Few vehicles have captured the popular imagination quite like Christine, the menacing motor vehicle at the heart of Stephen King’s chilling novel and John Carpenter’s iconic 1983 film adaptation. This vengeful, possessed car, famously depicted as a striking red 1958 Plymouth Fury, has cemented its status as one of the most recognizable and feared automobiles in cinematic history.
Interestingly, despite its current fame, the 1958 Plymouth Fury was not a popular model during its initial production run. Stephen King himself stated that he chose this particular car for his terrifying tale precisely because it was largely forgotten. So, What Kind Of Car Is Christine, really? Let’s delve into the facts behind this horror classic and explore the details of the car that became a legend.
The 1958 Plymouth Fury: A Design of its Time
Following a successful year in 1957, Plymouth aimed for continuity with its next model. In an automotive era often defined by rapid and radical design changes year-to-year, the 1958 Plymouth Fury maintained a sense of familiar reliability and style, albeit with some distinctive 1950s flair.
Alt text: Sleek side profile of a red 1958 Plymouth Fury showcasing its iconic tailfins and chrome accents.
The design embodied classic American car aesthetics of the decade. It featured a wraparound windshield for panoramic views, distinctive round “lollipop” taillights, and prominent tailfins that contributed to its streamlined, space-age appearance. Inside, the Fury offered bench seats, abundant chrome trim, and a thin-rimmed steering wheel, evoking the feeling of piloting a spaceship on wheels. This design was typical of the era, prioritizing style and a sense of futuristic optimism.
The 1958 Fury: A Rare and Coveted Collector’s Item
Plymouth, while a respected brand, often experienced sales figures lower than automotive giants like Ford and Chevrolet. The 1958 Plymouth Fury, with its relatively high price tag compounded by an economic downturn, faced a short production run and limited success in the market.
Alt text: Front view of a gleaming red 1958 Plymouth Fury, highlighting its chrome grille and V ornament, a prized classic car.
For those aspiring to become auto mechanics, encountering a 1958 Plymouth Fury in the shop would be a rare treat. Approximately only 5,000 Furys were produced in 1958, marking it as the last of the limited-edition Fury models from Plymouth. Today, this scarcity, combined with the enduring legacy of Christine, makes the 1958 Fury a highly sought-after collector’s item. Its rarity adds to its mystique and value in the classic car world.
The Powerful Engine Under the Hood of the Fury
The prominent “V” emblem gracing the Fury’s grille was a clear indicator of what lay beneath: a potent V-8 engine. Buyers of the 1958 Plymouth Fury had the choice between two robust V-8 engine options. These engines were paired with the TorqueFlite A-488 transmission, renowned for its smooth and efficient performance, considered one of the best transmissions of its time.
Alt text: Detailed view of the engine bay of a 1958 Plymouth Fury, showcasing its powerful V-8 engine and components, a marvel of 1950s automotive engineering.
Students pursuing auto mechanic courses will find the Fury to be an excellent example of the 1950s American automotive obsession with power and speed. The Fury boasted a maximum horsepower of 305, with the fastest models capable of reaching speeds just exceeding 140 miles per hour (approximately 230 kilometers per hour). This emphasis on performance made it a standout model of its era.
Christine in Film: More Than Just a Fury
Moviegoers who have witnessed John Carpenter’s “Christine” will recall the memorable opening scene set on the auto assembly line. Christine stands out as the only vibrant red car amidst a sea of off-white vehicles. However, the reality was that all 1958 Plymouth Furys were originally painted “Buckskin Beige.” The iconic red color was a cinematic invention for the movie.
Alt text: A red 1958 Plymouth Fury, styled as Christine from the movie, menacingly posed to emphasize its killer car persona.
The off-white cars seen in the film were actually Plymouth Belvederes and Savoys, models that were repainted red to serve as stunt cars and sources of spare parts. Due to the destructive nature of the “killer car” concept, the production required around 20 Plymouth vehicles. Crucially, not all of them were genuine 1958 Furys.
To maintain visual consistency, the film crew cleverly utilized earlier Plymouth models like the Belvedere and Savoy, modifying them to resemble the 1958 Fury. Of all the “Christine” cars cobbled together for the film, only two are known to survive today. Fittingly, mirroring the film’s narrative, these surviving Christines are themselves composites, built from various parts used during the movie’s production.
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