When I was a kid in Southern California
in the 1960's, we had a Peugeot 403, but
it was a regular sedan, not Columbo's convertible.
Californians usually like hot, sleek cars, so
it was really ununsual for the time and place.
It is really appropriate for someone like
Columbo, totally plain and unpretentious.
It even had a crank to start the car
(just like in the good, old days) in case
the starter ever went out, but I don't recall
we ever used it!.