Bruce Lee drove this V8 Chrysler through Detroit and it wasn’t just for show

Bruce Lee may be best known for his legendary martial arts skills, but during his time on The Green Hornet, he also got to pilot one seriously cool ride.

The car in question was a 1966 Chrysler Imperial, better known to fans as the ‘Black Beauty.’

And it wasn’t just a flashy TV prop, as Bruce actually drove it through the streets of Detroit.

With a roaring V8 engine under the hood and a screen presence almost as iconic as Lee himself, this car was every bit as real as the legend behind the wheel.

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In The Green Hornet, Bruce Lee played Kato, the silent but deadly sidekick with lightning-fast moves and a knack for gadgets.

But apart from the titular Green Hornet himself, Kato’s other crimefighting partner wasn’t human.

It was this menacing Chrysler.

The Chrysler Imperial was chosen for its wide, imposing stance and luxury feel. But once it got the Hollywood treatment, it became something else entirely.

It was decked out with machine guns, rocket launchers, smoke screens, and a custom green headlight glow.

In fact, it might just be the inspiration for this bulletproof American supercar equipped with pepper spray and smoke screens.

The Black Beauty is almost as iconic as the Aston Martins found in James Bond films.

Under the hood, however, it packed a powerful V8 engine, making it more than just a fancy film prop.

There were multiple versions built for filming, including stunt cars. But at least one of the Imperials was fully drivable, and Lee got behind the wheel.

According to reports from the time, Lee piloted the car through city streets during promotional events, including in Detroit, where The Green Hornet made a strong impression.

This is similar to how Vin Diesel would promote cars from Fast & Furious by speeding down the highway.

Seeing Lee behind the wheel, dressed in Kato’s sharp black outfit, must have felt like a superhero sighting in real life.

The sound of the V8, the sleek black finish, and Lee’s own star power created a moment fans never forgot.

What makes this story even cooler is how rare the Chrysler Imperial choice was.

While most shows of the era went for flashy sports cars or modified roadsters, The Green Hornet went full-on luxury tank.

It wasn’t just about speed, it was about presence. And Bruce Lee knew how to make an entrance.

Today, the original Black Beauty is a treasured piece of pop culture history, and the star’s connection to it only adds to the legend.

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