The 29-year mystery has been solved
Photo: 20th Century Fox, 2013
For years, the biggest and most puzzling mystery of The Simpsons wasn’t who shot Mr. Burns or what the “J” in Homer J Simpson stood for – it was what type of vehicle Homer drove. The pink four-door sedan has been featured in the opening credits for years, after graduating from the show’s humble beginnings on The Tracey Ullman Show.
While Marge prefers the bulky orange 1973 Chevrolet Chevelle station wagon with the ability to haul all three kids plus groceries, Homer drives a more practical sedan for his daily commutes to the Springfield Power Plant and Moe’s Tavern, of course. But for years, we’ve never been able to decipher exactly what type of vehicle America’s favorite TV dad drives, until now.
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The moment of truth
According to the most recent “Pork and Burns” episode of The Simpsons where Marge starts taking advice from a book purchased at a car wash, Homer’s car is called out as a 1986 Plymouth Junkerolla with Maggie still in the back seat, to which he proudly proclaims, “Mine!”
That’s Homer’s 1986 Plymouth Junkerolla
Photo: 20th Century Fox, 2017
Almost 29 years of clues
There have been hints along the way about Homer’s mode of transportation, like when he visited a mechanic in season fourteen’s “The Great Louse Detective.” After getting in an accident, Homer insists that his mechanic, Junior, use quality GM parts, potentially indicating that his pink sedan is also a GM product. On the contrary, Junior replies that Homer’s car was built in Croatia and built with old Soviet tank parts. It was confusing, to say the least.
Others have guessed that Homer’s car could have been a combination of vehicles, based on the varying style components present. The rear of the pink sedan, specifically the tail lights, is reminiscent of a 1971 Cadillac Deville. Turn it around and you’ve got a grille and headlights that match a 1980s Plymouth Valiant, which is more aligned with our newly solved mystery.
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Thirty years old and drives like a dream
Although I’m relieved to finally know what car Homer drives, I’m just as impressed with the vehicle’s long lifespan. Through the years, the Junkerolla has survived some of the most insane hijinks with the Simpsons family. And while it may not be as majestic as The Homer, I’m still wishing the Simpsons family many more years of outrageous fun in their Plymouth.
Ben never thought he’d be writing about cars for a living, but here he is, knowing more about the Kia Stinger than he’d care to admit. When he’s not devoting his time to researching engine specs and other oh-so-exciting car details, he can be found enjoying time with his wife and dogs. See more articles by Ben.
