Some regard the car '70s TV private eye Jim Rockford (The Rockford Files) drove as another character of the show. A gold Pontiac Firebird, the car was chosen personally by Rockford portrayer James Garner for its ability to do cool tricks, like the reverse-180 "J turn" maneuver (called a "Rockford" by some).

But, it turns out Garner was heavily involved in the use of the car, having even chosen the color - which was not a factory color. In this episode, we reconnect with Pat McKinney, who owns three screen-used Rockford Files Firebirds, to hear the story of the "Garner color" and the pains taken to prepare Jim Rockford's Firebird for the screen.

More Garner/Rockford Episodes and Links

Our first episode with Pat McKinney, talking at length about how he came to own three Garner-driven Firebirds.

Jay Leno-Featured Rockford Files Firebird: The Backstory

James Garner's Daughter Gigi talks about her well-loved dad

Author Ed Robertson Talks About 45 Years of The Rockford Files

James Garner Animal Rescue Fund - JGARF