What Car Does Patrick Jane Drive?
Patrick Jane closely observed people to read their behavior. Jerry breaks down his car selections to see what they say about him.
Written by Sophie Boka
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
Over the course of seven seasons, the mysterious Patrick Jane shows up on the scene in one of two personality-riddled vehicles: a blue 1972 Citroën DS 21 Pallas and a 1985 Airstream 270.
A mentalist, Jane interprets human behavior to solve crimes, noticing how even the smallest choices reflect a person’s innermost thoughts. No surprise, then, that Jane’s car choices speak volumes about the quick-witted crime-solver’s character.
Want to take a closer look at these two classic vehicles and perhaps learn a bit more about this savant agent along the way? Then get ready. We're here with the breakdown.
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4.7/5 rating on the App Store | Trusted by 5+ million customers and 7 million cars4.7/5 app rating | Trusted by 5M+ drivers1972 Citroën DS 21 Pallas
The blue ‘72 Citroën DS 21 Pallas is Jane’s primary ride. He drove the futuristic Pallas from the show’s outset in 2008 up until 2013, just two years before the show's end.
Today French automobile brand Citröen is renowned for its innovative and human-centered designs. Like Jane, the company closely observes people’s behavior, using insight gathered to intentionally craft its vehicles.
Also like Jane, the company led two lives. Citroën is now an acclaimed producer of automobiles. But it started out as an armament distributor for France during World War I.
The aerodynamic DS was artfully designed to be modern, functional, and affordable. It was Citroën’s first vehicle to fully employ a hydropneumatic self-leveling suspension system. Its frame could be raised to drive over old French cobblestones or adjusted to ride low. And like watchful eyes, its auxiliary driving lights directionally traced the movements of its steering wheel.
Take a closer look at the name DS Pallas to discover an intentionally coded pun. DS sounds like the French word déesse, meaning goddess. And Pallas is a reference to Pallas Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom and war. With such an impressive knowledge base, Jane certainly would have picked up on this wordplay. He likely identified with the protectress, using his cunning nature to protect his family name.
Aesthetically, it comes as no surprise that the DS Pallas would be Jane’s car of choice. There is a sleekness to its frame, reminiscent of 1960s Paris. It epitomizes an ineffable cool factor, a tone emphasized by its blue paint coloring. This goddess’s mystique offers a perfect armor for the mentalist, whose own cool factor cloaks his troubled past.
What happened to the real DS 21 Pallas from The Mentalist?
In 2017, Simon Baker, who portrays Patrick Jane, gifted his character’s signature vehicle to Nonce Paolini, the head of the French TV channel TF1. The Mentalist was a massive success in France. French audiences were drawn to the series, attracted to Jane’s flawed character.
Honoring his fanbase, Baker presented Paolini with the keys to the vehicle while attending an event celebrating the network’s 40th anniversary.
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1985 Airstream 270
When Jane agrees to cooperate with the Feds, he does so on specific terms. One of these terms was an Airstream.
The Airstream caravan is an American icon, a nod to Jane’s own ego. It was designed to be efficient and wind-resistant, almost like an airplane. It was meant for motion. It was built for a family. And it was fit for the road.
Commence season six, and Jane’s wish is granted. We watch Jane shop around for his dream caravan, in search of a home where he can also perform his work. The 1985 Airstream 270 is his perfect vehicle.
When his 1985 Airstream was built, Jane would have been a child. The 1985 Airstream likely represents a familiar childhood space for Jane. Growing up, his folks’ carny lifestyle often left him uprooted. In the camper, he can be at home while also on the move.
Jane’s desire for a multi-purpose camper also shows the growth his character makes throughout the series. First, his work life as a psychic destroys his home life. Then, his destroyed home life leads him to work with the California Bureau of Investigation.
Come season six, his identity at home and at work become one. His 1985 Airstream 270 caravan is the place where his identities can coexist.
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