Set in the 1950s, “Happy Days” aired an episode in season two that featured character Richie Cunningham buying this red 1953 Ford Crestline Sunliner Convertible. Photo courtesy of Pinterest.

We are counting down the Top 50 hot rods and street cars of all time that have made an appearance in a television series, or a memorable television episode. Starting from #50, and counting down to our #1 pick, follow along with our memories, and see where your favorite show lands.

23. Happy Days: 1953 Ford Crestline Sunliner

As familiar as air is to our lungs, an updated version of “Rock Around the Clock” sung by Bill Haley and His Comets opens every episode of the beloved American sitcom, “Happy Days.” Set in the 1950s, the fantastic rotation of cars in the 10 years of programming is a bevy of dream cars for most, even today. They ranged from 1929 Fords to 1960 Plymouths. In between, lots of hot rods pulled into the parking lot of Arnold’s Drive-In, the Cunningham home driveway, drag strip, and Inspiration Point.

Airing 10 years, from 1974 to 1984, “Richie’s Car,” was the focus on episode two of season two in 1974. Featuring the affable Richie Cunningham (Ron Howard) as a high school student who wants to date without being chauffeured around in Mr. Cunningham’s Desoto. Like any teen, he wants a car of his own. It cramps a kid’s style and swagger with the high school ladies, after all!

After much debate, Howard (Tom Boswell) agrees with wife Marion (Marion Ross) that a second family car is needed, and reluctantly offers to put up $200 towards the purchase. Checking out the print classified, The Fonz (Henry Winkler) overhears a conversation about buying a new set of wheels. It just so happens, Fonzie won the pink slip to a heap in a drag race. Outfitted with a new motor by the Fonz, it is deemed to be a numero uno car.

Enter, the Love Bandit, a coral-red 1953 Ford Crestline Sunliner, complete with that exact wording painted on the back quarter panel. Richie is unsure his father will go for it, but Fonzie continues to sell the idea of this very cool car to Richie, pointing out the chrome details, lowered rear end, fuel injection, super blower, new transmission, and dual exhaust. Why, it’s a dream come true to own a car like this!

Howard is not pleased, shouting it is not a car a grown man would drive, it is a circus wagon! A solution to sway staunch Mr. C? Paint it a nice, dignified shade of family blue like Ozzie Nelson probably drives. Well okay then “… As long as there are no shiny things and no vroom … no flecks, not specs, and no funny names on it!”

The downside: The “Love Bandit” turns out to be a stolen vehicle. And just like that, Richie’s wheels are plucked away, and The Fonz is in just as much hot water as the kid. But don’t worry, Fonzie sets the whole misunderstanding straight, and the Love Bandit is returned to its former red glory.

“Rods make the world go ‘round,” said the Fonz.

Yes, they do, Fonzie. Yes. They. Do.