60 years of Emma Peel: Cars

11th September 2025

As we celebrate 60 years of Emma Peel in 2025, Art & Hue takes a look at Emma Peel driving change in style.

When it comes to iconic TV characters, Emma Peel from The Avengers stands out not just for her wit, intelligence, and fashion sense, but also for her choice of wheels. Emma’s car was as much a part of her character as her leather catsuits and sharp wit. Sleek, modern, and undeniably cool, her vehicles reflected the spirit of the 1960s and became symbols of her independence and sophistication.

Emma Peel’s vehicle of choice, the sleek Lotus Elan, was as iconic as her wardrobe. A 1964 white model for her first series then an opalescent blue number for her colour episodes, the Lotus Elan, with its sporty design perfectly complemented her modern, sophisticated persona. It wasn’t just a car, it was a statement of her independent and adventurous spirit, and the Elan’s association with Emma Peel helped cement its status as a symbol of 1960s cool.

The cars driven by Emma Peel and John Steed were integral to the show’s aesthetic, reflecting the era’s fascination with technology and innovation. While Steed’s vintage Bentley represented tradition and British ministerial class structure, Emma’s Lotus Elan symbolised progress and modernity. This contrast highlighted the unique dynamic between the two characters, reflecting societal changes, and added another layer of sophistication to the series.

The Lotus Elan’s popularity soared thanks to its association with Emma Peel, and it remains a beloved classic car today.

The very car used by Emma Peel, with the same number plate SJH 499D (gifted to Diana Rigg when she left the show which she then gave to a friend) was recently sold at auction in 2023 for £164,250.

For fans of The Avengers, the sight of Emma behind the wheel of her Lotus is an enduring image of 1960s style and elegance.

Her cars were more than just props, they were extensions of her character, embodying the show’s blend of action, wit, and sophistication.

The Elan, a stunning, compact sports car and the epitome of 60s cool, was a perfect fit for Emma – elegant, fast, and sleek, with the kind of smooth curves that could outrun any villain. It wasn’t just a way to get from one place to another, it was a symbol of Emma’s independent, modern, and sophisticated nature. While John Steed had his trademark car of a vintage Bentley, Emma’s Lotus was youthful, agile, and effortlessly glamourous. The Lotus Elan became inseparable from her character, helping cement her status as the coolest spy on TV. Even today, the car is considered one of the most iconic vehicles in the history of spy fiction.

With its lightweight body, sleek design, and impressive speed, the Lotus Elan was a cutting-edge vehicle for its time. More than just a prop, it was an extension of Emma Peel’s character.

Its compact size and agile handling mirrored her quick thinking and resourcefulness, while its sporty design reflected her modern, independent persona.

Whether she was speeding through the countryside or navigating the streets of London (or the backlot of Elstree), Emma behind the wheel of her Lotus Elan is an iconic image that captures the essence of the swinging Sixties.

The car became so closely associated with her that it’s impossible to think of one without the other.

The juxtaposition of Emma’s & Steed’s cars reflected the broader themes of The Avengers. The show was a blend of the old and the new, combining classic British elegance with the cutting-edge progress of the 1960s. Emma’s Lotus Elan was a key part of this balance, showcasing the show’s ability to embrace modernity while still paying homage to tradition. It’s no wonder that their cars became such an integral part of the series’ identity.

Emma Peel’s cars have left an indelible mark on pop culture, influencing everything from car design to on-screen portrayals of female characters. Car enthusiasts and Avengers fans alike continue to celebrate the Lotus Elan, with restored models fetching high prices at auctions and appearing at classic car shows.

Beyond the Lotus Elan, Emma’s choice of vehicles has inspired countless female characters in film and TV.

The idea of a stylish, independent woman behind the wheel of a sleek car can be traced back to Emma Peel when her cars were more than just transportation, they were symbols of her strength, intelligence, and modern outlook.

As we celebrate the 60th anniversary of Emma Peel, it’s clear that her cars are an essential part of her legacy as the original female mover & shaker of sporty motors.

Her Lotus Elan reminds us of a time when style and substance went hand in hand, and when a character like Emma could redefine what it meant to be a woman on screen.

So here’s to Emma Peel driving change and her unforgettable cars: sleek, stylish, and forever iconic.

It’s Mrs Emma Peel month!

2025 marks 60 years since Mrs Peel first debuted on British television in September 1965.

On the 28th of September 1965, audiences were introduced to Diana Rigg as Emma Peel in the first episode of the new series of “The Avengers” called “The Town of No Return”.

To mark 60 years of Mrs Emma Peel, Art & Hue has added a new RGB colourway of the Titles pop art prints inspired by “The Avengers” title sequence featuring Diana Rigg & Patrick Macnee.

The Avengers Titles Pop art by Art & Hue

With the new colour option of RGB which references the colours of televisions, the Titles prints are now available in three sizes & three colour options, Art & Hue’s signature colours of Red, Yellow & Aqua, and Tonal Greys similar to the black-and-white series in which Mrs Peel made her debut.

An official collaboration with Studiocanal, these prints are part of the collection of stylish pop art by Art & Hue inspired by images from the photographic archives of the cult 1960s British TV show The Avengers.

Airing first on the Rediffusion London and Scottish Television channels on September 28th 1965 at 8pm, the fourth series had new iconic theme music by Laurie Johnson and a new title sequence.