wrecked early 50s Muntz Jet as an inexpensive core for crude custom bodywork. Likely it got pancaked in a stoplight incident, which would explain the major grill & trunk lid/fender alterations as a natural step.



Still, it WOULD be nice to find someone who really knows the story.

6 VOLTS/POS. GRD. NW INDIANA

I used to watch "Boston Blackie" but must have been too young to notice the car. Although it is dog ugly. The one in the picture you sent has to be a modified Muntz. I wonder when the first customized vehicle appeared in the movies? I know there were hot rods way back. I also am reminded of the W.C. Fields Bantum. Not sure if it was modified or not. Chuck

Y's guys rule!
Looking for McCullouch VS57 brackets and parts. Also looking for 28 Chrysler series 72 parts. And early Hemi parts.

MoonShadow, 292 w/McCulloch, 28 Chrysler Roadster, 354 Hemi)
Manchester, New Hampshire

AH! Boston blackie was a great favourite of mine, if i remember rightly his name was Chester Morris?

  AussieBill            YYYY    Forever Y Block     YYYY

 Down Under, Australia

Hey Bill, you're partly right, Chester Morris played Blackie in the movies, but Kent Taylor played him in the TV series. Youtube has a lot of the TV episodes, click on and watch. Gary

       

Gary, 55 Vicky, St. Germain, Wisconsin

 

Gary, i only saw him in the movies over here an awafull long time ago and was wrapped in the series, if i,m close, i think his offsider was "the runt"? i loved the bob hope shows which nearly allways fetured jerry colona? in the audience with the big googly eyes? and the marx bros, and the 3 stooges, and jet jackson, tarzan, jungle jim. My memory goes back to those days but yesterday and now are hazy,

  AussieBill            YYYY    Forever Y Block     YYYY

 Down Under, Australia

Next we'll be talking about old radio shows like "Inner Sanctum" and "Jason and the golden fleece". And don't forget the "Lucky Strike hit parade". Chuck

Y's guys rule!
Looking for McCullouch VS57 brackets and parts. Also looking for 28 Chrysler series 72 parts. And early Hemi parts.

MoonShadow, 292 w/McCulloch, 28 Chrysler Roadster, 354 Hemi)
Manchester, New Hampshire

Chuck, its amazing the space shows back then that have almost materialised today, who,d of thought you could talk into a watch, or cordless device as in Dick traceys watch. i was allways enthralled by Brick Bradford and the Time top, a futuristic space hero so far ahead of peoples thoughts then. I guess youth is wasted on the young! chuckle.

  AussieBill            YYYY    Forever Y Block     YYYY

 Down Under, Australia