Last week on “Settle The Debate,” we discussed whether the Chevrolet Suburban rightfully earned its spot on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. This week we’ll stay in the pop culture realm and, in the spirit of Halloween, ask a simple question: Who had the better family vehicle? “The Munsters” or “The Beverly Hillbillies?” Or, should I say, which family should be more grateful to George Barris?
The Munster Koach: An 18-foot hot rod limo built from three 1923 Ford Model T bodies, the open-air Koach has three bench seats (two open, one covered) wide enough for two people each, not to mention the attached mother-in-law seat that sits higher than the rest of the vehicle for the best views. It is powered by a 1966 Ford Mustang-sourced 289ci Cobra V-8 featuring ten chrome-plated Stromberg carburetors, an Isky cam, high-compression pistons, and Bobby Barr racing headers. The Koach has plenty of room for passengers, but it leaves much to be desired when it comes to storing important cargo like suitcases, strollers, and those unexpected purchases from home improvement stores. Parking must be a chore!
Munster Koach re-creation (Image courtesy of Barrett-Jackson)
The HayWagon Jalopy: A durable family vehicle that combined a 1921 Oldsmobile with a vintage Ford truck chassis, this jalopy featured a front bench seat, open-air styling, and a flatbed perfect for hauling cargo or people as long as you have good straps. With a 43-horsepower four-cylinder engine, the Olds may not be the fastest, but for nine seasons it took the Clampetts anywhere they needed to go, including a long trek from Arkansas to “Californy.” The utilitarian needs of the Hillbillies meant you’d have to forego more room for passengers, but you could add enough seats to match the Koach unless pesky laws get in the way. There’s also the issue that some people might not enjoy the hillbilly charm of the exterior, so you might need thick skin if you drive in the uppity parts of town.
Image courtesy of Profiles in History
Which would you choose? Tell us in the Comments below.