Recommended Free Tools
The two original Black Beauty cars from The Green Hornet television series are believed to survive. Black Beauty No. 1 is associated with the Petersen Automotive Museum’s Vault collection in Los Angeles, while the latest public evidence places No. 2 with owner Karl Kirchner in Upstate South Carolina.
Both began as 1966 Imperial Crown sedans, then were extensively customized by Dean Jeffries for the show. They are distinct from later replicas and from the Black Beauty built for the 2011 film.
What was the Black Beauty?
The television car was not a factory-built Crown Imperial limousine. It was a standard 1966 Imperial Crown sedan modified by customizer Dean Jeffries. Jeffries reshaped its appearance, concealed or removed much of the brightwork, fabricated a new grille and front end, modified the headlamp assemblies, and added fictional weapons and surveillance equipment.
“1966 Imperial Crown” is the technically cleaner description. Imperial was a separate Chrysler Corporation division at the time, though “Chrysler Imperial” remains common in popular coverage.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →#1 Best Overall
- 1:25 scale, skill level 2, paint & glue required
- 82 parts
- Molded in black, clear, clear red, clear green, and some chrome parts
- Detailed Kato & Green Hornet figures
- Built size: 9 inches long
Why were two cars built?
The production commissioned two Black Beauties so a breakdown or damage to one car would be less likely to interrupt filming. The second also provided a vehicle for promotional appearances. Black Beauty No. 2 was reportedly built shortly after No. 1, giving Jeffries more time to add details.
The hand-built cars had small differences, including in their grilles, steering wheels, weapon-door geometry, and trim. Stock footage and day-for-night filming can make it difficult to tell which car appears in a particular shot.
Black Beauty No. 1: restored and associated with the Petersen collection
After the series ended in 1967, No. 1 was reportedly left on a studio backlot, where it deteriorated. It later passed through private ownership. J.R. Goodman returned it to Dean Jeffries for a comprehensive restoration, completed in 1993.
Rank #2
- Family of brands includes Auto World 1:64 scale electric slot racers and racing sets; AMT, MPC, and Polar Lights model kits
- Skill Level: 3
- MODELING: The most innovative modeling company in the industry. We engineer and produce a variety of kits from classic cars to giant space ships
- Color: Black
- SLOT CAR RACING: Racing is in our company DNA. Our slot car brands and themes keep creativity racing around this retro hobby.
Jeffries restored the car to a glossy black finish. The studio had used a near-flat satin finish because reflections from glossy bodywork interfered with filming. In 2003, Robert and Margie Petersen, founders of Petersen Publishing Company, purchased the restored car. Public reporting identifies it as the original television car, and Petersen’s own description identifies its Black Beauty as the specially modified 1966 Imperial used in the series.
Black Beauty No. 1 is associated with the Petersen Automotive Museum’s Vault collection in Los Angeles. The museum describes the Vault as an active collection space; its accessible information does not establish that this specific car is always on the main museum floor. Check with the museum for current display and access details before planning a visit.
Black Beauty No. 2: restored and in a private collection
No. 2 reportedly remained with the production organization until about 1969. It then passed through several owners and collections. Karl Kirchner bought it from Opal Wall’s estate on June 12, 2001, and took delivery on June 16. His documented ownership history lists him as the owner from 2001 onward.
Rank #3
- Scale: 1/32
- Ages: 13+
- Polar Lights P/N: 884
When Kirchner acquired the car, it retained much of its specialized interior equipment but was missing several exterior doors and had display-related damage. His restoration aimed to return it to Jeffries’ television-era configuration rather than preserve later George Barris show-car alterations. The work included correcting body and trim, restoring controls and hidden wiring, sourcing period-correct Lucas lights, rebuilding or recreating weapon doors, restoring the trunk scanner and special effects, and locating the correct Appliance Apache wheels.
Restoration documentation says No. 2 can reproduce the distinctive half-lit “cat’s-eye” headlamp effect and retains studio-authentic features not found on No. 1. A 2018 profile reported that Kirchner’s restored car was in Upstate South Carolina and appeared at car shows. The latest public evidence continues to place it in his private collection there; no later authoritative public transfer record was located.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsWhat did the Black Beauty’s gadgets do?
The car’s fictional equipment included concealed projectile or rocket tubes, a front gas outlet, a rear oil-slick or related device, green headlamps, a trunk-mounted scanner, communications equipment, and hidden controls. Some features were mechanical display pieces or effects, while others were never shown or used in the broadcast episodes. It would be misleading to describe every gadget as a routinely operational weapon.
Rank #4
- LITTLE BEAUTY: This little kit of the classic Green Hornet TV hero car makes a great shelf or desk display without taking up tons of room. The eye-catching box art is worthy of display itself.
- SIMPLE KIT: Although glue is required, this kit is simple for inexperienced modelers to build and offers a rewarding experience with or without paint.
- GADGETS: The Black Beauty’s gadgets like front and rear rocket launchers and front gas gun are all featured in the model.
- QUICK SPECS: 1/32 Scale. 33 Parts. 7” long. Molded in black with clear and chrome parts with assembly instructions. Skill level 2 – Suggested for modelers age 10+ PAINT AND GLUE REQUIRED.
- THE PERFECT PRESENT: Don't know what to get dad for his birthday? Or maybe you have an avid hobbyist or collector in your life. This model kit makes an ideal gift for any occasion!
Original cars, replicas, and the 2011 film car
George Barris and other customizers made replicas and later show cars. A sunroof-equipped Imperial associated with Barris is not automatically one of the two original television cars. No. 2 itself received Barris alterations after its time in television production, which later restorers sought to distinguish from Jeffries’ original design.
The 2011 Seth Rogen film used a different fleet. Heritage Auctions described a car it sold in 2015 as a screen-used hero car built by Dennis McCarthy’s Vehicle Effects for the film, based on a 1965 Chrysler Imperial. It sold for $76,800 on September 29, 2015. That film car is not either of the two 1966 television-series Imperials.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.FAQ
Do any original Black Beauty cars still exist?
Both original television cars are believed to survive. No. 1 is associated with the Petersen Automotive Museum’s Vault collection, and the latest public evidence places No. 2 with Karl Kirchner in Upstate South Carolina.
Best Value
- Scale: 1/32
- Skill Level: 2 (ages 10 and up)
- Glue assembly, paint required
- 2.5" x 6.75" x 1.75". Molded in black
Where can you see the original Black Beauty?
No. 1 is publicly associated with the Petersen Vault in Los Angeles, while No. 2 is described as part of Kirchner’s private collection in South Carolina. Display schedules and public access can change, so check directly with the museum or owner before making visit plans.
Were the television Black Beauties 1965 or 1966 Imperials?
The two original television cars were based on 1966 Imperial Crown sedans. The 2011 film used a separate Black Beauty based on a 1965 Imperial.
Is the Black Beauty from the 2011 film one of the television cars?
No. It was a separate car built for the 2011 film by Dennis McCarthy’s Vehicle Effects, not one of the two 1966 television-series cars.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
